Tourists in Bali Urged to Stay Alert as Volcanic Eruptions Disrupt Travel Plans!

Bali Tourists Urged to Monitor Volcanic Activity Amid Increasing Eruptions Across Indonesia

July 7, 2025 — Travelers planning visits to Bali and other parts of Indonesia are being advised to stay vigilant and monitor volcanic activity closely, as recent eruptions across the region have caused disruptions and raised safety concerns.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Eruptions Shake Flores Island and Impact Bali Flights

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, located on the island of Flores, has shown heightened volcanic activity over the past ten months. Notably, on June 17, 2025, the volcano erupted, releasing an ash cloud soaring 11 kilometers into the atmosphere. This eruption prompted Indonesian authorities to upgrade the volcano’s alert status to the highest level.

The impact of this eruption extended to Bali’s main gateway, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, which experienced significant flight delays and disruptions. The situation escalated further on Monday, July 7, 2025, when Mount Lewotobi Laki erupted again, spewing an even more massive mixed cloud of ash, lava, and gas up to 19 kilometers high. This eruption triggered avalanches and lava flows descending for five kilometers from the crater.

Major airlines have been affected. Virgin Australia announced cancellations of some Bali flights following the eruption, emphasizing passenger and crew safety. “Our meteorologists are closely monitoring ash cloud movements, and we advise passengers to stay updated on their flight status via our official platforms,” read a company spokesperson. Similarly, Qantas confirmed active monitoring of the eruptive ash clouds and pledged to inform travelers promptly about any flight disruptions.

Mount Raung and Mount Semeru Also Show Increased Activity

Meanwhile, volcanic unrest is not limited to Flores. Mount Raung, positioned on the border of Jember Regency between Bondowoso and Banyuwangi in East Java, erupted early on July 7. The volcano released an ash cloud approximately 1,000 meters above its 3,332-meter peak, reaching around 4,332 meters above sea level. Local observation posts have recorded 43 eruptions from Mount Raung from January through early July 2025, with eruption columns ranging from 400 to 2,000 meters in height.

Authorities continue to maintain Mount Raung at Level II alert status, warning the public and tourists to avoid the crater area within a 3-kilometer radius due to potential hazards.

Similarly, Mount Semeru, straddling the border of Lumajang and Malang Regency in East Java, experienced notable eruptions on July 4. While visibility was limited due to dense fog, seismic activity preceding the eruptions was recorded. The first eruption was detected at 04:47 local time, with a 22 mm amplitude lasting 124 seconds. A second eruption occurred at 08:50 the same day. Official warnings have established a no-go zone of 3 kilometers around Mount Semeru’s peak.

Authorities Urge Caution and Preparedness for Tourists and Residents

The Head of Indonesia’s Geological Agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Muhammad Wafid, reiterated the importance of the ongoing alert statuses and precautionary measures despite continuous eruptive events. The region’s volcanic activity necessitates heightened awareness for all visitors and locals, especially given the potential impacts on air travel and local safety.

Tourists planning trips to Bali and nearby islands are encouraged to continuously monitor updates from verified sources, adhere strictly to exclusion zones around volcanoes, and prepare for possible travel schedule changes.

Travel Advisory and Safety Reminders

• Travelers should regularly check their flight statuses with airlines, especially those operating in and out of Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
• Avoid traveling to or near active volcano craters and respect authorities’ exclusion zones.
• Stay updated via official volcanic monitoring agencies and tourism platforms.
• Consider travel insurance that covers disruptions caused by natural disasters and medical emergencies.

For the latest updates on volcanic activity and travel information, visitors can follow official posts from Indonesia’s meteorological and geological agencies as well as reliable news sources.

Stay Informed and Safe While Enjoying Indonesia’s Natural Wonders

While Bali remains a cherished destination known for its beaches and culture, the dynamic geological nature of the region necessitates respect for nature’s power and preparedness. Tourists and residents alike are advised to remain alert and responsive to evolving volcanic activity to ensure safety during their travels.

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