Climbing Mount Agung Volcano. Volcano Agung woke up or everything you really need to know about the eruption The beginning of a volcanic eruption in Bali

Fabulous Bali attracts many tourists not only with its tropical nature and unique culture; there are two famous active volcano Batur (Gung-Batur) and Agung, as well as a dozen sleeping and extinct ones. A journey to these picturesque peaks will turn into a real adventure, filled with emotions, vivid impressions and even a dose of extreme sports. Do you feel the spirit of a pioneer in yourself and are not afraid of the hardships of the ascent? Then forward to the heights!

How "mother mountain" is translated from the local Agung dialect . This volcano is the highest point of the island. The following figures will help to assess its scale:

• height – 3142 m (according to other sources 3014 m);
• crater size in diameter 375x520 m;
• The depth of the crater is about 200 m.

The Balinese have a beautiful legend about the origin of the volcano. It is believed that Bali used to be a flat island where people lived happy people and animals. Seeing such prosperity, the Gods decided to settle in this place themselves. heavenly place and they erected Agung, from where they could observe the life of the island and the good deeds of its inhabitants. The most hardworking Balinese were taken to the top by the sacred bird Garuda.

Today on the bare peak of Agung you will not meet the Gods and Garuda, but it is worth climbing there to see the most beautiful sunrise in the world.

Climbing Agung

Climbing the volcano should only be accompanied by an experienced guide, and you should choose routes in accordance with your physical fitness. Most popular route will start from the western slope from the Pura Besakih temple at 23:00 and will take 5-7 hours, ending with meeting the dawn at the very top.

The second most popular route starts from the village of Selat. The hiking trip will last only 3-4 hours and will be limited to an altitude of 2860 m, but you will see the crater of the volcano.

Today the volcano behaves like a good boy, but the inhabitants of the island well remember the devastating eruption of 1963, when a number of villages were swept away by lava and about one and a half thousand people died. In the fall of 2017, Agung made itself felt again; everyone who was in close proximity to the rebel mountain had to be evacuated and air travel had to be stopped. Fortunately, no one was hurt. In 2018, Agung volcano is closed for climbing.

Volcano Batur

This volcano located in eastern Bali on a caldera with an area of ​​368 square meters. km. A caldera is a pit that was formed as a result of the collapse of a volcano. It is believed that more than 300 thousand years ago, after a powerful eruption, the walls of the ancient volcano became thinner, and it collapsed, forming a depression where Batur is located.

The lake at the foot of the volcano is also a caldera. It is considered the largest crater reservoir in the world and locals say that it is protected by the water goddess Devi Danu. In addition to “divine protection” there is ordinary protection. Swimming is strictly prohibited here; you have to admire it from a distance.

Right at the foot you can see several villages, nicknamed “lake stars”. People who risk living in such close proximity to an active volcano are driven not by fearlessness, but by calculation. Each eruption makes the soil even more fertile, the lake is full of fish, and there is also a handicraft production of souvenirs made from volcanic tuff. Well, how to leave such a “bread” place?!

Information about Batur:

• the height of the volcano is 1717 m;
• cone height – 686 m;
• number of craters – 3.

Since the 19th century, 22 eruptions of varying strength have occurred on Batur. Once the Balinese even sewed a huge sarong and wrapped it around a volcano to appease the gods. Whether a sarong helped or rich offerings, but since the 60s the volcano really hasn’t presented any unpleasant surprises (small ash emissions and seismic activity don’t count).

Climbing Batur

Traveling to the volcano is like a walk. The climb does not require physical training and will take only 2 hours. The guides plan the trip in such a way that tourists get to the top at dawn. From here you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Bali in the bright rays of dawn.

Organized at the top observation deck with cafes and shops where you can eat and relax. By the way, not only you are rising, but also prices - “at the top” the cost of water, tea and other things is much more expensive than at the bottom.

A fun thing that you will certainly be shown is steaming food from the crater fissures. The temperature is enough to boil an egg or fry bananas.

Any climb to the top, whether difficult to Agung or easier to Batur, requires preparation. Therefore, we offer you several useful tips:

• It is recommended to conquer the peaks of volcanoes during the “dry” period, which is June-November;
• stock up on a headlamp and warm clothes (at night the winds on the slopes are quite cold);
• I recommend wearing comfortable anti-slip shoes;
• There should be 2-3 liters of water per person in the backpack;
• It is worth starting such an event well rested and well-slept.

Are volcanoes dangerous in Bali?

Despite the fact that the Batur and Agung volcanoes are considered active, they do not pose a serious danger to tourists.

Of course, the history of the island eloquently testifies to unexpected manifestations of activity, but today experts carefully monitor the volcanoes, recording all changes: rising temperatures, seismic tremors, unusual behavior of flora and fauna. Rescue services are also on alert, ready to help and evacuate people at the slightest danger.

