Bali Flights Cancelled After Mount Lewotobi Eruption: What Muslim Travellers Need to Know

It was a dramatic scene across Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport on June 18, 2025, as dozens of flights were cancelled following a powerful eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in the eastern Indonesian island of Flores. For many travellers – including Muslims planning a halal-friendly escape to Bali or those en route from nearby countries like Malaysia and Singapore – the disruption was sudden and unexpected.

Here’s everything you need to know about the eruption, what it means for your travel plans, and some safety tips – especially if you’re a Muslim traveller exploring Indonesia or nearby destinations.

Also read: Emergency Numbers Around the World Every Muslim Traveller Should Know

What happened?

Image credit: @Volcaholic | X

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on 17 June at 5.35pm local time (6.35pm Singapore time), sending a massive ash column over 10km into the sky. Less than 24 hours later, it erupted again at 7.45am on 18 June.

Although there have been no reports of casualties or structural damage at the time of writing, the ash fallout led to the evacuation of villages near the volcano, and air travel to and from Bali was heavily impacted, affecting many international routes.

Where is Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki?

Located on Flores Island in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is around 800km from Bali and about 1,700km from Singapore. This twin-peaked volcano is part of a duo with Mount Lewotobi Perempuan – “Laki-Laki” means "man" and “Perempuan” means "woman" in Bahasa Indonesia.

Flores itself, while lesser-known than Bali, has been gaining attention for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, often attracting Muslim travellers looking for quieter, spiritual escapes and halal-friendly accommodations in Indonesia.

Is it dangerous?

As of 17 June, Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources raised Lewotobi’s alert to Level 4 – the highest alert level on its scale. This means the eruption could spread further and potentially threaten residential areas.

Authorities have established an 8km exclusion zone, and warnings have been issued about possible lahars (rain-triggered volcanic mudflows) along rivers originating from the volcano.

If you're travelling anywhere in Flores or nearby islands, it's best to check for updates from local authorities and avoid the danger zones.

How does this affect Muslim travellers going to Bali or Indonesia?

Image credit: @nypost | X

Many Muslim travellers from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and beyond often transit through or vacation in Bali, Indonesia’s most visited island. The island is known for its growing number of halal-certified eateries, Muslim-friendly villas, and even prayer spaces at major tourist spots.

However, the eruption has led to the cancellation of dozens of flights, causing disruptions for both inbound and outbound travellers. If you're heading to Bali, double-check your flight status with your airline or through Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport website.

It’s also wise to have travel insurance that covers natural disasters – a must for any Muslim globetrotter wanting to travel worry-free.

Has the volcano erupted before?

Yes – Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has been active throughout 2025, with four eruptions recorded so far:

• 13 Feb: Alert level raised and several villages evacuated

• 21 Mar: An 8km ash cloud affected Bali-bound flights

• 19 May: A smaller eruption sent ash 1km high

• 17-18 Jun: The latest and most significant eruption

In fact, this volcano has a long history of activity, with notable eruptions dating back to 1921, 1935, 1970, and 1991. A particularly deadly eruption occurred in November 2024, killing nine people, injuring dozens, destroying over 2,000 homes, and forcing 13,000 residents to evacuate.

The eruption back then even led to the cancellation of 160 international flights – so this isn’t the first time Bali’s travel routes have been impacted.

Will the Volcanic Ash Reach Singapore or Malaysia?

So far, Singapore’s National Environment Agency has stated that current wind patterns mean the ash is unlikely to affect the region. Still, the Meteorological Service Singapore is monitoring the situation, so it's a good idea for travellers from Singapore or Malaysia to stay updated via official government channels.

Muslim travel tip: What to do if you’re stranded in Bali?

If your flight is delayed or cancelled:

• Find prayer spaces: Ngurah Rai International Airport has prayer rooms available.

• Halal food: You can still enjoy halal-certified or Muslim-owned warungs (small eateries) in Bali – apps like HalalTrip or HappyCow can help.

• Book accommodations wisely: Look for Muslim-friendly stays via platforms like Muslim Pro Travel, Airbnb filters, or local Muslim-run guesthouses.

• Stay calm & connected: Monitor the situation through official channels like Indonesia’s Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) or the Singapore MFA if you’re a Singaporean traveller.

Also read: Jakarta-Bandung Panoramic Train: A Must-Know Guide for Muslim Travellers

Final thoughts

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s eruption reminds us that Mother Nature can always surprise us – even in paradise. For Muslim travellers heading to or from Bali, it's essential to stay informed, flexible, and above all, prioritise safety.