Bali‘s iconic Mount Agung, the island’s highest peak, will be off-limits to visitors from October 1st to November 30th as local communities conduct rare decennial religious ceremonies.
Significance and Impact
Mount Agung holds dual significance in Bali:
- For tourists: A challenging hiking destination offering spectacular sunrise views
- For Balinese Hindus: A sacred landscape central to their spiritual practices
The closure affects:
- All hiking trails, official and unofficial
- Access from every angle of the volcano
- Both tourists and most local residents
Ceremonial Details
The closure accommodates several important ceremonies:
- Karya Tabuh Gentuh Wana Kertih
- Segara Kertih
- Nubung Pedashan at Pasar Agung Temple in Sebudi Village
Temple leader Wayan Suara Arsana emphasizes the significance: “This work is done once every 10 years. The last time was held in October 2014. So this is a big ceremony at Pasar Agung Temple.”
Enforcement and Respect
Authorities have taken several steps to ensure compliance:
- Notified all travel agents and licensed hiking guides
- Warned that violators will face accountability from community and religious leaders
- Required violators to fund necessary cleansing ceremonies
Alternative Options for Visitors
Tourists can still explore other peaks during this period:
- Mount Batur – offering excellent views of Agung
- Mount Batukaru
- Mount Abang
- Trunyan Hill
Safety Reminders
For all mountain hikes in Bali:
- Always hire a local guide
- Don’t underestimate the trails despite their relatively low elevation
- Be aware that trails are often poorly marked and maintained
- Take extra precautions for pre-dawn hikes
Local search and rescue teams frequently assist lost or injured hikers, almost always those hiking without guides.
Regular Closures
This shutdown is part of ongoing religious observances:
- Mount Agung closes periodically for various ceremonies
- A recent closure occurred in July 2024 for the Purnama Kasa ceremony
The temporary inconvenience for tourists underscores the living cultural heritage that makes Bali unique. While the mountain’s trails may be closed, the spiritual significance of Mount Agung remains ever-present in Balinese life.