So a little courage, adventurism, excitement and unforgettable volcanic peaks will conquer you, or maybe you will be conquered by them? Steinbeck also noted: “It is not people who create travel, but travel that creates people.” And in Bali you will definitely feel it.

The volcano in Bali, in addition to being a tourist attraction, plays a big role in the cultural and spiritual life of the Balinese people. There are two volcanoes on the island of Bali - Mount Agung and Mount Batur. The proximity to formidable giants could not but affect folklore and fine arts. Volcanoes Batur and Agung also influence daily life islanders and climate of Bali.

Volcano Agung

Most high volcano in Bali rises 3142 meters above sea level and is the highest point of the island. The name can be translated as “great mountain”. Belongs to the type of stratovolcanoes. The crater of the volcano measures 500 by 200 meters. Located in the eastern part of the island. During the history of observations, the volcano has erupted only 5 times - in 1808, 1821, 1843, 1963-1964 and in 2018. Moreover, the eruption of 1963 was the most powerful and destructive and was accompanied by the descent of mud flows from the slopes of the volcano.

According to some sources, crimson sunsets in Europe were caused by this eruption. It is estimated that about 2,000 people living near Agung died. There was little volcanic activity in the 1980s. In 2000-2001, thermal anomalies occurred at the foot of Mount Agung. On at the moment Agung is dormant, but this volcano in Bali is under the close attention of Indonesian volcanologists.

Volcano Agung also affects the amount of precipitation in various regions. Clouds coming from the West of the island are blocked by the slopes of the mountain and as a result this area receives more moisture. Due to this eastern regions Bali is drier and hotter.

Volcano Batur

It also belongs to the type of stratovolcanoes and rises to 1717 meters. It is located in the northeastern part of the island in the Kintamani region and is one of the island’s attractions. The outer caldera (circus-shaped basin) of the volcano measures 10 by 13.5 km. and was formed 29,300 years ago during colossal eruptions. Lake Batur is located in the inner caldera of the volcano. Volcano Batur is quite active and the last major eruption was in 1968, as evidenced by frozen basaltic lava flows.

The last significant activity of the volcano was observed in 2000, when a column of ash rose 300 meters. In 2012, UNESCO declared the area of ​​the volcano's caldera a Geological Park. For tourists who want to enjoy the stunningly beautiful view, a similar excursion is organized. The ascent, accompanied by a guide, will take only 3 hours. A popular tour is also being organized to the volcano, during which you can see Batur itself and other attractions of the center of the island.

The significance of the volcano in Bali in culture and religion

In Balinese-Hindu mythology, the center of the universe, its axis of the universe, is the sacred Mount Mahameru, which the Gods later split and the two most sacred mountains in Bali arose - Agung and Batur. The Balinese believe that the tops of volcanoes are the abode of gods and deified ancestors, who descend to people several times a year (during ) and then return again. All Balinese villages are oriented towards Agung, and the Balinese always try to sleep with their heads towards the top, since according to beliefs, the human soul is in the head and in this case it will be closer to the gods.

The patron saint of Mount Agung is considered to be Batara Mahadeva (in traditional Hinduism, Shiva), who personifies the masculine principle. The legends of the island say that before the appearance of Agung and Batur, the island of Bali was a lifeless and barren plain. The legend is partly right - the island owes its mineral-rich soil fertility to volcanoes.

On the slopes of Mount Agung is the most important and revered temple in Bali - the “mother” of all temples in Bali. According to ancient Balinese texts, once every 100 years it is in this temple that the unique and most important ceremony of cleansing the whole world from sins is held - Eka Dasa Rudra. Such a ceremony was planned in 1963.

When the volcano woke up in February 1963 and began to make itself felt, the high priests began to claim that this was a very bad sign from the gods and that the Balinese had chosen the wrong date for the ceremony. However, then-Indonesian President Sukarno, who invited a foreign delegation to Bali, ordered the ceremony to be held anyway.

However, already on March 18, explosions occurred and the active phase of the eruption began, during which a large number of people died. Although the Besakih temple was located on the slope of the volcano, it remained undamaged and the lava passed a few meters from the buildings. The Balinese found an explanation for this miracle in the fact that the Gods decided to take pity on the majestic temple. Although another temple, Pura Pasar Agung, was not so lucky and was completely destroyed. The most significant volcano in Bali can also be recognized in the decorations during ceremonies and holidays, when the Balinese decorate the thresholds of their houses with a tall curved bamboo pole called a penjor. This pole, bending under the weight of gifts to the gods at the end, follows the contours of Agung and symbolizes him.

