Mount Agung
The Balinese believe that Mount Agung is a replica of Mount Meru, the central axis of the universe. One legend holds that the mountain is a fragment of Meru brought to Bali by the 1st Hindus. The most important temple on Bali, Pura Besakih, is located high on the slopes of Gunung Agung.
Gunung Agung last erupted in 1963-1964 and is still active, with a large and very deep crater which occasionally belches smoke and ash. From a distance, the mountain appears to be perfectly conical, despite the existence of the large crater.From the peak of the mountain, it is possible to see the peak of Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok, although both mountains are frequently covered in clouds.
The lava flows missed, sometimes by mere yards, the Mother Temple of Besakih. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected.Guides are available in Besakih and also in Pura Pasar Agung. The mountain can also be climbed without a guide. The climb from Besakih is quite tough. It is sometimes tackled as a single climb generally starting about 10 p.m. for a dawn arrival at the peak and sometimes with an overnight camp about three quarters of the way up. The climb from Pura Pasar Agung generally starts around 2:30 a.m. for a dawn arrival. It is far harder than the more popular Balinese climb up Gunung Batur. It isn't a mountain that needs ropes and not quite high enough for altitude sickness, but adverse weather conditions develop quickly and warm waterproof clothing is required and should be carried. A dawn arrival at the top is recommended in order to avoid clouds that typically cover the top from approximately 9 a.m. onwards. There is no water available along the route.
For the Besakih route proceed through the temple complex then continue on a path that travels continuously upwards on a steep narrow spur through open forest and jungle most of the way. There is little potential to get lost until the route opens up towards the top where the correct route doubles backwards. Many climbers miss this turn and continue up a small valley which can be climbed out of with some difficulty.
Related Sites for Mount Agung
- Mount Agung - Bali - Reviews of Mount Agung - … read Mount Agung
- Mount Agung and Pura Besakih - Indonesia - Sacred Destinations read Mount Agung
- Agung Volcano, Bali (Indonesia) - facts & information ... read Mount Agung
- Mount Agung - Review of Mount Agung, Bali, … read Mount Agung
