Warning
⚠️ Warning: Since 28/05/2023, a ban on any activities on Balinese volcanoes (such as trekking and climbing) has been introduced. The ban applies to both tourists and residents. This ban also applies to the very popular Mount Batur sunrise trek.
Although the ban is in place, it is still possible to come across guides who break the law and take tourists to volcanoes. We recommend not to take unnecessary risks. If caught, you will suffer the consequences, not the guide.
overview
Balinese volcanoes are essential to the island's natural and cultural heritage. There are several volcanoes in Bali, some of which are still active. The island's volcanic landscape provides a breathtaking backdrop to the island's beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and picturesque rice fields. Still, it has also played a vital role in shaping the island's unique culture and history. Bali's volcanoes were the source of volcanic ash and lava that enriched the soil and created a fertile environment for agriculture, which was once the mainstay of the island's economy and is still the primary source of income for many locals. In addition, the people of Bali have long revered volcanoes as sacred and often include them in their religious practices and ceremonies. Because of their beauty, significance, and active nature, Balinese volcanoes are a destination everyone should visit.
This Guide is divided into the following sections:
General Info
The history of Balinese volcanoes goes back millions of years, and their activity has played a significant role in shaping the island's topography and culture. Bali's volcanoes are part of the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a chain of volcanoes that stretches from Sumatra to the Banda Sea in Indonesia and is characterized by steep slopes, crater lakes, and frequent eruptions. Bali has two active volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur, and several inactive/sleeping volcanoes, such as Mount Abang and Mount Batukaru. You will often see the name Gunung, which means mountain in Indonesian. For example, Mount Agung = Gunung Agung etc.
Mount Batur summit with Abang and Agung in the background
Balinese Volcanoes in Bedugul area, view from Ubud
Types of Volcanoes
Bali has different types of volcanoes, each with unique characteristics and history. The three most common Balinese volcanoes are shield, stratovolcanoes, and calderas.
Shield Volcanoes
Shield volcanoes are broad, gently sloping mountains formed by repeated lava flows. They are named for their shield-like appearance and are usually much larger than other types of volcanoes. They are characterized by a low, broad profile and relatively mild eruptions. An example is the Batur volcano located northeast of the island of Bali.
Mount Batur shiled volcano type
Stratovolcanoes
Stratovolcanoes, or composite volcanoes, are characterized by their steep, conical shape and explosive eruptions. They comprise layers of ash, lava, and other volcanic debris that accumulate over time. Stratovolcanoes are usually much smaller than shield volcanoes, but their eruptions can be much more violent and destructive. Mount Agung is a stratovolcano and Bali's highest peak, located in the eastern part of the island. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and has seen several major eruptions in recent history, including a devastating one in 1963.
Stratovolcano Mount Agung
Calderas
Calderas are large bowl-shaped hollows formed by the collapse of a volcano's summit. They are usually formed after a massive eruption, displacing most of the volcano's magma chamber and creating an empty space that causes the summit to collapse. Calderas can be up to several kilometers wide and are often filled with water, forming a lake.
There are several of these in Bali, including the Batur caldera, which was created by the collapse of the summit of Mount Batur. Another caldera, Bratan, lies at the site of the present Buyan and Bratan lakes (see map below).
Huge Mount Batur caldera in Kintamani (source: Google Earth)
Significant Eruptions
Bali's volcanoes have a long history of eruptions and seismic activity, some of which have significantly impacted the island's environment and people. Here is a listing of some significant eruptions and events associated with Balinese volcanoes over the past two centuries.
Mount Batur Eruption (1917)
The eruption of Mount Batur in 1917 began on 19 February and lasted for about a month. It was a relatively small eruption, with lava flows and ash columns reaching up to 2 000 meters above the crater. The event had a significant impact on local communities. The ash and lava flow destroyed several villages and crops, forcing many people to leave the area. There were also reports of livestock deaths and property losses. The eruption also had a significant impact on the surrounding environment. Lava flows buried parts of the forest, altered the landscape, and destroyed habitats. The ash affected air quality and caused respiratory problems for some people. Despite the destructive nature, no casualties were reported. The eruption led to forming of a new cone in the Batur caldera.
Mount Batur Eruption (1926)
This eruption began on 14 July 1926 with several explosive blasts lasting several days. A large lava flow was created, which buried several villages and caused the evacuation of thousands of people. The ash and rocks ejected from the volcano also caused damage to nearby buildings and crops, and local water sources. In addition to the immediate damage caused by the eruptions, the event's aftermath has had long-lasting effects on local communities. The lava flow altered the landscape, destroyed houses, and caused soil erosion, and the thick layer of ash that covered the area made it difficult to grow anything. Many people had to leave their homes, and the local economy was severely disrupted.
