Mount Agung is a volcano in East Bali.  It is the island’s highest point (measuring 3,142 meters from the ground) and Indonesia’s fifth highest peak.  Mount Agung holds both spiritual and biological importance to the people of Bali.

Many in Bali believe that Mount Agung was created by the Hindu God Pasupati when he split Mount Meru (the center of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes in Hindu and Buddhist cosmologies) and a fragment of it became Mount Agung.  The volcano’s spiritual importance is further highlighted by the presence of Besakih Temple on the southern slopes of Mount Agung.  The fourteenth century Hindu temple is the most important and biggest in all of Bali.

Mount Agung is still active, with its last eruption occurring in 1963.  It was one of the biggest eruptions recorded during the 20th century.  Historical data on the volcano’s past eruptions are sketchy at best, but the second last eruption definitely occurred sometime in the 1820’s.

The area surrounding the mountain is interesting.  Clouds come from the west, so rainfall occurs much more frequently on that side of the mountain, resulting in a green and lush area on the west side.  There are hardly any clouds on the other side, resulting in a barren area east of the mountain.

At the lower sections of the volcano, lush forests and humid temperatures dominate.  The higher one goes up, the more barren and dry the environment becomes.  This is a result of volcanic rock and accumulation of ash from previous eruptions.

What makes Mount Agung a challenge to climb is its quick change in weather conditions and lack of water along the way.  Many start their journey in the evening for a sunrise arrival at the peak in a single climb.  Others may opt to set up camp along the way.  There are three trekking routes at Mount Agung, ranging from difficult (the west route which may take 7 hours to complete), a moderate alternative (the south route which ascends 2,000 meters and may take up to four hours to complete) and a route suited for beginners on the north side.  One thing is for certain.  No matter which route one takes, a beautiful and scenic view is definitely waiting at the top.

Mount Agung is certainly one of the must-visits in Bali.  Our Bali Explorer tour will take you to Besakih Temple on the western slopes of Mount Agung as well as the island’s lesser known attractions and hidden gems.  From Candidasa to Lovina, to Munduk to Ubud, this package is perfect if you are interested in stepping away from the tourist crowds and are looking to seek out the island’s culture.  See our suggested Indonesia tours page and Indonesia day trips page for other memorable trips into this vast and varied country.