Lake Batur in the caldera of the Batur volcano is considered sacred by the Balinese and is one of the abode of the Balinese goddess fresh water Devi Danu, in whose honor the Ulun Danu Batur temple was erected (also dedicated to her in the Bedugul region).

It is believed that sacred lake feed 11 sources. The water from them then flows to other islands through underground channels. Swimming is prohibited in the lake; you can only fish and irrigate the land.

There are many legends about this. One of them tells how the king on the island of Java, Sri Jaya Pangus, and his wife Kang Ching Wee did not have children for a long time. And the king decided to leave his wife and go on a long journey. After a storm, he was thrown ashore on a magical island. After trying to explore the island, he decided to meditate. To do this, he found himself a place near a beautiful and clean lake(Batur). When he woke up, he saw the goddess Devi Dana in front of him. The goddess seduced him and he stayed with her. After many years of waiting, Kang Ching Wee's wife went in search of her husband. However, I found him in Bali already married to Dewi Danu and with a child. Out of resentment, she ordered her guards to kill Sri Jaya. In response to this, Devi Danu turned the king and queen into statues. The son became the heir to the throne and the dynasty continued to exist.

The second most important volcano in Bali is especially revered by. They live isolated from the rest of the world in the village of Trunyan on a small strip of land. It is located between the Batur caldera and the lake. This tribe is known for burying the dead simply by placing them under a special magical tree. Local residents explain their isolation with a legend. According to it, a Javanese prince fell in love with a goddess living in the branches of a huge Banyan tree. She agreed to marry him only on the condition that he would not bring anyone with him. And she forbade him to show him the way to the village. The Bali Aga believe that eruptions and other disasters are the cause of the spiritual pollution of the people in Bali.

In the 2000s, after another volcanic activity, the Balinese decided to appease the gods. They remembered the catastrophic destruction in 1963-1964. For this, it was decided to hold a ceremony on the Batur volcano. Pilgrims from all over the island took part in it. They surrounded the volcano with many kilometers of sarong (white cloth) and left a large number of offerings near the crater. After this, activity decreased significantly and the mountain calmed down.

The volcano in Bali, like on many other islands of the archipelago, has always destroyed and created. Therefore, the islanders always treated him with respect. They created an aura of divinity and greatness around him. It is very difficult to imagine Balinese culture and religion without Agung and Batur volcanoes. Modern development geology and the study of processes in the earth's crust provides answers to many questions. However, for the Balinese, the volcanoes of Bali are still sacred and inhabited by gods and spirits. This makes the island's culture unique and distinctive.

Just over half a century after the 1963 eruption, Mount Agung awoke in Bali.

In the fall of 2017, seismic activity was recorded in the Karangasem region. The volcanic eruption in Bali today entered an active phase.

On this page you will find the latest news about the Agung volcano, as well as information about its eruption, seismic activity now and the likely consequences in the future. Data will be updated regularly.

Volcano Agung: chronology of events

On the morning of November 26, 2017, a powerful ash emission occurred. It reached an altitude of 2500-3000 meters above the Agung crater. In the crater of the volcano there is hot magma. It reflects on the ash coming out of the crater, so it seems as if fire is coming from the volcano.

Due to increased seismic activity, the danger level for air travel near the island was changed from orange to red. In fact, this meant the impossibility of air communication, however international airport Ngur ah Rai in Denpasar continued to operate as normal. Only some flights were cancelled.

On the evening of the same day, at around 22:00, it was officially confirmed that Agung was in the stage of active eruption. Volcanic ash quickly began to be carried by the wind, the bulk of it went east, towards the island of Lombok.

On November 27, due to ash settling in the Denpasar area, Ngurah Rai Airport was closed. According to official data, 445 flights were cancelled, including 249 domestic and 196 international. In total, about 59,000 passengers were unable to fly or land on the island that day.

The Indonesian government has advised local residents within a 10-kilometer radius of the volcano to wear masks and not go outside unless necessary. Since it is now raining in the Agung area, volcanic ash flows down the slopes of the volcano and, with water flows, reaches the villages at the foot. This threatens to pollute local rivers and freshwater sources.

Everything is calm in the resort area now. The volcano is practically invisible from Denpasar and its environs, so many tourists learn about the eruption in news reports. However, for those who urgently need to leave the island, ferry services are organized to the neighboring islands (Java and Lombok). The airports there are still operating normally.

The Indonesian government continues to urge tourists not to panic and leave the island. The situation with the volcano in Bali is under control of seismologists, and if there was a real threat, evacuation measures would have been taken long ago.

Tourists whose permitted stay in the country is about to expire need to extend it. This can be done at Nguur Ah Rai International Airport, at the representative office of the migration authorities (second floor of the terminal). To renew, you just need to provide your passport and air ticket. The procedure is quite quick, and upon completion you will be given the opportunity to stay in Bali for another 7 days.

