Karangasem Closes Mount Agung Routes for Pujawali

Amlapura — All climbing routes to the summit of Mount Agung in Karangasem, Bali, are closed from Oct. 21 through Nov. 5, 2026, during the Pujawali Purnama Kalima observance at Pura Pasar Agung Besakih Giri Tohlangkir.

The closure lasts 16 days and applies to hikers, guides and operators involved in summit ascents. The Pura Pasar Agung Besakih Giri Tohlangkir public-relations representative, I Wayan Suara Arsana, said the measure is intended to preserve the sanctity of the mountain area and allow the religious ceremonies to proceed smoothly.

The East Bali Forest Management Unit, a regional forest-management body, also issued an advisory prohibiting climbs during the observance. It asks all parties not to conduct, permit, receive or facilitate journeys to Mount Agung’s summit. Hikers who had already planned trips during the closure were asked to reschedule.

Why the Mount Agung closure matters to visitors

For foreign visitors, the rule means that no summit route may be used during the stated period, regardless of which approach or guide is selected. The restriction covers every route leading to the summit, rather than a single trail or starting point. Access to the religious sites themselves is a separate matter from the climbing prohibition described in the reports.

The closure is tied to Pujawali Purnama Kalima, a Hindu religious observance held at Pura Pasar Agung Besakih Giri Tohlangkir in Desa Sebudi, Selat district, Karangasem. The reports identify the ceremony as the reason for temporarily suspending climbing activity and describe the decision as part of respecting local religious customs and maintaining the sanctity of the area.

NusaBali reported that climbing is scheduled to resume on Nov. 6, 2026. Until the closure ends, the reported restriction remains in force across all summit routes.

Sources

• detikBali — Indonesian news report
• NusaBali — Bali news report
• BaliPost — Bali news report
• article.wn.com
• balitravelhub.com