Mount Awu, Active stratovolcano in Sangihe Islands, Indonesia

Mount Awu is an active stratovolcano in the Sangihe Islands that rises approximately 1,320 meters high. The mountain features a deep oval crater containing a lake inside, where the water reaches depths of around 34 meters.

The volcano has been active and well-documented since the 1600s, with the most powerful eruptions occurring in the early 1800s and mid-1900s. These major events shaped the landscape and influenced how local communities understand the forces that affect their islands.

Local accounts name the settlements hit by eruptions: in 1711 the area between Tabukan and Tahuna was destroyed and King Syamsialam of Kendar was among about 3,000 dead; in 1892 lahars killed people at Sawang church and Kalasuge. Villages such as Kendar were buried and rebuilt, and the dates remain part of island memory.

You should hike with experienced local guides who understand the terrain and ongoing volcanic activity in the area. The climb requires good fitness and preparation for changing weather, so planning ahead is essential for safety.

The June 2004 eruption left a lava dome about 370 metres across and 30 metres high inside the crater. Because the summit crater holds a lake, water can seep into the dome and trigger steam-driven explosions, the mechanism behind Awu's deadliest eruptions.