Bali volcano latest travel advice: Is it safe to go to Bali after Mount Agung eruption?

THE INDONESIAN authorities are encouraging tourists to keep coming to Bali but are telling them to stay out of the danger zone around Mount Agung.

Bali volcano Getty

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The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that the danger zone is only within a radius of 8-10 km from the summit of Mount Agung. 

In a Twitter post earlier today, he tried to dispel the misconception that the volcano covers almost the whole island instead of just one part in the corner. 

In a bid to reassure tourists, he said that the rest of Bali is safe and the airport is operating normally. The tweet ended with #ComeOnToBali. 

At the end of last month, 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. 

Mount Agung is still being rocked by seismic activity and it is not known if there will be a major eruption or not. More than 70,000 people have been evacuated from the danger one. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to within 10-kilometres of Mount Agung due to "ongoing volcanic activity". 

Travel expert Frank Brehany said: “The indications from the Bali government, in particular from the Indonesian Government's BMKG Climate Agency, suggests that air traffic will not be affected for the remainder of 2017, as the winds are blowing ash in a easterly direction. 

“The government appears to be keen to advise potential holidaymakers that they should not change their travel plans, because other than the 10km exclusion-zone, life on the island is continuing as normal. 

“The UK’s FCO mirrors some of this information by advising holidaymakers of that zone and how important it is to keep informed of events on the ground.” 

Mr Brehany said that travellers should monitor the latest news and FCO advisories for Bali and raise their concerns with their travel insurer and travel company or airline. 

He said that that holidaymakers should seek reassurance or discuss potential changes to their schedule as well making sure their insurance cover remains in place.  

Bali volcano latestEPA

Bali volcano latest: Tourists take pictures as the Mount Agung volcano spewing hot volcanic ash

He added: “In the event that the situation changes on the ground, speak immediately with your insurer who should help your navigate the difficulties ahead; for the present, there are no advisories against travel to Bali.

“If you are on the ground, pay heed to the exclusion zone, and accept the directions of the local authorities, if it is your intention to sight-see Mount Agung.”

The ABTA travel association said: “We continue to monitor the activity of volcano Mount Agung on the island of Bali. 

“The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its travel advice and now advises against all travel to within 10kms of Mount Agung in East Bali due to ongoing volcanic activity. 

“The state of alert remains at the highest level. 

“The area around Mount Agung is mostly covered by an existing exclusion zone put into place by the local authorities, which extends between 8 and 10kms from the crater. Anyone in this area should leave immediately. 

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“ABTA advises that people on holiday elsewhere in East Bali should continue to follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media and keep up-to-date with travel advice.” 

The travel association said that anyone due to travel to the region imminently should check with their travel provider or airline to establish if their holiday or flight is affected.

The FCO website advises against all travel to within 10-kilometres of Mount Agung, which is mostly covered by an existing exclusion zone put in place by the local authorities.

It added: "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.

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