Bali's Mount Agung has been spewing columns of volcanic ash several kilometers up into the sky for weeks, forcing thousands of locals to evacuate from its slopes. However, the erupting volcano has attracted even more tourists to one of the world's most popular tropical destinations.
Social networks have been literally flooded with breathtaking photos of people posing in front of Mt. Agung, which creates a truly dramatic backdrop.
Many holiday-goers consider the chance to witness the volcanic activity a privilege, with some of them saying that this thrilling show has always been on their bucket list.
Some people fearlessly take pictures in protective smoke masks not far from the volcano, which last erupted in 1963, killing about 1,600 people.
Meanwhile, the international airport reopened on the island on November 29. Thousands of stranded passengers are making their way home after their flights had been grounded since Monday. However, the wind conditions are unpredictable, and meteorological officials warn the ash could impact visibility at night.
The alert status of Mt. Agung remains at its highest level since Monday, when local authorities introduced a 10-kilometer exclusion zone around the summit and urged locals to evacuate from it slopes of the volcano in fear of a larger eruption. According to local media reports, some 40,000 people have already found refuge in temporary evacuation centers, but many more haven't left their homes because they feel safe or don't want to abandon their households.
