- Location: Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia
- Height: 3142 m
- The last eruption: 1963.
- The diameter of the crater: 520 X 375 m
- Depth of the crater: 200 m
Bali Island in Indonesia , which has won the love of millions of tourists from all over the world, is known as one of the best places to relax in Southeast Asia. The main feature of this tropical paradise is a unique combination of modern attractions with a rich past and a great cultural heritage, and the wild nature of the island is considered unique and attracts the attention of researchers and ordinary people for thousands of years. Among the variety of entertainment that Bali can offer to a foreign guest, the most interesting and even a little dangerous is the excursion to the Agung volcano, which we will discuss in more detail later in this article.
Interesting Facts
Volcano Agung in Bali (height - 3142 m) - this is the largest mountain of the island and its highest point. It is located in the Karangasem region in the east and has a significant impact on the climate in the whole region. The crater, relatively large and deep (520x375 m), unlike many other volcanoes , is completely devoid of vegetation. Another interesting fact about the landmark is related to the legend: the locals consider Gunung Agung an exact replica of the sacred Mount Meru in Buddhism, which is perceived as the center of all universes. It is believed that the fragments of Meru were brought to the island by the first Hindus many centuries ago.
Mount Agung in Bali is an active stratovolcano, which has devastated thousands of lives with its destructive power. The last eruption occurred in the middle of the 20th century, resulting in more than 1,100 deaths, 300 serious injuries, and their houses completely destroyed. Since then, a small amount of volcanic activity has been observed several times, but eruptions have not been repeated.
Ascent to the Agung volcano
Mount Gunung Agung, despite the danger (until now from its crater there are sometimes significant emissions of smoke and sulfur), is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bali. To date, there are only 2 main routes that allow you to climb to the top:
- Through the temple Pasar Agung. This path allows you to overcome about 2000 m in 3-4 hours. Despite the fact that the route ends 100 m to the top of the mountain, wonderful landscapes are still guaranteed. The trek begins around 2: 00-2: 30 at night, with the expectation of meeting the magical sunrise at your destination. If you are traveling unaccompanied by a guide, you will first need to find a path through which you will climb from the temple. To do this, climb up from the parking lot along the stone stairs to the gates of the inner temple, turn left and continue walking until the road turns into a wide path.
- Through the temple of Besakih . Climbing the volcano Agung in Bali along the hiking trail from Besakikh temple (the most important shrine of the island) is a rather difficult climb, taking about 6-7 hours. Unlike the previous route, the end point is the mountain top, however, it is the last hour that is considered to be the heaviest and requiring a good physical preparation (on some stretches of the path you will even need to move on all fours). If you wish to meet the dawn already at the top, you will have to start the road at 23.00, although for lovers of a late nap there is one more tour starting at 4:00.
Practical tips
The ascent to the top of one of the main natural attractions of Bali is impossible without special preparation. When planning a trip, pay attention to such important points as:
- Season. The best period for climbing the Agung volcano is from April to November. During the rainy season (especially in winter - in January and February) bad weather conditions are dangerous even for professional climbers. Remember that the mountain climate is very variable, therefore, before the start of the hike, be sure to check the forecast of the weather forecasters.
- Clothing. Since the climb to the top of Mount Agung can not be called easy, ordinary sneakers will not be enough. Choose strong, non-slip shoes in specialized sports stores. Most excursions take place at night, when the climate in the mountains is severe enough, so be sure to bring a windbreak or a waterproof jacket.
- Equipment. Even if you go camping with a group and a guide, be sure to carry with yourself the essentials: a first aid kit, a compass, a working mobile phone with a local SIM card, a spare battery, a GPS compass and a map.
- Food. The road to the top of the mountain and back as a whole takes from 8 to 15 hours, so it is necessary to worry about food in advance (sandwiches, fresh fruit) and water (tea, coffee). Do not forget to drink enough fluids - because of the elevation, mountain sickness can occur.
How to get there?
The overwhelming majority of tourists prefer a special excursion tour, the cost of which usually includes travel from any hotel in Bali to the starting point of the route and back (in time the road takes one to two hours). Many travelers come to the island just for the sake of such an adventure, so immediately after it ends go back to the airport.
If you are confident in your abilities and plan to conquer the peak of Agung on your own, pay attention to the following ways of travel:
- Rent a bike / scooter. Even without knowing the English language at a good level, you can get to the mountain. The country road that leads to the volcano is quite meandering, but comfortable, and along the way there are always small refuellings and shops with everything you need. You can rent a vehicle directly at the airport or in the nearest city to Agungu - Klungkung.
- Bemos. Small buses "Bemos" today are not the most popular mode of transport in Indonesia , but still used by locals for movement. They are best served in the morning, but keep in mind that there is a transfer between Klungkung and Besakiy temple, which you should know in advance from the driver.