Mount Agung

The volcano is rising ten thousand feet (3.142 m) from the sea level. Its hight dominates the island’s easterly views. This magestic mountain is by Balinese considered sacred.When viewed from Sanur or from Kuta at sunset it is  deeply etched against the sky and looming over the alluring landscape.

The Balinese have long highly regarded their mountains, and mount Aging is considered the holiest of all. They visit Agung with a variety of intentions, from conquering its great hight, paying tribute to the power of  a still active volcano to visiting the ancient and most holy temple of Besakih which is located three thousand feet up on the south western part. Whatever intentions are on your head, you will discover that the power of this holy mountain draws you into its majestic and mistery.

Mount Agung is one of many volcanoes in Indonesia which last erupted in 1963. Its eruption caused great loss of life and extensive destruction. Besides forcing people to seek other ways of living, strangely they found that the eruption provided them blessing in the way of construction materials that contributed to the building of houses, hotels, roads and other infrastructures as well as fertile volcanic ashes for agriculture.

Today, this mountain has become one of Bali’s most important tourist destinations. Parts of the slope are lush and fertile lands with rice paddies emerald, driving routes with picturesque panoramas, or exotic tropical rainforest with a variety of tropical plants, fruits and spices.

There are two different ways  to do a visit to the mountain. One is to visit the temple either as a pilgrimage or as a tourist. The other one is to go trekking to the mountain

Things to see:

The mountain. This Bali’s highest and most revered mountain is accessable by two famous ascending routes. One is via the temple of Pasar Agung, and the other one is via Pura Besakih. You can reach the summit via Pasar Agung  in three hours. Normally the departure time from Kuta or Sanur is at 12.00 midnight. It takes longer time to reach the summit  via Besakih. The ultimate climb starts at midnight to make you reach the summit in time for the most amazing sunrise. Torches and strong comfortable shoes are mandatory, while the need for a light jacket and a scarf is necessary.

Caution:

Don’t weigh yourself down too much

Be sure to maintain hydration as the height of the climb can cause altitude sickness for some climber

The temple: Pura Besakih is an 8th century temple, built by Rsi Markandya.  The temple was built at a sacred village now known as Besakih village. Perched nearly 1000 metres from the sea level, the temple complex contains a central temple along with its twenty-one other temples that all together make up the largest temple complex in Bali. The architectural complexity of the ttemple provides stimulating and thought-provoking inspirations on the slope of the mountain. Now, in addition to be Bali’s most important temple, Besakih is also the Balinese mother temple where every district in Bali has its own shrine at Besakih.