Description of the attraction
Gunung Agung Volcano is the highest point in Bali and a sacred place for every inhabitant. Many legends and secrets are associated with the volcano, which the local population passes on from mouth to mouth. According to one of them, the mountain was created when the Hindu god Pasupati severed Mount Meru and formed Gunung Agung from its part.
The height of the volcano is 3,142 meters above sea level, its top is crowned by a crater measuring 520 x 375 meters, still emitting smoke and ash into the atmosphere, reminding of its activity, and at the foot of the cascade is the Besakih Temple - the main temple complex in Bali.
Only 4 eruptions of this volcano in history have been recorded, the last of which occurred in 1963-1964, causing enormous damage to the Balinese: 2000 people died, thousands of houses were destroyed. It was one of the largest eruptions in the world in the 20th century. It is noteworthy that the Besakih temple remained practically intact.
An expedition to the volcano is considered an easy climbing route, but such an ascent is not an easy job for an unprepared person. For the convenience of climbing, you can hire a guide who will show you the most beautiful viewpoints on the mountain and tell you about the historical and religious features of the volcano. The ascent to the top will take about 6 hours, so the route should be calculated in such a way as to be at the top of the mountain before 7-8 in the morning - so you will have the opportunity to see the famous Balinese landscapes, painted with dawn rays, or at least until noon - then the clouds are not yet will have time to gather around the summit, blocking the view.
There are several routes along which you can go to the top: from the south through Klungkung and Chandidasa, from the east through Tirta-Gangga and Karangasem (with the most impressive views of the sea coast) and from the west through the village of Besakih.
It is important to know that climbing the volcano is prohibited during religious ceremonies, so make sure in advance that there will be no religious holiday in Indonesia during your scheduled visit to the mountain.
