Bali is home to two active volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur. As seismic activity has been increasing globally in the last week, here at The Bali Sun, we are monitoring updates from the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency even more closely.
On Monday, 1st December 2025, smoke was recorded by a member of the public billowing from the crater of Bali’s sacred Mount Agung.
The sighting and subsequent viral video footage have sparked widespread concern, especially as volcanoes on neighbouring islands have been active in the last few weeks.
Indonesia lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire and, as such, is at risk of frequent volcanic activity and earthquakes.
Speaking to reporters, Ida Ketut Arimbawa, the Head of the Karangasem Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), responded to concerns and clarified the right course of action for the public moving forward.
He confirmed that the daily report considered that Mount Agung experienced two deep volcanic earthquakes in the last 24 hours.
Arimbawa confirmed that the white smoke emitted from Mount Agung’s crater is a natural phenomenon and that it can often be triggered by rainfall near the summit.
He confirmed that the alert level for Mount Agung remains as Level I (Normal) and that the Karangasem Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is not concerned about this change in the coming days.
Arimbawa told the reporter, “Rain that falls on the summit can trigger increased steam from the crater. Smoke is emitted daily as the volcano is active. My last climb was in June 2022, and smoke was also emitted. If there is increased activity, the Karangasem Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) will be the first to be notified through the Mount Agung Volcano Observation Post in Rendang.
He reiterated the precautions that all hikers and trekkers must take when setting foot on Mount Agung. This includes limiting time spent at the summit and around the crater, avoiding trekking during rainy or cloudy weather, and prohibiting overnight camping on the slopes. This advice rings true for Mount Agung and all mountains and volcanoes across Indonesia.
Tourists in Bali who wish to hike or trek on Mount Agung, Mount Batur, or any of the island’s peaks must be accompanied by a local guide. It is illegal to trek Bali’s peaks without the assistance of a local guide.
There is a common misconception that since trekking Mount Agung, Mount Batur, and Mount Batukaru are bucket list activities for Bali travelers, doing so is easy. This is not the case.
These are technically challenging climbs that each feature dangerous terrain that requires a high level of fitness to undertake.
Tourists traveling to Bali and Indonesia more broadly in the coming weeks are advised to closely monitor updates from government agencies such as the Bali Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BBKMG) and the Bali Regional Disaster Management Agency.
Here at The Bali Sun, we will be reporting on all major updates from the authorities to help keep tourists, travellers, digital nomads, and international residents in Bali up to speed with what is happening on the ground.
Seismic activity is increasing nationwide, and more extreme weather is forecast in the coming days as the rainy season progresses and Tropical Cyclone Senyar sweeps through Sumatra and many parts of Malaysia. Last week, Bali’s Buleleng Regency recorded nine earthquakes in just 24 hours.
Speaking to reporters, Head of the BBMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Early Information Working Group, Dwi Hartanto, explained, “The earthquakes that occurred were a shallow type due to an active fault.” The earthquakes were relatively small, but the tremors were still felt by those in the area, with magnitudes ranging between 1.8 and 2.9.”
Over in Java, Mount Semeru is still on the highest alert level after multiple eruptions starting on the 18th November 2025.
Tourists planning on trekking any of Bali’s volcanoes, including Mount Agung and Mount Batur, should check in with their guide in the hours before their hike is set to begin to ensure that conditions are safe before setting off.
Tourists must also ensure that they have a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes cover in the instance of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and flooding, as well as specific cover for adventure activities such as trekking.
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