Mount Agung Sunrise Trekking Via Besakih Temple

Mount Agung, towering over 3000 metres above sea level, has an immense spiritual significance to the Balinese people and is home to the mother temple of Besakih. According to a Balinese legend, Agung was created when the Hindu God Pasupati split Mount Meru and formed Mount Agung with a fragment.

You do not need to be one of the most excellent mountain climbers in the world, but complete amateurs or those who already get out of breath climbing the stairs up to their flat should think twice before going on this adventure trek.

Standing majestically on the eastern seaboard of Bali is the island’s highest mountain: Gunung Agung or Mount Agung, located in the district of Karangasem. With its summit reaching a height of 3,142 meters above sea level, Mount Agung affects its surrounding climate. Its western slopes catch the rain clouds making the west side lush and fertile, while its eastern slopes remain dry and barren.

The Balinese believe that Mount Agung is the abode of the gods, and the volcano, therefore, is revered as sacred. On this mountain, the mother of all temples in Bali is located, called Pura Besakih. Entering the temple, one has to climb hundreds of steps before reaching the main gate. But, fortunately, other staircases with easier climbs are available to make it easier for women carrying high mountains of offerings on their heads to reach the temple.

The best time to visit Besakih is at Galungan celebrations, when the entire entrance and temple is beautifully decorated with tall bamboo poles, coconut leaves, and flowers. In contrast, hundreds of women in a neat row gracefully bear piles of colourful fruits and flowers offerings on their heads in their best white costume. While commanding protectively in the background of the temple looms Mount Agung. This is indeed a spectacle never to be forgotten.

Although Mt. Agung inspires peace and tranquillity, nonetheless, after 100 years of slumber, on 17 March 1963, the volcano burst violently, spewing ash and volcanic materials 8 to 10 km high into the air while pyroclastic clouds rolled down all sides of the mountain. Over a thousand people perished that day. And the entire surrounding down to Kintamani was blanketed for months in deep grey ash. But surprisingly, the ash brought fertility, and large sweet potatoes grew from the volcanic material.

Today, however, the landscape has turned green and fertile again, and Mt. Agung has become a challenging mountain to climb. There are two trails that trekkers may follow, the steepest and most difficult being the trail right by Pura Besakih.

ITINERARY

09.00 – 09.30 PM pick up at your hotel, depend on where you stay in Bali.
11:00 PM Arrival at Besakih Temple starting point.
11:15 PM Begin our trek to the summit and sunrise point.
06:00 AM Arrival at the summit, where we witness the spectacular view and sunrise.
07:30 AM Begin our descent to the finishing point of our trek.
12:00 PM Arrival at starting point and boarding car

What to Bring / Travel Tips :

• You can wear strapped sandals or shoes, though having your feet covered is much preferable for safety and comfort
• Wear comfortable T-shirt and shorts / long pants
• Warm jacket
• Backpack for your belongings
• Towel, insect repellent, sunblock lotion, and camera (at your own risk)

Prohibitions & Limitations :

• Know your limits and capabilities, you should be considerably physically fit to take part in this activity
• Not suitable for people who have heart problem, asthma

Additional Information :

• Itinerary is subjected to weather conditions
• Rest assured that you will be accompanied by experienced facilitators and guides throughout the way in case you are in need of any assistance