Mount Agung Sunrise Trekking
This is definitely the hardest, but truly exciting and beautiful, trek there is in Bali. The active stratovolcano Mount Agung, or Gunung Agung, is the holiest mountain in Bali and believed to be the home of Gods.
You will trek through the wild tropical Bali jungle, see vast fields full of volcanic rocks and lava until you reach the dominant of Bali’s landscape and island’s highest peak, elevated in the 3,031 meters above the sea level. There are two ways to climb the mountain. Both are challenging, although one more than the other.
Learn more about Mount Agung Sunrise Trekking
Starts from Pasar Agung temple and takes approximately 3 – 4 hours one way. This route ends about 100 meters below the actual summit of Mount Agung. Nonetheless, the views are still stunning, and the challenge is considerable.
Starts from the Mother Temple Besakih and we strongly recommend it for experienced hikers in good shape. The trek takes 5 – 7 hours one way and ends at the very top of the mountain.
Whatever route you take, from the top of Mount Agung you will witness a sunrise like none you have ever seen. You will be able to gaze at the entire island of Bali, as well as the neighboring islands of Lombok with the Mount Rinjani and Nusa Penida. From both endpoints, you will be able to see into the crater itself.
- Local people regularly bring here offerings in terms of flowers and hard-boiled eggs to keep it calm and quiet.
- Balinese call Mount Agung “navel of the world” and they perceive it as the very center of the universe.
- Even the Northside is not set as in the rest of the world but determined based on the location of Agung. Balinese perceive the concept of the north as “up” – the place where the gods reside. Therefore, in their mind, the north always points towards the mountain.
- There is a temple just below the slopes of the volcano called Besakih. Even when there was a danger of eruptions, locals refused to follow the orders and still attended the ceremony despite the warnings.
- Some of the ceremonies dedicated to volcano end up with local ladies carrying hot coals in their bare hands.
- The most important ceremony is meant to purify the purify the world and it held every 100 years. The next one is expected to happen in 2063.
- If there is an important ceremony happening, hikers are prohibited to do the volcano trekking. This happens the most during the April.
- When it comes to fauna and flora, the inhabitants of Agung’s forested slopes are macaque monkeys and wild pigs. There are also chances to see eagles and hawks.
- Agung influences climate in Bali. The mountain is the reason why east of the island is full of lush vegetation while some parts in the east are dry.
- According to a legend, Agung was created as one of the Hindu gods hit Mount Meru with his axis and its fragment turned into a volcano.
- Good trekking shoes
- Jumper and a scarf (the temperature can drop to 6 – 12°C)
- Long pants
- Extra clothes for change
- Extra water
- Hat and sunscreen
- Camera
- Return transport to our resort in Padangbai
- Flashlight
- Trekking guide
- Breakfast and lunch