Mount Agung Eruption (1963-1964)
It was one of the most devastating eruptions in Balinese history and one of the most powerful and destructive volcanic events of the 20th century. The eruption began on 17 March 1963 with a series of small eruptions that grew progressively stronger over the following weeks. On 18 March, a large eruption spewed a massive column of ash and smoke into the atmosphere. Lava and pyroclastic flows (fast-moving clouds of hot gas and volcanic material) also began to emerge from the volcano, causing widespread destruction in the surrounding areas.
During the eruption, which lasted until January 1964, the volcano released an estimated 1 billion cubic meters of magma and ash. The ash cloud from the eruption rose as high as 20 kilometers into the atmosphere. It spread over a wide area, causing darkness and a noticeable drop in temperature as far away as Australia, more than 2 000 kilometers from the volcano.
The impact of the eruption was devastating. Around 1 500 people died, mainly due to pyroclastic flows and lahars (mudflows) that rolled down the volcano's slopes. Hundreds of thousands were forced to leave their homes, and many lost their living sources as fields and crops were destroyed.
In addition to the loss of life and property, the eruption had long-term impacts on the environment and the local economy. The ash and lava flow destroyed large areas of forest and farmland, and the thick ash covering the surrounding areas made it difficult to grow crops. Tourism, which was beginning to develop in Bali then, also suffered due to the eruption.
Mount Batur Eruption (1994)
The eruption began on 22 September 1994 with a series of small explosions that grew progressively stronger in the following days. Streams of lava and pyroclastic flows (fast-moving clouds of hot gas and volcanic material) flowed from the volcano, causing damage to nearby villages and crops. The eruption lasted several weeks, with the most intense activity occurring in early October. Lava flows destroyed several houses, and other buildings in the nearby villages of Songan and Kedisan, and many people had to leave their homes. In total, approximately 30 000 people were affected by the eruption. Despite the damage, there were no casualties, thanks, among other things, to the well-timed evacuation carried out by the authorities. The disaster also significantly impacted the local economy, as ash and lava flows damaged farmland and disrupted tourism in the area.
Mount Agung Eruption (2017)
In 2017, another eruption of Mount Agung occurred, which lasted several months. While the eruptions did not cause the same damage as those in 1963, they still disrupted air travel to and from Bali and resulted in the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. The eruption also led to the temporary closure of Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, a central tourism hub in the region.
These are just a few examples of significant events associated with Balinese volcanoes. Despite the potential dangers of living near an active volcano, the people of Bali live in harmony with these unique natural phenomena. Volcanoes remain an essential part of the island's identity and culture.
💡 Interesting fact: Mount Batur volcano used to tower up to 3 800 meters above sea level (about 34 500 years ago) and was much higher than the highest Mount Agung.
Due to a large and destructive eruption, the volcano collapsed, forming the present-day Batur caldera, 13 kilometers in diameter. The present Mount Abang volcano is just a remnant of the then-Batur volcano. A second significant eruption about 24,300 years ago led to a smaller inner caldera 6 kilometers in diameter. See the picture below looking from the north side of the island.
Mount Batur before, Mount Abang did not exist
Mount Batur now
Volcanoes and Culture
Volcanoes are an integral part of Balinese culture and significantly influence the island's traditions, religion, and way of life. The most prominent volcano is Mount Agung, which is considered a sacred mountain by the Balinese.
In Balinese Hinduism, the predominant religion on the island, the Agung volcano is considered the gods' seat and the universe's spiritual center. It is also closely associated with the Besakih Mother Temple, the largest and most important temple in Bali, located on the southwestern slope of the mountain. It is believed that the temple was built to appease the gods and protect the island from the volcano's destructive power.
The people of Bali deeply respect the power of volcanoes and believe they are a source of fertility and abundance. Many important ceremonies and rituals on the island are closely linked to volcanoes, and sacrifices are often made to the gods to appease their wrath and ensure their continued protection. Even most temples in Bali are built to face the Agung volcano.
In addition to their religious significance, Bali's volcanoes play an essential role in the island's history and economy. The volcanic soil is very fertile, and many crops, such as rice and coffee, are grown in the shadow of the mountains. The hot springs and geothermal energy the volcanoes produce are also used in medicine and tourism.
Bali's volcanoes are an essential part of the island's culture and identity, and their presence has shaped the Balinese way of life for centuries.
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Map
For those looking for adventure and natural beauty, a trip to the volcanoes of Bali is a must. Whether you are an avid hiker or just a casual traveler, the volcanoes of Bali offer an exciting and unforgettable experience. So pack your backpack and plan a visit to Bali's volcanoes to experience their unique beauty and significance.
Map of the main Balinese volcanoes, including their altitudes.
Can't you see the map? Google can be stubborn. Try this link.
