The island of Bali is covered in both active and inactive volcanoes and one of the most magical experiences here is climbing a volcano and seeing what it’s like at the summit.
Not only do you get a sense of the power of a volcano, but you also get some of the best views over Bali possible and there’s nothing quite like looking down on rice terraces from the highest point on a mountain.
About Volcanoes And Bali
Bali is part of the “Ring of Fire” which extends beyond Indonesia and all the way over to Peru and Chile on the other side of the ocean!
It’s the largest volcanic network in the world and consists of over 950 volcanoes of which 350 have been active during the modern era (i.e. in recorded history).
Bali is a very small part of this network as it’s a fairly small island, but that still leaves room for plenty of active and inactive volcanoes on the island and we’ll introduce you to all of them below.
The 4 Active Volcanoes In Bali
Mount Agung – The Biggest Active Volcano On The Island
Mount Agung or Gunung Agung as it’s known to the local residents is an active volcano and it’s also the tallest mountain and volcano here in Bali.
It is possible to hike up Mount Agung but it’s a very difficult hike and recommended only to experience mountain climbers in peak physical condition.
To get to the crater rim requires scrabbling up steep slopes for an extended period. However, if you do get to the top – the views over Bali are unparalleled on the island and assuming that there are no clouds to spoil your sunrise, it will be an achievement that you never forget.
Mount Batur (including Lake Batur)
Most people content themselves with an early morning hike up Mount Batur which is Bali’s second most active volcano and much smaller than Mount Agung.
Mount Batur was once a much bigger volcano but a massive eruption took place at some point in time and the mountain lost nearly half its height and created the Batur Caldera which is a huge area that now contains other mountains and volcanoes.
You need to be reasonably physically fit to climb Mount Batur but you don’t need to have any previous climbing experience to get to the top of Mount Batur and enjoy a tasty breakfast at the summit.
We’d recommend that you stop at Lake Batur on the way home and enjoy a bath in the hot springs to get rid of any muscle tension that you pick up during the trek.
Mount Merbuk is a small volcano and it doesn’t get anywhere near as many visitors as Mount Batur or Mount Agung.
That’s a bit of a shame as it’s quite an easy hike (about 2 hours up and down) and if you hire a local guide when you get there, you will have an enjoyable time trekking this volcano which is not very active.
Just make sure to take snacks and drinks with you as there are none for sale in the vicinity of this volcano.
Mount Bratan
There’s not much left of Mount Bratan except for the three volcanic lakes in the Bratan area – Lake Tamblingan, Lake Beratan and Lake Bratan. These form the caldera of a volcano that once erupted very violently and is now unlikely to be active again.
There are several other inactive volcanoes in the caldera region including Mount Batukaru.
The 9 Inactive Volcanoes in Bali
Most of the mountains in Bali are inactive volcanoes, which means they have not had any significant activity during recorded history.
In theory, any of them could spring back to life at any moment, but it’s unlikely and climbing any of these mountains does not bring any significant risk of harm from an eruption.
Mount Catur
Hiking Mount Catur is the best way to see Mount Batur as it’s the view from the summit. It’s also a relatively easy hike and much less crowded than Mount Batur.
We can heartily recommend this pleasant hike to 1,717 meters above sea level (that’s 5,633 feet).
Mount Abang
Mount Abang is the third-highest peak in Bali and a great place to do some hiking, particularly if you’re a nature lover.
Beginners can tackle this peak, but we’d recommend you go during the dry season as it’s a lot more challenging when the slopes and rocks are wet.
Mount Batukaru
Mount Batukaru is a sacred mountain and the second-highest peak in Bali. It’s a much more challenging hike than Mount Abang and we’d say that it rivals Mount Agung itself.
Expect to spend 9 hours or so from the moment that you hit the starting point to get up and back down the mountain. The trail is very clearly signposted but it’s not suitable for beginners.
Mount Adeng
This is a dormant stratovolcano in the Bedugul Volcanic Area and the hike up and down is considered very challenging by most hikers even though it’s only the 9th tallest mountain on the island.
There are two hiking routes one which takes about 3-4 hours to complete and another that takes 5-6 hours.
Mount Lesong
Mount Leson is not far from Lake Tamblingan and you get a great view of the lake from the top.
The climb up this mountain is exceptionally difficult as you have to trek through and clear some dense jungle to reach the peak.
Mount Lempuyang
Mount Lempuyang is famous for the Pura Luhur Lempuyang temple (well known for its “Gates of Heaven” that appear endlessly on influencers’ Instagram feeds).
Most of the climb here is up the steps of the temple and if you’re moderately fit, you shouldn’t find it a challenge at all.
Mount Pohon
Mount Pohon is the sixth-highest peak in Bali and while it’s a relatively short trek (under 3 hours) to the summit, it’s a very challenging hike and we’d recommend using a local guide to assist you if you want to tackle this peak.
