Gunung Agung Attractions 
Gunung Agung
There are various routes to the summit of Gunung Agung, Bali's highest mountain and the abode of Shiva, not only from Besakih but also from Amlapura (about 6 hours) and Sebudi, near Selat (about 7 hours). In this section only the south-westerly route from Besakih is described. This is for fit climbers only, for since there are no mountain huts in which to spend the night it is necessary to do the ascent and descent in one day (at night and in the early morning it can be decidedly cold!).
Stout footwear, weatherproof clothing and sufficient supplies of food and water are essential.
On this volcanic terrain it is dangerous to leave the signposted route, and even experienced climbers should take a local guide.
A very early start is advisable, preferably about 2am. Good climbers will take between six and nine hours for the ascent; the descent takes at least five hours. The climb begins at the principal temple in the Pura Besakih. The first part, through dense forest, is relatively gentle, but later it becomes much steeper. After about five hours a rock wall known as the Kori Agung and regarded as the gateway to the summit region is reached. From here it is another two or three hours to the rim of the crater, the walls of which drop steeply down for up to 100 m (330 ft). This even more strenuous climb is rewarded by fascinating views over much of the island.
There are various routes to the summit of Gunung Agung, Bali's highest mountain and the abode of Shiva, not only from Besakih but also from Amlapura (about 6 hours) and Sebudi, near Selat (about 7 hours). In this section only the south-westerly route from Besakih is described. This is for fit climbers only, for since there are no mountain huts in which to spend the night it is necessary to do the ascent and descent in one day (at night and in the early morning it can be decidedly cold!).
Stout footwear, weatherproof clothing and sufficient supplies of food and water are essential.
On this volcanic terrain it is dangerous to leave the signposted route, and even experienced climbers should take a local guide.
A very early start is advisable, preferably about 2am. Good climbers will take between six and nine hours for the ascent; the descent takes at least five hours. The climb begins at the principal temple in the Pura Besakih. The first part, through dense forest, is relatively gentle, but later it becomes much steeper. After about five hours a rock wall known as the Kori Agung and regarded as the gateway to the summit region is reached. From here it is another two or three hours to the rim of the crater, the walls of which drop steeply down for up to 100 m (330 ft). This even more strenuous climb is rewarded by fascinating views over much of the island.
