Mount Agung - Bali’s Amazing Active Volcano.

Om Swastiastu! Denis here to show you the majestic Mount Agung, Bali’s highest mountain and most active volcano. The mountain rises over 3,000 metres above sea level and is a dominating presence on Bali’s north eastern side. Mt Agung is so large, in fact, that it affects the surrounding climate by catching rain clouds on its western slopes. This makes the western side lush and fertile while the eastern side remains barren and dry.

Mount Agung, or Gunung Agung (Great Mountain) as it is also known, is considered sacred in Balinese culture, and the mountain is said to be a fragment of Mount Meru, the golden mountain at the centre of the universe and ancient home of the gods. It is here that Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple, was built on its western slopes to honour the gods, as well as Pura Pasar Agung, one of Bali’s nine directional temples. Visiting the mountain you will find walking trails that lead up the slopes. These trails are steep and challenging, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes and supplies. Upon reaching the summit you will have amazing views of the Karangasem region of Bali, and on the eastern rim you can even see across to Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok.

The volcano Agung can be reached heading approximately 70 km (120 minutes) northeast of central Denpasar. This Bali volcano is called a stratovolcano, which means that it has built up layers from many previous eruptions, becoming larger each time. The volcano is still very active today, with the last eruption taking place in mid-2019. As such, it is essential to be cautious when visiting this volcano and heed any warnings or advice when visiting.

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Plan Your Tour to Mount Agung - Active Volcano On Bali
Sunrise at the Active Volcano Mount Agung

The Active Volcano Mount Agung.

While the Agung Volcano in Bali is an impressive site to visit, you need to be aware of the risks involved. Mount Agung Bali is very much an active volcano, and eruptions have occurred many times throughout its history. The most recent Agung eruption occurred in May 2019, when lava and burning rocks ended up covering a 3 km radius. Before this there were large Mt Agung eruptions between 2017 and 2018 which ejected ash clouds to a height of over 4,000 metres. This eruption brought about the evacuation of 100,000 people within a 10 km radius, as well as disruption to flights and travel.

The most serious Volcano Agung eruption in recent memory occurred in March 1963. The volcano had been dormant for over 100 years when it erupted, sending clouds of ash 10 km up into the atmosphere. Pyroclastic flows, superheated clouds of ash, gas and rock that can reach up to 1,000°C, shot down the slopes at speeds up to 700 km/h, destroying everything in their path. Approximately 2,000 people died during this eruption, with 200 more perishing due to volcanic mudflows, called lahars, that occurred after the eruption subsided. Over 80,000 were left homeless by the eruption, and the entire region was blanketed by heavy, thick ash.

Today the region around Volcano Agung in Bali is green and lush again, with little evidence of these past eruptions. Still, an eruption can occur at any time, so you will need to check this Bali volcano’s current status before you visit. Check any Agung Bali news online, in print or on TV in case major seismic activity has been reported in the area. You can also access the Mount Agung live stream, where the Agung live cam broadcasts pictures of the volcano 24/7. Keep an eye on any alerts: if the alert level is at 3 then it may be advisable to avoid the area, and if it is at 4 then there will be considerable danger involved.

  • When was the last time the Volcano Agung erupted?
    The last eruption occurred in 2019 and covered a surrounding 3 km radius with lava and rocks. The most serious recent eruption was in 1963, which killed over 2,000 people and destroyed many homes.
  • What happened when Mount Agung erupted?
    During the 1963 eruption clouds of ash were sent 10 km into the sky, and superhot pyroclastic flows streamed down the mountain, destroying everything in their path. After the eruption the entire region was covered in ash and volcanic mudslides, or lahars, continued to cause destruction for many.
  • Is the volcano Agung still active?
    The volcano is still very active, and eruptions can occur at any time.
  • How dangerous is it to go to Volcano Agung?
    As there is always a risk when visiting Mount Agung, you should always check before visiting to find out if there has been any recent seismic activity.
  • Where to check the status of Volcano Agung?
    Check the local news or visit online to see if there has been any recent activity and if the alert level has changed. You can also watch the Mount Agung live stream to see if there is any current activity.

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Mount Agung trekking or TourGuide. What the best way to Go to Vulcano Agung
Your Checklist to your Mount Agung Tour

Checklist For Your Mount Agung Tour.

When visiting or climbing Mount Agung, make sure you bring the following and remember to hire a reputable guide before you try and climb the mountain, and also check the status of the volcano online to find out if there are any alerts or recent seismic activity in the area.

  • Comfortable Shoes
  • The mountain is a challenging climb, so make sure you have the right footwear with a good grip for the hike.
  • Layered Clothing
  • It gets very cold and windy the further you climb, so you will need warm clothes to avoid freezing.
  • Food/Snacks
  • Your guide should bring some food to have along the way, but it is still a good idea to carry some small snacks to help keep your energy up.
  • Water/Energy Drinks
  • Keeping your hydration up is vital when doing such strenuous activity, so make sure you bring enough water. Energy drinks are also useful in giving yourself an extra boost.
  • Headlamp
  • On many tours you will start climbing well before the sun rises, so being able to see in the dark is vital. Many tours will provide you with a headlamp, but it may be a good idea to invest in a good quality headlamp for yourself.
  • Gloves
  • Not only will gloves keep your hands warm near the summit, but they will also protect your hands as you need to hold or grab objects while climbing.
  • Sunscreen
  • You will be exposed to the sun for long sections of the climb without any cover, so bring sunscreen for protection.
  • Sleeping bag
  • If you get the opportunity catch some sleep near the summit, then a sleeping bag will provide you both warmth and comfort.
  • Camera/Phone
  • For taking photos of those amazing views and memories. Especially when starting your trekking tour before sunrise, you will get an spectacular view of the sun rising at the vulcano.

Don´t Jump Into Volcano Agung - Hire A Driver!