Renown for breathtaking beaches and mysterious temples, Bali is an exotic tropical destination. While Bali’s most famous outdoor activity would be a day lounging along the beach, further inland lie the exciting trail up Bali’s most famous active volcano, Mount Agung. Situated in the Karangasem district in Eastern Bali, the majestic Mount Agung is the backdrop for many beautiful hotels including Alila Manggis.
Measuring a height of 3142 meters, Mount Agung is Bali’s tallest mountain and fifth tallest volcano in Indonesia. It is also one of the island’s holiest sites with the Balinese belief that it is a replica of the mythical 5 peaked Mount Meru that is at the centre of the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universe according to the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist faiths. Found along the slopes of Mount Agung is the sacred Mother Temple Pura Besakih which miraculously survived a fatal volcanic eruption in 1963. Although there are multiple trails that lead to the summit of Mount Agung, the shortest trek is a five hour journey that is challenging and yet rewarding as the breathtaking views of Eastern Bali countryside unravels around you. To reach the summit of Mount Agung in time for sunrise, it is advised that you leave your Ubud Boutique Hotel Bali at 1.00 a.m and head to Pura Besakih to begin the uphill trek to Mount Agung’s peak.
Although the trail itself is safe enough to be journeyed alone, it is best to travel in groups accompanied by an experienced guide. The uphill journey begins with an offering at Pura Besakih before the trail leads you through a jungle as you embark on the six hour climb to the volcano’s peak. An alternative route up Mount Agung takes you past Pasar Agung Temple along a shorter trail. Nevertheless, the view from atop Mount Agung is worth the arduous journey with sweeping views of the East Bali, the neighbouring islands of Lombok and Nusa Penida and the startling 2300-foot wide crater of Mount Agung bound to leave you mesmerized.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.