The majestic Mount Agung is Bali’s highest mountain, towering over 3000 metres above sea level; it has a huge spiritual significance to locals as it is believed to be the home to the mother temple of Besakih. Classified as a stratovolcano, it last erupted in the early 1960’s and is still active, with occasional smoke and ash spewing from the large deep crater. Mount Agung or Gunung Agung, as it’s known in Bali, attracts thousands of adventure seekers every year who dream of hiking to the peak of this sacred mountain.
The climb to the peak is rough and not for the faint hearted, there are two challenging routes and depending on which is taken, hikers in good physical condition can summit in about 4 hours from the Pasar Agung Temple starting point which leads to the southern peak, and 7 hours from the Besakih Temple which leads to the highest western peak. Most hikers stay in a nearby Candidasa hotel like the Alila Manggis, and then set out at night for the mountain, reaching the summit in time to watch a spectacular sunrise.
Climbing with an experienced guide is advised, plus, a guide can help you explore the spiritual aspects of the mountain. Both temples have long and deeply spiritual histories. Pasar Agung Temple is one of Bali’s nine directional temples which is said to protect the island from evil spirits whilst the Besakih Temple is considered the mother temple of Bali and the most significant, holiest and largest temple on the whole island. Even if you don’t plan on climbing Mount Agung, you should still consider making a visit to these magnificent temples. Once you reach the summit and you’re lucky enough to have clear skies, it is also possible to see the peak of Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok, from the summit of Mount Agung.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.