Against the backdrop of these events, tourists are asking the question: are travel packages being returned because of the eruption in Bali? On November 27, 2017, the executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, Maya Lomidze, reported that Russian air carriers are currently refunding tickets for everyone who has not yet gone on vacation. Also, a number of hotels in the Indonesian resort have announced their readiness to return the funds spent by tourists on bookings. However, this process is not quick; first you must submit an application, then confirm it, wait for approval - and only then will you be able to return the money. In addition, most Bali hotels operate through intermediaries in Russia, so the matter may drag on for a long time - it may be easier to wait for the restoration of air services.

Of course, it is best to refrain from traveling to the island altogether until the situation with the volcano calms down. But if you have already purchased tickets, or if you are not bothered by the proximity to active volcano, then below I have given some recommendations for you.

• To protect yourself from volcanic ash, you need to have protective masks with you. Now they are in short supply on the island, so it’s better to bring your own. If the situation worsens, it could even lead to food shortages in stores. Already today many local residents stock up on water and food.
• Do not attempt to climb the volcano on your own while it is active. This can be deadly. Comply with all police requirements. If you are asked to leave the area adjacent to the volcano, you must comply with the request.
• When planning your trip, plan everything so that you don’t have to decide anything at the last moment. Please note that air traffic to the island may be interrupted more than once.
• For relaxation, choose hotels in the south of the island and on the Bukit Peninsula. Resorts such as Ubud (which are relatively close to the volcano) are not closed to the public, but that could change. In addition, such a vacation cannot be called pleasant - in these regions, tremors are felt quite strongly.

How did the Agung eruption begin?

From mid-August 2017, seismic activity in the area of ​​the volcano increased, and by September 22 it reached critical levels. It became clear that the Agung volcano had awakened. Because of this, Indonesian authorities declared the highest level of danger. A state of emergency was introduced on the island. It still works today.

In the vicinity of Agung, tremors were recorded daily, and clouds consisting of volcanic vapors accumulated above the peak, near the crater. The likelihood of an eruption was minimal, but seismologists even then noticed the rise of magma from the depths to the surface.

From settlements At the foot of the volcano, about 60,000 people were evacuated in September. The evacuation was carried out by employees of the Indonesian Red Cross branch with the support of volunteers. 1 4 tons of humanitarian aid were delivered to evacuation centers. A logistics center was opened in Ubud, as well as a collection point for provisions and donations.

On September 25, Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited the island. He inspected the evacuation points and spent one night here.

Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar was operating normally all this time. In case of its closure, a plan was drawn up to reroute flights. As a last resort, it was planned to organize a ferry service between Bali and neighboring islands.

Based on the topography of the eastern part of the island, seismologists predicted a map of areas that could be affected in the event of an eruption. And, although no one could say for sure whether this would happen, it was known for sure that lava flows could pass along the southeastern slope, towards the city of Amlapura, along the eastern slope towards Tulamben, and also to the southwest - right up to the city Semarapura.

At the end of September, only the Kubu area in Karangasem district, as well as the 1-2 kilometer zone around the volcano, were closed to the public. Southern resorts There was no danger of an eruption. But many local residents, having learned about the evacuation from Karangasem, began to come to refugee centers in the hope of getting free food and things.

Until the beginning of October, the situation remained tense, but by the middle of the month the activity of the Agung volcano was downgraded from the highest danger level 4 to level 3. Evacuated Balinese began to return to their homes, and tours began again in the Agung area. Until November 18, 2017, the volcanic activity of Agung was declining.

Observations of the volcano did not stop. Every day, drones circled over it, filming all the changes taking place in the crater. Basically, they recorded white smoke coming from the vent. Seismologists reported that this smoke is just water vapor, which rises to a height of about 7,00 meters. Steam arose from the contact of groundwater in the crater of the volcano with magma. This effect has been compared to throwing a spoonful of water onto hot oil.

On November 21, at approximately 17:15, Mount Agung began to erupt. And on November 25, gray smoke poured out of the crater of the volcano. It came from the crater of the volcano in a thick column about 1,000 meters high. Volcanic ash fell in several villages at the foot of Agung. The police received several thousand masks to distribute to the public. Village residents were again asked to leave the dangerous area.

On the same day, more than 20 flights were canceled at Ngurah Rai Airport. More than 2,000 passengers were unable to leave the island or fly here. Jetstar Australia canceled all flights to Bali, followed by several other carriers.

On November 27, the danger level was again raised to 4. Now one thing is clear: an eruption can no longer be avoided. However, the Indonesian government is asking Balinese and holiday tourists not to exaggerate what is happening on the island. There is still no danger to the resort area.

