Mount Agung is an active volcano located on the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia. It is southeast of another famed volcano, Mount Batur. Mount Agung is the highest point in Bali and stands at 9944 feet high. Interestingly, Mount Agung was created by the ash of previously erupted volcanoes that produced volcanic ash, pyroclastic debris, and andesite lava, forming what’s now the most beautiful and intense hike in all of Bali. Additionally and most importantly, climbers must be aware that there are many sacred things in Bali including mountains, as the Balinese believe mountains are homes to the Gods.
For those brave enough to take this dangerous trek up to paradise, being prepared is the only way to survive. Staying away from clear signs that Mount Agung is about to erupt again, as the eruptions can present a number of volcanic hazards to those vacationing and who live near the mountain. Many travelers flock to these volcanoes to see what has been created and how the island was affected. In fact, most recently, the eruptions from 2018 created more than 12,000 feet of ash clouds which forced the Ngurah Rai International Airport to close.
However, considering all the dangers, for those still brave enough to make the four-hour-long hike up Mount Agung will definitely be created with the most breathtaking and liberating view of Bali from above the clouds.
Hikers Aren’t Supported With Harnesses (Even During The Most Dangerous Leg Of The Trek)
For all you cool cats and adventurers, this hike is for you. The Mount Agung hike has three levels of intensity in order to get to the top. The first leg has a dirt path that encircles a thick green forest with exotic animals and birds. It’s also the easiest, but still very physically demanding. During the second leg of the hike, hikers will also notice that it’s the longest and most tiring. It is made entirely out of enormous boulders which force hikers to take large steps in order to reach the next one. This portion is also difficult for the most active rock climber. Lastly, the third leg is the most dangerous and steepest of them all. Hikers are forced to climb the mountain on all fours without being tied to a harness or security rope.
Even though much of this hike is across large boulders and spans across acres of trees at a high altitude, hikers dare this trek unprotected from a complete free fall. Mount Agung stands at over three thousand meters above Bali’s sea level. This hike ranges between three to seven hours depending on which point of entry is used. It’s definitely a trudge for adrenaline seekers.
Get Ready To Start Climbing At 2:30 AM In The Complete Darkness
For alpinists looking to finish their climb with the view of a beautiful sunrise, climbers are forced to start at 2:30 in the morning if they are entering from Pasar Agung and even 11:30 the evening before if they are beginning their trek from Besakih Temple. Despite entering from either entrance, all hikers must climb Mount Agung in complete darkness for a great majority of the way. It’s only until the last leg of the hike, the third tier, where the moon slowly begins to set and an early morning light begins to form.
In order to reach Bali’s highest point in the dark, all hikers must be equipped with night-vision lights and headlamps. It’s important to know which rock to climb and which brand to step over in order for hikers not to free-fall to the ground. As the sunrise hike begins so early, all hikers face the difficult internal question of “Do I sleep before or stay awake?” Many hikers are said to hike on no-sleep at all, making this the ultimate twilight zone for them.
Altitude Sickness Is A Real Thing - And It’s Scary
Even though you may not feel thirsty, it’s important to drink before, during, and after hiking. And while many may realize that this means frequent bathroom breaks along the way, they fail to understand that altitude sickness is the real deal, especially for Mount Agung. Many internet websites mention that altitude sickness does not pose a risk to hikers, however many climbers have noted that they absolutely felt ill during their climb to the top. Many have experienced feeling cold, dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting which is caused by a high-intensity physical activity at an above-normal altitude with extreme dehydration as well.
In order to avoid feeling sick and possibly being unable to finish the climb, it’s important to carry and drink water frequently. To keep the positivity flowing through your climbing veins, it’s also best to climb Mount Agung with friends in order to have a strong emotional and physical support system.
Pak Nyoman Is The Hiking Expert
Many hikers do climb with a plan, a few friends and family members, and their backpack of supplies and snacks. Although, others prefer an experienced climber to follow. For those looking for an experienced guide to give you the easiest and most entertaining adventure to the summit, many refer to Pak Nyoman to guide them. His prices are low for the tour to the top that he is offering. His prices range anywhere from Rp. 600,000 and Rp 850,000 which is equivalent to $56 to $80 for groups of up to four. Unfortunately, this price excludes transportation to the mountain. Pak Nyoman does offer transportation to the mountain. Additionally, he will carry food and drinks to the top in order for his climbers to be able to eat breakfast once they reach the point. Most importantly, Pak Nyoman has climbed Mount Agung roughly three hundred times, sometimes back to back.
For those who would like to be guided by another individual, many tour guides can be found at the bottom point of Mount Agung, or else there are other individuals who offer their services online.
There’s A Hindu Shrine Located At The Top Of The Volcanic Crater
Mount Agung is a threatening volcano that has erupted a number in the times in the last few years. Moreover, it is also the most sacred mountain on the island. It is the mountain that divides Bali into two parts - Northern and Southern. The Balinese believe that mountains are the dwellings of the Gods and for that reason, they have a bigger respect for mountains than most countries. However, Mount Agung is said to be the home to the Mahadewa who is believed to be the supreme manifestation of Lord Shiva. Additionally, most believe that once Lord Shiva will become angry with the people, it will erupt the mountain which will cause mass destruction to the island.
For those reasons, locals hiked to the top of Mount Agung and placed a sacred shrine at the top of the volcanic crater in order to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. Additionally, they ask climbers to stay silent at the top as many individuals take the dangerous trek to get closer to their religion and Gods.