City tourists unfazed by Bali volcano eruptions

Many tourists were stuck at Bali airport on Friday following a volcanic eruption on the Indonesian resort island.

About 280 flights to and from Ngurah Rai airport, with close to 16,000 passengers, were affected.

Many flights were cancelled. After a few hours, the runways opened and things returned to normal.

Karthik Jannu from Bengaluru recently got a first-hand experience of a volcano eruption.

“My friend and I wanted to go on a night trek to see the sunrise from a volcanic peak---either Mount Agung or Mount Batur. We chose Mount Batur as the climb is less difficult,” he says.

After three hours, they made it, saw hot water springs and returned.

“We returned to the hotel room late morning. By 4 pm, we heard the news that Mt Agung was spitting volcanic ashes. We were just 45 km from the peak then. We could see the smoke high up in the air,” he says.

He took pictures, standing against the distant eruption.

All flights towards Australia were cancelled but Jannu was headed towards Singapore, and so could travel out. Romil Pant, senior vice president, leisure travel, Thomas Cook (India) limited, says no tours have been cancelled because of Friday’s eruptions.

“Our guests there are fine. Hoteliers and partners in Bali are also well-prepared and if guests have to remain longer, give them discounted prices or complimentary stay. However, none of that was needed,” he says.

The volcano erupted 60 km from the main tourist spots this time.

The airport was shut as a precaution, according to reports.

Karan Anand, head, relationships, Cox and Kings, says, “We did receive a few phone calls. We help customers change their destination if that is necessary.”

The number of people going to Bali is comparatively low as it is the end of the holiday season.

“It’s not the first time that the place is experiencing an eruption,” he explains.

Content writer Shradha Sinha is travelling to the beach paradise next week.

As part of the travel package, a volcano tour was scheduled, but there was talk it might be cancelled. “Our travel agent got back just now and it looks like it’s back on,” she told Metrolife.