Damage from the volcano's activity has already been estimated at more than 1 2 trillion Indonesian rupiah, or almost 15 0 million dollars. This is a colossal amount by local standards, and authorities are trying to do everything possible to avoid further losses.

Don't forget to visit this page - I will update the data as it becomes available.

In addition, you can see the latest information on the activity of the volcano on the Volcano Agung website: news now
(magma volcano agency website in Indonesian).

Volcanic activity of Agung online in real time -

The situation with the Agung volcano in Bali and is it safe on the island now?

You won't believe it, but I am grateful to the eruption of Mount Agung for cleansing the island! It became so deserted and atmospheric, the hellish traffic jams on narrow roads disappeared, hotels and car rentals dropped sharply. For example, in the east of Bali, in the Amed area, we lived next to the sea in a villa with a pool for 12 euros with breakfast for two. The photo shows a view from the terrace of our Bayu Cottages hotel overlooking the volcano. Maybe the Balinese themselves, in pursuit of money, will remember the spiritual, the most important thing, since Agung gave them such a pause. Now is the time to feel the pulsation of the island, its atmosphere, as in the pre-tourist era.

I was here exactly a year ago, in December 2016 - there were a lot of tourists, although it seemed to be out of season due to periodic rains... In tourist places there is a riotous lifestyle, money flows like a river, discos and carousing until the morning. In 2017, the picture changed dramatically... I have been on the island since November 30, and for two weeks it seemed to be extinct... The media did their job - they exaggerated the danger as best they could, they lied about the evacuation of tourists, that everyone here was covered with ashes, and will soon be covered with lava 🌋


Flying from Montenegro to Bali, I knew that the plane to Denpasar would be canceled due to ash, as the wind was blowing towards the airport. During the flight to Jakarta on board the Turkish, I learned that it was finally opening. This was a sign over 0 everything will be fine! The next morning we landed on the paradise island, .


Do you know why I didn’t trust the media? Since I myself live in tourist Montenegro, I’m tired of their lies... For example, because of joining NATO, Montenegrins suddenly fell out of love with Russians, they show hostility, that visas will soon be introduced and it is unclear what will happen to their real estate. Absolutely nothing has changed! You need to turn on your brain, and not watch TV, or read me, I immediately write a post on all current topics. The second theme of summer 2017 is fires in Montenegro. Allegedly, the whole country is on fire, tourists have been evacuated, and it’s dangerous to rest—that’s what the Russian media said. Can you imagine the flow of questions and panic from tourists I endured every day? Yes, the Lustica peninsula really burned for 2 months from 40-degree heat and winds, as did the Bar district and northern regions in some places. But not the resorts of the country!


Therefore, my reaction to the panic of my friends before our flight to Bali ranged from laughter to nerves. All the 17 days that I have been here and will be 13 more, the air is clean, I have not been covered in ash, the sea and ocean are warm, food and housing are cheap. The volcano no longer exhibits aggressive eruptions. And only Agung knows what will happen to him next. Anyone interested in the topic of volcanoes in Indonesia, namely they created the country and there are about a hundred active here, should read Mikhail Tsygankov, here. And even a volcanologist won’t tell you whether everything has gone downhill or vice versa. For example, at night there was an earthquake off the ocean coast and in West Java - 7.3 and 6.9 on the Richter scale. This is a huge neighboring island, incomparable to Bali. Our volcano Agung reacted a little and there were even small earthquakes in the evening, but I didn’t feel it, although I live in this area. You can see the ring of fire with volcanoes and tremors. Photo of Agung at sunset is alien, our days, after the eruptions in November, part of the top broke off and fell into the crater

I advise you to relax and live a normal life, as the Balinese do


They fish, sow rice, collect mangoes and rambutans

If you are going to new year holidays to Bali, you don’t know whether to fly or return tickets - I would fly. By the way, for last days I saw a sharp increase in tourists in Ubud, which means the panic has passed. The Indonesian authorities assure that it is now safe to vacation in Bali, especially in the south of the country, where the main resorts and large hotels are, and the distance from Agung is at least 70 km.


Only local residents were evacuated for 12 km, building tent cities. It is near the mountain village of Besakih, which was evacuated. I took a photo the other day


The map shows northeast Bali and the area around the volcano, which is now in the danger zone, where the color is red - people have been evacuated. I vacationed in the south in Canggu, in Ubud in the center of the island (they are not on the map), then to the right of the yellow color, now to the left. Indeed, there are abandoned villages, a feeling of Balinese Chernobyl, but this is temporary, and this is not a mass tourism area, why should you worry?

