Northern Bali comprises a chain of several volcanoes running from
east to west. Gunung Agung is Bali’s highest ad most revered
peak at 3,142m. Gunung Batur, at only 1,717m is considered
Bali’s second most sacred mountain, and is also the most
active volcanically.
Over 30,000 years ago Gunung Batur was a sharp cone rising
3,500m above sea level. Then a large volcanic explosion atomized
the upper part and collapsed it into the empty magma chamber,
creating the present caldera. This was partly filled with a
crescent shaped lake.
In the middle of this caldera a younger, smaller, volcano
formed, which is more effusive rather than explosive. This rises
686 m above the lake. This volcano has erupted several times during
the last century.
The posted coordinates will place you at the Lake View
Restaurant, which is one of many good spots to view the double
caldera of the Gunung Batur volcano (a double caldera is one crater
inside another).
You will also be able to see the:
• crescent shaped basin of Lake Batur
• surrounding evergreen agricultural landscape
• black volcanic flows from past eruptions
• three distinct peaks/craters of the inner volcano
Usually the only visible activity of Gunung Batur is small wisps
of smoke rising from one of the three peaks/craters. These may even
look like pockets of snow. Do not be confused by any low lying
clouds. If you are visiting the area as part of a tour group (such
as the downhill bike ride) your guide should be able to assist with
identifying the active part of the volcano, particularly if low
cloud is obscuring your view.
To log this EarthCache you need to:
1. email me identifying which of the 3 peaks/craters is currently
active – top, middle or bottom
2. include a photo of yourself with gps (in your log) taken
somewhere in the area (without showing the answer to the question!
see first example photo)
3. include the number of people in your party in your log plus a
brief weather/visibility report
I am happy for you to log your visit in anticipation of my
confirmation; however, if I do not receive your email with the
required information, or if you do not include a photo in your log,
I will be obliged to delete your log.