Mount Agung is the highest mountain in Bali. Japan has Mount Fuji. Mount Everest belongs to Nepal. Tanzania is famous for its Mount Kilimanjaro and Indonesia has Jaya Wijaya Mountain. Then when it comes to the Bali area, a small island in Indonesia, Balinese is always proud of its holiest place, Mount Agung. It is the highest mountain in Bali, which is about 3,142 m from the sea level.
The biggest temple stands beautifully at the slope of Mount Agung which is Besakih Temple. A little flashback on the mountain’s history, that Gunung Agung erupted in 1963 and killed about 1,900 people. The eruption left a large and big crater after the eruption. The Balinese believes one magical moment as a miracle when the Besakih temple remained untouched during the eruption. It was the largest eruption in the 20th century in the world. This statement describes a massive explosion that results in fatalities to many people.
Decorated by the clouds covering the top part of the mountain most of the time, strengthen the mysterious image of the mountain. It is a perfect match of beauty in mystery. Nature is about how to enjoy it. Mount Agung keeps many challenges to offer to discover many great things beneath. The mountain has always fascinated mankind. The glory of mount Agung has been well known by explorers who have a great curiosity to discover and experience its challenges and mysteries. Its slopes, slippery features, stony structures after the eruption and the ashes tracks left have always been captivating and intriguing. These challenges and attractions are the value of Mount Agung. Many found it is the best challenge to do in Bali to climb up the mountain and get on top of it to see the great view from the top.
Trail Challenges and Attractions
From the south part is through Pura Pasar Agung will take around 3 – 4 hours. Start at 2.30 am is perfect to catch up on the down. This trail will only take the climbers up to the crater rim which is only a few meters away from the peak. The view offered is a bit restricted from this area.
Meanwhile, the North part through Duku Bujangga Sakti is the easiest route for beginners. Local guides are also available to lead your way up. We need to note that the best time to climb the mountain is during the dry season from April to October for a smooth and safe climb. However, the climb can still be done during the rainy season with a harder track to reach the peak. The trail would be wet and slippery both in the jungle and rocky sections. There is also a camping area that is only three-quarter way up to the mountain to stopover for a long climb to save more energy and enjoy the pathway up longer.
Mind yourself to be ready for some basic stuff such as warm clothes, water, food, and light. During the night will be hard to see, the only light source is the moonlight, so very important to bring a flashlight. Warm clothes are important for the cold weather up there while climbing. Just be safe and have fun on the way up for great features of Mount Agung.
There are some recognized trails for Gunung Agung. From the west or Besakih temple will take around 6 to 7 hours. The climb should start around 11 pm to reach the peak before the sunrise occurs. Climbing from this side is tough. The way up is difficult however the way down would be a lot easier. This trail will reach the top of the mountain which offers a 360-degree beautiful view all over the place including the view of Mount Rinjani in Lombok (Eastern part) and the volcanoes in Java Island (Western part).