There are signs where there is a danger zone in Bali. But entry is free


We went to a similar place - to the Besakih temple at an altitude of 1 km on the southern side of Agung - to the most important and largest in Bali. This magical place, shrouded in gray clouds, greeted us with a downpour. But we calmly leave our comfort zone, having fun everywhere. The atmosphere here is indescribable, you can feel the place being prayed for, although I am not a fan of other people’s religious buildings, but Besakih made an impression


By the way, during the last eruptions of Agung in 1963-1964, the temple remained undamaged and the lava passed a few meters from the buildings. The Balinese considered it a miracle! And when visiting any temples, men and women need to wear a sarong; you can buy it everywhere. Or tie the pareo around your waist.


Since this is an evacuation zone, there were only a few people there - and those locals were trying to make money by renting an umbrella, selling coffee, water, and even extorted an entrance fee, although they were not ticket takers 😉 But we are callous, we don’t respect extortionists... Feel the atmosphere of the place in the video

By the way, now the entrance to Besakih is really free, so do not give in to the provocations of the locals, and this is the only temple open to believers of any caste, of any social affiliation

The second temple overlooking the volcano is Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang. It is part of the huge Pura Lempuyang temple; if you wish, you can walk from the lower temple to the upper one through the jungle and more than 1,700 steps (the trail is described) is one of the canonical 6 most important temples in Bali. I advise you to go here early in the morning, we were there at 7, since we lived nearby Lipah beach. And then the volcano is enveloped in clouds...


The split gate of Chandi Bentar symbolizes the balance of forces in the universe, nature, life 🙏🌍 One half is good, the other is evil, they are the founders of the energy of the Universe 🗺 We did not walk around the multi-level temple, there was no time. And this shot was not easy for us - persistent guys were waiting at the parking lot, extorting a “donation” without offering a ticket in return, trying to physically not let us in, ruining the whole impression of the spiritual place and the Balinese people😐 They threatened us with the police, chased us, pulled my hands, but Andrei’s broad back quickly put the impudent man in his place 😂 Despite the momentary scandal, we quickly found this gate and this scoundrel did not touch the car either. I believe that the donation should be brought to the temple itself, and not to the extortionists on the corner 🙏 At 7 am there were already several tourists here, the girl even drew the temple gates, everyone took pictures of her notebook against the backdrop of the real Chandi Bentaryu. Volcano Agung opens up in all its splendor from here, and it’s not at all scary to look at it or be close, even when it spits a little 🌋

By the way, if a house in Bali is built according to local Feng Shui, then the bed in the bedroom will definitely have its head facing towards Agung. True, in our hotels it was not like this everywhere... Only now, when writing a post in a fishing village in the north of the island ✌ Thus, at night, among all the people sleeping correctly, the effect of group meditation is created 😇 That is, even those who do not even suspect it meditate 🤯 So At night, the general field of the island, your aura, is cleansed, and the vibration also increases - again the islands and your personal one.

To me, Agung with a light smoke on top seems a fascinating sight. It was the first time I lived with a view of a volcano, which frightened the whole world. One interesting fact— Balinese believe that Agung volcano is feminine😉 ⠀

Insurance in Bali - which is better?

If this is your first time flying to the island, the question will undoubtedly arise - Is insurance required in Bali? Of course, no one will check her at the airport; her health is your personal responsibility. But with a sudden change in climate, you may feel unwell, become allergic to some foods, do not forget that the water and food here are completely different, and this means stomach upsets. I was in Bali twice with friends, and everyone suffered from this problem... Indonesia is a country with natural disasters, volcanoes periodically erupt here, and we found ourselves at this historical moment. If you want to travel around Bali on a bike, remember that the roads are terrible traffic, driving on the left and non-compliance with traffic rules. But the biggest danger is Dengue fever, you can play it safe by constantly protecting yourself from mosquito bites, but during the rainy season they can bite where you don’t expect it - in a restaurant or in a spa.

I would recommend buying insurance for Bali from a company. Their assistance in Russia is the company Mondial, the most reliable in the insurance industry, the main office is in Paris, it recently renamed Allianz Global Assistance. This is the only assistance with an “AA” rating by Standard & Poor’s, and it is the one that will save you on the island in insurance cases, as well as pay for your treatment. You can check the price of insurance in Bali in this form by entering the flight dates and the country of Indonesia.

During our 1-month vacation in Bali, our friend went to the Ubud hospital twice - either she fell off her bike, or her dog bit her 😫 Medicine in Bali on good level, they give all medications, write instructions for use, and take them free of charge (at the expense of the insurance company).

Video of Mount Agung erupting in Bali

Its height is 3142 m, and when it erupted at the end of November, the height of the ash and smoke was 4 km above it. I'll show you a couple of amateur videos from Russian guys who caught the spectacle

Someone even decided to go to the crater of the volcano, watch the video, it’s from December 13. Many who live on the island, and not on the other side of the TV screen, believe that the eruption of Agung is a beautiful, mysterious and terrifying event at the same time. I honestly really enjoy being in Bali at this historical moment and I don't feel anxious or in danger. Only sea, sun, fruits, travel! I wish the same for you!

