Mount Agung Bali
Bali has countless destinations a traveler could expect. This small island in the eastern part of Indonesia has been the prominent bucket list to tick off. Various destinations such as beaches, resorts, clubs, island hopping are all available in Bali. Combined with the rich culture and mythical atmosphere, these create a unique and distinct experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Since culture and religion play an important part in the daily life of the Balinese, many places in Bali are considered sacred by the locals. Among the places in Bali considered sacred, one of them is Mount Agung.
Combined with the rich culture and mythical atmosphere, these create a unique and distinct experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Since culture and religion play an important part in the daily life of the Balinese, many places in Bali are considered sacred by the locals. Among the places in Bali considered sacred, one of them is Mount Agung.
Located in Karangasem Regency, Mount Agung is an active stratovolcano and is the highest point in Bali. Scraping the sky with more than 3,000 meters high, Mount Agung dominates the surrounding. Such as affecting rainfall pattern in the surrounding area. Mount Agung is sacred for the Balinese people, believed that Mount Agung was created when Hindu God Pashupati split Mount Meru and created Mount Agung with a fragment. Mount Agung is also home to the Mother Temple of Besakih, part of a chain of volcanoes as the backbone of Bali.
The main attraction of Mount Agung is the extraordinary view of sunrise on top of Mount Agung. The golden sunrise lightens every direction including the neighboring mountain, Mount Rinjani on the nearby Lombok Island. To hike Mount Agung, it will take around 3 to 5 hours to reach the summit depending on your fitness. Your journey starts here, book your plane ticket first to Ngurah Rai Airport. Then you can rent a car to your favorite hotel or villas, get some rest and prepare before your journey to Mount Agung.
Climbing Mount Agung cannot be taken lightly for this isn’t like leisure climb. It takes fitness and discipline, so for those who have never been hiking before, prepare yourself carefully. The journey to reach the holiest mountain shall begin from Pura Pasar Agung in the south then climb to Pasar Agung Temple at the 1,700 meters above sea level. Another starting point is Besakih Temple, however, this trek will take longer time, around 6 to 7 hours, therefore it’ll take throughout the night to reach the summit before dawn. The wildlife of Mount Agung can also be seen such as hawks, eagles, and monkeys at the crater rim.
The trekking via Pasar Agung Temple starts at 2 AM. The path to reach the summit will take you through a dark and quiet forest. At first, you will take a dusty road then continue through broken rocks for the rest of the hike. You will reach the summit around 6 AM, on top of the mountain you can peer into the volcano’s crater! Wait patiently for the sunrise for one to one and half an hour while enjoying breakfast on the highest point in Bali. There are no warungs or café so be sure to pack your breakfast before climbing the mountain. Take some pictures of the breathtaking scenery of golden sunrise and savor in the solitude of the mythical Mount Agung. The mountain is less touristy, likely because this mountain is not as leisure climb such as Mount Batur. Therefore, you get to enjoy the mountain with only a few people, or even more to yourself!
Things You Need to Know Before Climbing
1. Check on the status of Mount Agung
As one of the active volcanoes in Indonesia, you should always check the status of Mount Agung before deciding to climb Mount Agung. Mount Agung last erupted in 1963, but until today seismic activities are still happening.
2. Fitness
Mount Agung is the highest point in Bali and is not recommended for a beginner climber. If you are an experienced hiker, keep good fitness level or else you won’t enjoy the climbing. Exercise is a must! Also, bringing a walking stick won’t hurt.
3. Get a good tour guide
Getting a good tour guide is essential to ensure your safety during climbing. Do some research on the reputable tour agency and their tour guide whether they know their guide and is experienced in climbing Mount Agung.
4. Clothing
Bring layers of clothing and if possible, wear absorbent clothes. Change of temperature will happen during your climbing and you will get sweaty while the temperature is cold. Getting warm again will be hard when you sit down and take a break. Wear gloves and good trekking shoes to get through the rocky path. Also, bring sunscreen and apply it when you descend from the mountain.
5. Food
Bring enough food and hot water to have breakfast on top of the mountain. You might also get hungry when you descend and the food will surely helpful while you take some rest.
