Bali volcano update: Is Mount Agung still erupting? Can you travel to Bali now?

Flights to Bali have fallen by about 30 percent due to Mount Agung’s eruption, according to the latest figures from the Indonesian National Aviation Association (Inaca).

But the Indonesian authorities are encouraging tourists to keep coming to Bali because it is safe to visit anywhere apart from the danger zone. 

Tourists and local residents must stay out of an up to 10km radius danger zone surrounding Bali’s highest volcano as it continues to rumble on. 

National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that the rest of Bali is safe and encouraged tourists to visit. 

He said that the lava dome fills a third of the crater but the rate of magma collecting at the summit has been slowing down since November 30. 

In late November, Bali was put on high alert when the volcano erupted and sent ash columns into the sky. A red glow was seen at the summit and cold lava poured down the slopes.  

Thousands of tourists were stranded due to flight cancellations and the closure of airports on Bali and the neighbouring island of Lombok. 

This month the volcano has been intermittently erupting and sending up plumes of steam and ash, but on a much smaller scale than before. It is not known if a major eruption will follow or not. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to within 10-kilometres of Mount Agung, which covers an existing exclusion zone put in place by the local authorities.

The FCO website says: “If you’re in this area, you should leave immediately. Following several months of increased volcanic activity, Mount Agung in East Bali began erupting on 21 November 2017.

“This has led to periodic closures at Bali and Lombok airports and disruption to flights in the region. 

“The current period of increased volcanic activity may continue for some time and further disruption can’t be ruled out. 

“In the event of a major eruption, areas beyond 10km may be affected, and the resulting ash plumes and release of particulate and gaseous pollutants into the air may have an impact on health. 

“You should continue to monitor local media, follow the advice of the local authorities and keep up to date with this travel advice.” 

The FCO has published a check list of what to do if you are planning to visit Bali. You can also sign up for email alerts and follow the FCO’s Twitter accounts @FCOtravel and @UKinIndonesia.