Tourists planning on hiking Bali’s Mount Agung this week and weekend will have to review their plans.
The island’s most sacred peak will be closed to all hikers, trekkers, and the general public until 2nd March 2025 for a religious ceremony.

It is not uncommon for Mount Agung to be closed to hikers, from anywhere between a couple of days to a month or more.
As Bali’s most sacred peak, religious rituals and ceremonies always take precedence over public demand for access to hiking and trekking routes on the volcano.
All hiking trails will be closed, including the most popular route to the summit, the Pasar Agung Temple Hiking Path.
Routes will reopen on 2nd March. The closure of the volcano is in connection with the Budha Wage Ukir Ceremony at Pura Kahyangan Jagat Pasar Agung Besakih Giri Tohlangkir.
Mount Agung was last closed for a much longer period, between 1st October and 30th November 2025. Official tour guides have been informed of this week’s temporary closure and tourists will not be allowed to pass the official climbing posts.
Religious leaders in Karangasem Regency have appealed to the public to respect the closure, and when the mountain reopens for hikes, the public obeys the rules of the landscape.
Tourists are reminded that it is illegal to climb any of Bali’s peaks without a local guide. In the last two months, two tourists have been quickly deported from Bali after officials discovered that they had stepped foot on Mount Agung without a local guide.
On Monday 24th February a 41-year-old Norwegian man, known by his initials BG, was deported from Bali after he was approved by the Singaraja Immigration Office.
The Head of Singaraja Immigration Office, Hendra Setiawan, told reporters “The person concerned will be subject to administrative immigration action in the form of deportation and deterrence.”
He added “BG deceived local officers. He even managed to document the prohibition banner, but they still ignored it.”
On Wednesday 22nd January a German national, known by his initial KES, was also deported from Bali for hiking Mount Agung solo.
Bali Immigration is taking strict and swift action on these cases to help reiterate to the public that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated. KES is also reported to have told the gate official that he was only planning on visiting Pasar Agung Temple before proceeding with the hike.
As outlined in the Circular Letter (SE) Number B.24.500.4.1/95/UPTD.KPHBT/DKLH of 2025 concerning Prevention of Climbing Risks in Extreme Weather Conditions, it is illegal for members of the public, whether Indonesian nationals or foreigners, to hike Mount Agung without a legally locally registered guide.
The updated circular letter was issued to include a blanket ban on hiking activities during poor and extreme weather conditions as had been observed across Bali this monsoon season.

Speaking a the time of the policy updates the Acting Head of the Bali KLH Service, I Made Rentin, explained to reporters “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.”

While Mount Agung will be closed this week, Mount Batur remains open to the public. As is the case with Mount Agung, tourists wishing to explore Mount Batur must do so with a local registered tour guide.
Sunrise hiking tours are one of the most popular adventure activities in Bali, with thousands of people embarking on the hike to the peak of Bali’s second highest peak every week.

For those who do not fancy an arduous climb, sunrise jeep tours are also proving to be ever increasingly popular, and are ideal for those with limited mobility and those traveling with young children.
Most tours include pick up and drop off from each guest’s accommodation, wherever that may be on the island and include driver’s fees, a small breakfast at the summit, and all the required safety equipment.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium

Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.