The Bali Provincial Forestry and Environment Agency (KLH) has issued a new circular letter sharing an updated public safety policy for accessing Mount Agung.
Following dozens of deaths and injuries on the volcano, and as extreme weather conditions are impacting communities across Bali, leaders are taking climbing risks incredibly seriously.
The Bali Provincial Forestry and Environment Agency (KLH) has officially issued a ban on climbing Mount Agung in Karangasem Regency during extreme weather.
This ban was announced through Circular Letter (SE) Number B.24.500.4.1/95/UPTD.KPHBT/DKLH of 2025 concerning Prevention of Climbing Risks in Extreme Weather Conditions, which was issued based on reports regarding safety risks due to heavy rain and storms in the peak area of Mount Agung’s crater.
The Acting Head of the Bali KLH Service, I Made Rentin, emphasized that climbers are asked not to carry out climbing activities during bad weather, such as heavy rain, storms, or other extreme weather conditions that have the potential to endanger safety.
Rentin explained, “Climbers are advised not to climb Mount Agung during extreme weather for safety. If the weather is stable, climbing can be done using the services of experienced local guides who understand the route and environmental conditions.”
He added, “Climbers are urged not to do climbing activities on Mount Agung during bad weather, such as heavy rain, storms, or other extreme weather potentials that can endanger safety.”
Rentin is urging all climbers to obey all the rules and, most importantly, to follow the instructions of climbing post officers and continue to monitor weather information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). He noted, “Climber safety is the main priority.”
He explained, “The latest information about weather conditions from BMKG must be considered. Socialization related to potential risks to the community and climbers is also a priority to minimize unwanted events.”
Rentin was clear that these rules would be implemented seriously and that there would be no exceptions to the rules. Tourists must have a guide, and both the guide and hikers will only be able to enter the hiking routes on Mount Agung if the weather permits.
He concluded, “The Bali Provincial Government does not accept any form of gift to individuals or institutions related to the Mount Agung climb. If there is any deviation, the public is asked to report it through the website www.lapor.go.id by attaching authentic evidence.”
The circular letter and policy update comes just days after a South Korean tourist was found dead on Mount Agung.
The 31-year-old man, known by his initials KDO, went missing on the 2nd of January 2024, and his body was found days later by Search and Rescue teams after an intensive rescue mission. KDO was found to have fallen 100m into a ravine on the volcano side.
He had embarked on the hike without a guide, without clearing permission to hike from the entry post, and during poor weather conditions.
It remains the case that tourists must also hire a local guide to hike Mount Batur. Though these hiking routes are amongst the most popular and well-trodden in the country, the routes are far from a walk in the park. These are technical climbs that require the support of an experienced guide.
The hiking routes are not well marked, and since most tourists hike to the summit of either Mount Batur or Mount Agung for the sunrise, they walk under the cover of darkness, which can be dangerous and disorientating.
Guided hikes to the summit of Mount Batur and Mount Agung start from USD 30, including breakfast, hotel pick-up and drop-off transportation, and guide fees.
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