You are almost guaranteed to be the only people hiking this mountain if you go and you will need to prepare accordingly.
Mount Prapat Agung
This is more of a hill than a mountain and is just 322 meters high (that’s about 1,056 feet) and the climb up this mountain is up the steps of the local temple complex.
The view from the top is spectacular though and the temple is one of national importance.
Mount Sanghyang (Or Mount Sengayang)
This is the fifth-highest peak and getting to Mount Sanghyang is very challenging in the first place and as such, it sees almost no climbers at all.
Oddly, the trek up the mountain is not considered particularly difficult but you will need the services of a local guide if you want to tackle it.
FAQs
Are There Any Active Volcanoes In Bali?
Yes, depending on your definition of “active” there are, at least, four active volcanoes here in Bali.
The Indonesian authorities keep a careful eye on volcanic activity on the island and warnings are posted whenever there is any perceived risk to the public.
When these warnings are posted, hiking on the volcano where the warning is active is suspended and people may be evacuated from the surrounding villages where there is a possibility of lava if the volcano does erupt.
When Did The Last Volcano Erupt In Bali?
The last eruption occurred here in 2019. Minor eruptions are very common in Bali.
It wasn’t the last major eruption, mind you, the last one of those was in 2017 and more than 100,000 people had to be evacuated from around Mount Agung the most active volcano here in Bali.
What Is The Most Famous Volcano In Bali?
Mount Batur is the most famous of the two active volcanoes that people trek and hike regularly in Bali. That’s because it’s much easier to reach the crater rim than it is on Mount Agung and most reasonably fit individuals ought to be able to climb Mount Batur.
If you do, you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the local area and you can enjoy a soak in the hot springs at Lake Batur once you’ve finished climbing down Mount Batur.
What Is The Closest Volcano To Kuta Bali?
There’s not much in it but Mount Batur is fractionally closer (in terms of driving distance) than Mount Agung to Kuta.
All of the mountains and volcanoes in Bali are in Central Bali and are quite a distance from Kuta compared to Ubud.
Can You Still Hike Volcanoes In Bali?
Yes. You can hike any of the volcanoes and mountains in Bali but only if they are open to the public. Sometimes, a volcano may be closed due to the volcanic activity on the site when it poses a clear and present danger to the public.
Sometimes, as with Bali’s tallest mountain, Mount Agung, there may be sacred rituals connected to the mother temple, Pura Besakih, that cause the mountain to be closed to hikers for a period of time.
This mountain is sacred to the local Balinese people and, as such, they sometimes restrict all routes to the summit for religious ceremonies.
Please do not try to hike a volcano when it’s closed, you may be fined or even arrested and deported for doing so. Local residents will not take kindly to people who disrespect the culture here.
Which Is The Best Volcano Walk In Bali?
This is quite subjective but for most people, the Mount Batur walk is going to be the most popular choice as it’s a relatively easy hike and the sweeping views over the Balinese countryside awaiting you at the summit make it a top spot for tourists.
What Is The Best Active Volcano In Bali?
This is a subjective choice but Mount Agung is certainly the most imposing volcano on the island of Bali.
What Is The Biggest Volcano In Bali?
The biggest volcano here in Bali is Mount Agung which stands 3,031 meters above sea level (that’s 9,944 feet).
If you also visit Lombok when you visit Bali, Mount Rinjani on that island is 3,726 meters above sea level (that’s 12,223 feet).
Is The Mount Batur Hike Worth It?
Yes! Getting up in the early morning to hike Mount Batur results in stunning views and the chance to cook your breakfast eggs in volcanic steam! It’s a fantastic experience.
However, we do have to acknowledge that sometimes, particularly in peak season, Mount Batur can get very busy, indeed.
If you want a relatively easy climb with a great view of Mount Batur without huge volumes of tourists, you could try hiking Mount Catur, instead.
That inactive volcano is part of the Batur Caldera and offers sublime views of the area but with far fewer visitors than Mount Batur.
How To Book A Holiday Or Tour To See Volcanoes In Bali?
We always recommend that you book any holidays, tours or transport in Bali through the local travel agents at Bali Res Centre.
They can ensure that you get the best deals on flights, accommodation, etc. and that you get the best guides when hiking and trekking to ensure the perfect experience.
Final Thoughts On Volcanoes In Bali
There’s nothing more thrilling than reaching the summit of a mountain or volcano and looking down into the crater and seeing the lava, smoke and heat below.
We would strongly encourage anyone to climb a volcano here in Bali if they have the opportunity and fitness level to do so. It should be perfectly safe as long as you obey any instructions from the local authorities.
And once you’ve worked up a thirst on the slopes of a volcano, you can head back to Canggu and enjoy a few cold drinks in front of the most amazing sunset at FINNS Beach Club, the world’s best beach club, because you’ll have earned it.
