This is an unexpected story of how we witnessed the dramatic scenes of a volcano erupting.
It all began after a long day of snorkeling and exploring Gili Trawangan. The island was bustling with activity, filled with a friendly atmosphere and the most beautiful weather. That evening we were sitting on a beach on the west coast enjoying a few beers and looking out to sea. It was overcast, as the sun was beginning to set, the clouds cleared and we started to be able to see parts of the coast of Baili. Eventually Mount Agung was revealed. We looked out in awe of it, only begging to notice the plumb of smoke emerging.
The next day our phones were filled with text messages and news articles; Mount Agung was Erupting.100,000 people were ordered to evacuate the area surrounding the volcano and tourists were booking flights off the island urgently. Being on a separate island and with a flight booked a week later we decided to stay, we had been told this had happened before and it could continue erupting in its current form for some time (releasing huge plumes of ash).
Part way through the week we returned to Baili in preparation for our flight. The atmosphere was slightly different from our arrival, you could sense a slight unease or cautiousness, especially amongst the people visiting. But generally the island was still very active with tourists.
A few days before we were due to leave, all flights were grounded. At this point, a major eruption was feared. We were unable to rebook our flights, not knowing when the winds would change to allow air travel to resume.
What happened over the next few days was all a bit of a blur, but at some point, we decided to head into the mountains to a vantage point from which we could see the volcano.
The beach a few days before.
Lush trees.
Epic skys.
Night Fires.
Sitting around after the first eruption.
Crazy rain after the Eruption.
Crazy Sunsets after the Eruption.
Equipped with a Honda Scoopy, we set out at midday, attempting to take a direct route into the mountains. We were soon caught in torrential rain. We had to stop several times, seeking shelter under trees or wherever we could find it. We contemplated turning back but ultimately decided to press on.
The weather worsened as we passed through Ubud, leading us to purchase coats. At the same time, we were provided with masks by the government to protect us from any volcanic ash. Despite the coats, the conditions became too treacherous, with streams of mud and scree flooding the streets every time there was a downpour and occasional lightning bolts striking uncomfortably close.
We didn't have much further to go, so we opted to wait out the storm and travel between showers. Mercifully, the thunderstorm passed, and we reached a point high enough to see the volcano. Sadly, our view was obscured by fog. The surrounding area was devoid of birdsong, with the only sound being the rushing of a cold lava river streaming down the mountain.
Encouraged by several other people who had made the journey to see the volcano, albeit with much better equipment than our scooter, we waited. After some time, the fog cleared, and we could finally see it.
As the fog dissipated, we were flabbergasted by the enormity of the eruption. The massive plume of ash was impossible to ignore, and the sky was incredible. We were filled with a sense of accomplishment, adrenaline, amazement, and certainly, worry.
Having witnessed this magnificent sight, we didn't linger. At some point while we were there, a mini-eruption occurred—an unforgettable boom followed by a rush of dark ash shooting up out of the volcano, prompting us to start our journey back.
It was a mind-bending, powerful experience. A few days later, we were able to leave the island, flying out knowing we would never forget that moment.
These were shot on an old rackety Cybershot (you'll see one or two other collections that used this camera).
Mount Agung
