The highest mountain on the island of Bali
Climbing the highest mountain and at the same time the volcano of the island of Bali is an unconventional trip that you can take on the island. There are several paths to the top of the volcano, but the most popular are two. A longer journey of about 8 hours starting at the Besakih temple complex or a shorter journey of about 4 hours starting at Pura Pasar temple. We will take a shorter journey.
Start of the route
The hike to Mount Agung volcano starts early in the morning and in the dark. It usually departs at 2 hours from the car park at Pura Pasar Agung. You will be greeted by local packers in the car park and asked to sleep in the guest book. You can go to Mount Agung yourself, join a group or choose the safest option by hiring your own private guide. Care must be taken to really take you to Mount Agung, as travel agents like to confuse the highest mountain with Mount Batur.
Ascent at night
To climb at night, it is necessary to have a good headlamp and sturdy shoes. Temperatures can drop in higher positions and it's a good idea to have at least a warm sweatshirt or jacket with you. In case of fog or stronger wind, you will also need warmer clothes. The ascent itself at night is not very interesting. In the first part it penetrates the forest, in the later phase the vegetation is thin. When we get to the parts where there are only rocks, it starts to dawn slowly. The whole route to the top is quite challenging and the terrain is steep.
The first rays
The first rays reach the very top of Mount Agung volcano, where you can get a longer route from another side.
Sunrise
The sunrise from the top is very impressive. At the top you will meet several groups of other tourists. Guides will offer you tea and sometimes snacks.
View of the crater
The crater of this volcano is huge and deep. The rocks in the area have many colors and structures, so it is an amazing feast for the eyes of many observers.
Temples
During your trip to Bali, you will surely understand that temples are everywhere. Even at the top of Mount Agung volcano, it is no different. Statues of Hindu figures surrounded by burning sticks give the place a spiritual character.
Landscape view
The views from the top of Mount Agung are spectacular. The most prominent is the green valley directly below the volcano full of variously structured canyons.
View of the top
View of the top of Mount Agung.
Descent from Mount Agung
As usual, the descent from Mount Agung volcano is much more difficult than the ascent. Maybe it's also because we can't see where we have to go with a vest in the dark.
Rocks
As we descend, we can see many rock formations and places that we did not see at all during the night ascent. As if we were going somewhere else entirely.
Cumulative clouds
Clouds form beneath the mountain, and a storm or fog may form before we descend completely.
Dry bushes
As we descend to the edge of the forest, we can see the many dry shrubs and trees that are suffering here, thanks to the local climate, where the mountain prevents heavy rainfall.
Road through the rocks
When a person goes up in the dark, he does not realize that the slope is as exposed as when he goes down.
Jungle
When we finally get to the jungle belt, we will have amazing views of the huge ferns and other tropical plants that live here. It's a beautiful feast for the eyes.
Pura Pasar Agung
When we finally get back to the Pura Pasar Agung temple, we have the worst behind us. The temple is relatively newly built and can be seen, especially if you came with a guide. There were also several campers with tents in front of the church.
Stairs to the temple
Stairs to the temple from the parking lot, which we walked in the dark in the morning.
Parking under Pura Pasar Agung
We will definitely walk to the car park tired and the locals know it. Offer you fresh fruits or souvenirs.
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