In addition to its many natural wonders, this legendary island is one of the places on earth with the largest number of volcanoes in the world, many of which are still active.
Mount Agung
Mount Agung is the highest peak in Bali. It culminates at 3031 m and is located in the eastern part of the island.
The last recorded activity was between 2017 until June 2019 when smoke and ash could be seen coming out of it. Otherwise, the volcano had not erupted since 1963.
During the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963, the burning clouds had devastated the region and killed nearly 1500 people. The eruption had spared the temple of Besakih, which is considered a real miracle by the inhabitants of the region. For Hindus and Buddhists, Agung is a place that connects the earth and the sky.
The hike to the top of Mount Agung will take about 4 hours and requires good physical condition. There is also a longer but less steep route to the summit. From the top, you will be able to admire the whole region, and even some surrounding islands, such as Lombok.
Mount Batur
Mount Batur is located northwest of Mount Agung. 1711 meters high, it is located in the heart of a very large caldera, where Lake Batur is also located. In this particularly active area, more than 20 eruptions have occurred in the last two centuries, the last one having taken place from March 1999 to April 2000. In 1917, an eruption had affected the region, killing thousands.
You can reach its summit in a simple hike, which will last about 2 hours for the ascent, and 3 hours for the descent with a departure around 2 am.
If time permits, once you reach the top you can watch the sunrise and even see the Rinjani volcano, which is located on the neighboring island of Lombok.
Mount Batukaru, one of Bali’s little known volcanoes
Mount Batukaru is a volcano located in the middle of a vast forest in the center of the island. With an altitude of 2350 meters, it is the second highest peak in Bali. This dormant volcano is much less frequented than the two volcanoes mentioned above, but it will undoubtedly appeal to lovers of nature walks.
On a forest hike of about 5 hours, of medium difficulty, you will reach the top of Batukaru. Your hike will start from Pura Luhur Batukaru, the Batukaru temple, one of the main temples of the island, which is located at an altitude of 900 meters. This sacred mountain is a place of pilgrimage, on your way, you will cross many small altars where the inhabitants of the island come to deposit their offerings.
At the top, you will have the possibility of spending the night there and to sleep under a tent, to enjoy the sunset and the sunrise.
The Bratan
The Bratan is a very large caldera of 11 km long and 6 km wide, which includes tropical forests and 3 lakes: Bratan (or Beratan), Buyan and Tambligan. The geothermal activity inside the caldera has given rise to a large number of hot springs.
Lake Bratan, located at 1500 meters above sea level, is the most important site in this caldera. It is the second largest lake on the island, from which water is drawn to irrigate the plantations of the region.
On the banks of this lake, you can discover the temple of Ulan Danau, erected in honor of the goddess of rivers and lakes, Danu. This temple dating from the 16th century is one of the treasures of Bali.
Other volcanoes in Indonesia
In total, more than 400 volcanoes, 70 of which are still active, are present in Indonesia. On the other islands, and mainly in Java and Lombok, you can also discover many volcanoes, particularly impressive.
The Kawa Ijen in Java
The Kawa Ijen is a volcano which culminates at 2200 m of altitude, and which is on the island of Java. Very active, it is known for its impressive crater, which houses the largest acid lake in the world. The excursion which will lead you to the top is particularly accessible, and will take you only about one hour and a half.
From the crater rim, you can enjoy the unspoiled scenery of the island, and you will see the brave sulfur carriers, who carry up to 100 kg of sulfur over several kilometers every day.
Mount Bromo in Java
The most recent eruption of Bromo was in 2016. The volcano is still active and you will see water vapors coming out of the crater if you climb to the top of Mount Bromo.
Finally, if you want to discover other volcanoes in Indonesia, here is a small list of the most popular: Mount Merapi-East Java, Mount Krakatau-West Java, Mount Rinjani-Lombok or the Tambora-Sumbawa Island.
