The Mount Agung volcano has been very much in the news since November, when it started belching ash in the Karangasem Regency, on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali. Volcanic ash rained down on villages surrounding the mountain when it erupted on New Year’s day.
Some flights were cancelled in the direct aftermath of the explosion as a precaution (mostly flights from/to Australia). Thousands of tourists were stranded due to flight cancellations and the temporary closure of airports on Bali and the neighbouring island of Lombok. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised against all travel to within 10 kilometres of Mount Agung in East Bali due to the ongoing volcanic activity.
The FCO said: “Following several months of increased volcanic activity, Mount Agung in East Bali began erupting on 21 November 2017. This has led to periodic closures at Bali and Lombok airports and disruption to flights in the region. In the event of a major eruption, areas beyond 10km could be affected, and the resulting ash plumes and release of particulate and gaseous pollutants into the air could have an impact on health.”
All affected guests and agents were informed.
Asian Trails Indonesia monitored the situation closely, and kept their partners and clients constantly aware of the situation. Itineraries were revised to ensure absolute safety of travellers to the affected area.
Around 10th February, local experts and authorities gave the official go-ahead to downgrade the alert levels at Bali’s Mount Agung from level 4 to level 3. The news came together with resetting the safety parameter to a 4-kilometer radius and giving some much-needed respite to local residents, living within the vicinity of the crater.
A few villages remain out of bounds, as well the ongoing suspension of hiking and climbing excursions to Mount Agung within the newly-set parameters. Until further notice, we continue to stay in touch with all concerned and remain on alert should the situation change.
Bali’s International Airport continues to operate according to it published schedules, as well all other services, excursions and tours, accommodation and transfer remain fully operational.
Asian Trails Indonesia will continue to monitor the situation carefully. If you have any questions, please contact our reservation team at res@asiantrails.co.id