Airplane ticket Moscow — Bali, price

The peak season in Bali is summer and New Year's holidays, then the price of air tickets is the highest. The best time to relax here is in spring and autumn; there is little rain, and there are fewer tourists than usual. As you can see from the prices for air tickets to Bali, prices are also lower at this time

In July 2015, the focus of public attention came Indonesian island Bali. The sky above him was cloudy due to the emission of ash. Thousands of tourists were trapped at the airport. The government evacuated local residents from the natural disaster zone. But they found themselves under a layer of volcanic ash. And several villages located on the slopes of the fire-breathing mountain burned down. Does a similar situation often occur in Bali? This is not uncommon for Indonesia. After all, the archipelago state is included in the so-called fire belt of the Earth. This strip, stretching from Kamchatka to the equator along the coast Pacific Ocean, still suffers from the violent tectonic activity of our planet. But Bali is also a popular tourist destination. Wide beaches with white sand, mountains with babbling streams, crystal waterfalls and lush green tropical jungle... Add to all this first class service and well-developed tourist infrastructure. Do travelers to this tropical paradise take a big risk? Read about this in our article.

Explosive Indonesia

Every year, seismologists record about seven thousand earthquakes in this country. The figure is, of course, impressive. But don't let this fact discourage you from traveling to Indonesia. The lion's share of tremors is recorded only by sensitive instruments. But, nevertheless, seismologists vigilantly monitor the activity of the subsurface underground. After all, tremors can be symptoms of a much more dangerous phenomenon - a volcanic eruption. These mountains in Indonesia are truly deadly. Just one precursor to an eruption - the release of sulfur gases - can kill all living things nearby. Columns of smoke cover the entire sky with impenetrable darkness. Hot stones fall - volcanic bombs. And streams of lava flow down, burning everything in its path. There are five hundred volcanoes in Indonesia. But only 128 of them are active, and 65 are considered especially dangerous. Are volcanoes in Bali dangerous and how dangerous? We hasten to assure you that eruptions mainly take place in Sumatra. In the “tropical paradise” beloved by tourists, the situation is not so tense. Although…

Active volcanoes in Bali

To calm down a little, let's remember school science, or more precisely, fifth grade geography. Volcanoes are extinct, dormant and active. Seismologists decide which category a particular mountain belongs to based on the date of the last eruption. Bali is a volcanic island in origin. But not all the mountains on it are potentially dangerous. After all, the island was formed millions of years ago. And if a particular volcano last erupted more than ten thousand years ago, it is called extinct. When he showed activity 3500 years ago, he was recorded as dormant. Now about the situation in Bali. It is believed that there are only two active volcanoes on this island. These are Gugung ("Mountain") Agung and Batur. All other volcanoes in Bali are extinct or dormant. Therefore, you can safely go to this island. The last volcanic eruption in Bali occurred in 2000. This cannot be called a real explosion - Gugung Batur threw out a column of ash three hundred meters high, and that was the end of the matter. But in 1964 there was a real eruption (from the same volcano). Highest point Gugung Agung Island has not been active for a very long time.

Dangerous neighborhood?

Two active volcanoes on one small island are still a bit much, fearful tourists might think. And they will turn out to be wrong. Once you look at the population density around the local volcanoes, your slightest fears will disappear. Small villages can be found even in craters. Farmers are attracted to this neighborhood because the mineral-rich volcanic ash is an excellent fertilizer for the soil. Due to the altitudinal zone, a mild microclimate has developed on the slopes of the mountain, conducive to a good harvest. There are also no problems with watering crops, since short rains often occur on the mountain slopes. Any volcano in Bali is revered by local residents. The temples on the slopes testify to this. And since these structures are ancient, we can conclude that the locals do not consider the proximity to the volcano dangerous. Bali's tourism industry uses these mountains for excursions.

The importance of volcanoes for local residents

In the religion and culture of the Indonesians, the center of the Universe was the mythical Mount Mahameru. This axis of the universe split in half. This is how Agung and Batur arose - volcanoes on the top of which the gods live. All villages in Bali are oriented towards the highest mountain of the island. Residents go to bed with their heads towards Gugung Agung - so that the soul is close to the gods. Legend has it that before the volcanoes appeared, the island was deserted and barren. This is partly true: the ash fertilizes the local soil well. The gods come down to people on major holidays, and then return to the heights. To honor them, temples were built on the slopes of volcanoes. Because Agung is the most high mountain islands, then the Besakih complex is the most revered place of worship. This volcano in Bali is under the patronage of Batara Mahadeva (in local Hinduism, Shiva). Once every hundred years, the ceremony of Eka Dasa Rudra - “cleansing the world from all sins” - is held in the Besakih temple on the slopes of Agung. And this holiday in 1963 turned into a tragedy.

