Ascent of Mount Agung

Mount Agung is Bali's highest and most sacred mountain. At 3,142 m its peak can be seen from right across the island and the Hindu population all line their beds toward it and sleep with their heads pointing in its direction as a sign of respect. The last major eruption was in 1963 but the crater often still smokes and billows. Bali's Mother Temple of Besakih is built high on the slopes and it was considered miraculous that lava flows from the 1963 eruption missed the temple and this added to the importance of the mountain.

You have a very early start today as your guide collects you from the hotel lobby at around 1am (timings could vary) for the one-hour road journey up into the foothills of Mount Agung. Your starting point is at Pasar Agung temple just north of the village of Selat. Once past the village market you will start the mountain trail through a pine forest where the going is steep but steady — there are several trails here so don't wander away from your guide! After around one hour the trees rapidly thin out and you will start on the final ascent — a two to three hour climb on solidified lava. This can be loose in places and slippery when wet but with appropriate footwear and your guide keeping you on the right track should not be a problem. The sunrise is quite an amazing sight and to have climbed to this point is a fantastic achievement. Watch the sun light up the skies as you look east to the island of Lombok and see the shadows slowly crossing the volcanic crater below you. The colors and the panorama are simply breathtaking so make sure you bring your camera! Spend as long as you like at the top before making your way back down to Selat (watch your step on the steep descent!) where your car will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Light refreshments as well as trekking gear including head torch, walking stick and warm jacket are provided today.