05:10 Mount Agung is the highest peak of Bali island, topping at 3031m
Bali is Volcanic island with many beautiful sandy beaches and also multiple Volcanic mountains, some of which are still rather active. Mount Agung is the highest peak of Bali island, topping at 3031m (or 3142m or 3148m – different sources) from sea level. Ofcourse we wanted to see what is all the fuzz about, and climb this giant, standing tall in the south-east corner of island.
Do I need to be super fit?
You do not need to do any special preparation or training before this hike, as it is relatively easy if you are decently fit. Although be warned – if you have knee problems, we would suggest using trekking poles to ease stress from your knees.
Where to find good trek organizer?
Can I do it myself? Unfortunately you can’t do this trek on your own, as guide is mandatory – I’m not sure if it is the law or just local „mountain mafia“, but you can’t enter without guide (unless you find an alternative entry route up to temple). Many tours offer transportation from your accommodation to Agung and back, but with a rather steep price tag of 700 000 idr or 50€. You can rent motorcycle for2-5€ per day and find very nice homestay just 15 minutes drive from Agung for 14€, which makes a lot more sense to me budget wise and you have nice day between rice fields. Ofcourse driving scooter for 2-3 hours there and especially back after exhausting hike, will be sketchy, but doable.
http://darthamountagungtrekking.com/
We can highly recommend our guide 🙂
Our guide was happy, helpful and talkative. She pushed us through, to not give up.
What to bring?
Drinking water, head torch, some snacks and warm clothes (optional: trekking poles, gloves) – but as lightweight as possible. Your guide will have some snacks and tea for you also, but not enough for a full size man. At night time it is also very cold, especially near the top – As we travel lightweight through SE Asia, we did not have enough clothes and got really cold, luckily our guide was girl and could share some of her warm clothes with Veronica 🙂
Different routes
There are three different routes up to Mount Agung, first of them is shortest and most popular (same we did), but you can even camp at the half way on mountain for one night.
Read more about different routes
allmighty Mount Agung
You can make as many stops as needed, but don’t take too long, you might miss sunrise.
Your trek will start 2.00 at the night, registration and meeting up with your guide at starting point, just minutes from Pura Pasar Agung Temple. Most of the way up, you will be climbing in complete darkness, using only your headlight and sixth sense. Climbing up is rather steep and landscape changes from lush forest to volcanic rocky rubble in the end. After you cross the cloud line, you will most likely have a cool night view of all over the Bali, with bigger cities glowing in lights.
You can make as many stops as needed, but don’t take too long. Try to keep slow and steady tempo, that you can enjoy the trek, but still reach to the top before sunrise at around 6.00. Last, but not least – Do not give up! Cold and exhaustion will sneak in, and in the darkness you could feel like giving up, but don’t. The view up there is worth it 🙂
You will have some rather dangerous climbing strips, but nothing insuperable with common sense. Getting up there you will be greeted by about million other freezing climbers, waiting for the sun to shine a ray of warmth on them. Yes, it is very popular and touristic trek, but you will find a spot to sit, have a cup of tea and wait for the amazing spectacle of nature.
Now enjoy the moment!
Views from top are scenic 🙂
Going down is the same route, but in daylight – You can see the horrific road you just climbed up, edged by steep cliffs. Seems a lot more dangerous than at night. You should get back down before 10.00, as the weather in the mountain usually turns to worse afterwards.
I would list this as one of the must do things in Bali. It is reasonably priced, will give you beautiful memories and of course little exercise never hurt anybody 🙂
Total cost of blimb:
Guide fee: 1 000 000 idr or 70€ (2 persons)Scooter retnal: 1.5€ per 24/h
Petrol for scooter: About 15 000 idr per tank 🙂
Accommodation near Aguna: 200 000 idr or 14€
Total for 2 persons: 85€ + food