Agung eruption

The world cleansing ceremony was scheduled for the spring of 1963. However, when the Agung volcano woke up in Bali in February, the priests said that the residents had chosen the wrong date for the ritual. They say that Shiva does not want to come down to people on this day and expresses his dissatisfaction with the columns of smoke coming from the crater of the mountain. Volcanologists also agreed with the priests. They warned Indonesian President Sukarno that Agung was showing signs of activity and could erupt. However, he had already invited foreign delegations to the celebration and did not want to postpone the ceremony. On March 18, 1963, the Agung eruption entered its active phase. The crater exploded and lava came down. The Besakih Temple was miraculously not damaged. The lava flow passed only a few meters from the buildings. However, a large number of people died then. Now the top of the volcano resembles a lunar landscape, which tourists come to admire. And local residents still honor Agung. They hang the offerings on a curved bamboo penjor pole, which in outline resembles the most high peak islands.

Gugung Agung

This is the highest stratovolcano in Bali - its peak rises 3142 meters above sea level. It is located in the eastern part of the island. The name Gugung Agung translates as “Great Mountain”. In the entire history of observations, the volcano in Bali has erupted only four times: in 1808, 1821, 1843 and 1963-1964. The last one was the most significant and powerful. Then two thousand people died, lava and mudflows came down. The crimson sunsets that were then observed in Europe were associated, according to some scientists, with the release of large amounts of ash into the atmosphere from the Agung vent. After the eruption, the parameters of the crater also changed. Now it is an oval funnel five hundred meters long and two hundred wide. The volcano showed little activity in the 1980s. In 2000-2001, abnormally hot temperatures in the springs were noticed near Agung. Now the “Great Mountain” is dormant... Under the close attention of volcanologists.

Volcano Batur in Bali

This is the third highest mountain on the island. It is located very close to Agung. For tourists, Batur is a favorite place for climbing. Why? Firstly, height. 1717 meters is not three thousand. The hike itself, if you start it very early in the morning, lasts half a day, and you can relax on the beaches. Secondly, at the foot of Batur there is a lake of the same name, the most picturesque in the area. There are also temples on the slopes of the volcano. One of the tourist attractions of Batur is the jets of hot steam. They make their way out of various crevices of the mountain, reminding careless travelers that the volcano is active. The guides assure that it is quite possible to cook scrambled eggs in the jets of this steam. The last eruption of Batur occurred (in conjunction with Agung) in 1964. After this, the volcano again threw a column of ash three hundred meters into the air in 2000, as a result of which the international airport was closed for several days. Now Batur is quiet. Only jets of steam warn of a hidden threat.

Batukaru

This is the second largest volcano in Bali. Its height is two thousand three hundred and fifty meters. On the slopes of this extinct volcano There is also a temple - Pura Luhur. The road to it leads through a forest with playful monkeys. It is recommended to climb this mountain to take good pictures of the island from a bird's eye view.

Caldera Chatur

When our planet was still young, the volcanoes on it were simply huge. When they erupted, calderas with many independent peaks were formed. This is what Chatur is now - a ridge of volcanoes stretching for eleven kilometers. Excursions go to Sengayang, Pohan, Lesung and Pengilingan, as this region is famous for its thermal springs. There are still beautiful lakes- Bro, Tamblingan and Buyan. To the southwest of Chatur stands Batukaru, the second highest volcano in Bali.

What happened in the summer of 2015

On June 3rd, news arrived that the skies over Bali airport were closed. Because the island is popular tourist destination, this news caused a stir. Has there really been a new volcanic eruption in Bali? Batur has been sleeping since 1964, and so has Agung. What happened? In fact, the seismological situation has worsened in Java and Sumatra. He made some noise. He woke up in early 2014, killing sixteen people. The mountain is located in the north of Sumatra. In the summer of this year, Sinabung threw volcanic ash into the sky. Columns of thick smoke reached a height of two thousand meters, temporarily making air travel impossible. In July, two more volcanoes woke up in Java - Gamalama and Raung. Nine hundred flights were canceled because of them.

Tourist attraction or serious risk?

So should you be afraid of volcanoes in Bali? As the reviews of tourists, and the measured and calm life of the islanders themselves show, there is no reason for concern. Volcanoes do not wake up instantly and unexpectedly. Their eruption is preceded by various phenomena, such as an increase in the temperature of the sources and the release of gases. A volcano on the island of Bali such as Batur is especially attractive to tourists.