Mount Agung
Believed in Bali as the place of Gods, Mount Agung or Gunung Agung in Bali is the holiest and highest mountain of the island. It is also an active volcano with a devastating eruption as late as 1963. The 3141 meters tall Mount Agung is also considered sacred because the most sacred temple of Bali, the Mother Temple of Besakih is located on top of the slope of Mount Agung. The long, difficult and risky route can be attempted by adventurous trekkers with the help of a guide between the months of July and October.
History of the Mountain and the temple
The temple narrowly missed the lava flow during the active volcanic eruption in 1963. This is one reason why the temple is considered part of a miracle by the Balinese. The temple was built way back in 1000 AD as a terraced temple dedicated to Besakih, the dragon god. In 15th century, the rulers made it the state temple of Geigel Kiungkung and the temple is still funded by governments. According to Balinese legend, Mount Agung itself was created when Pasupati, the Hindu god, split Mount Meru considered as the universe’s spiritual axis and one of the fragments was used to create the mountain. The temple itself is considered to be the only Hindu temple where Hindus of all castes can worship. One can also visit 18 sanctuaries built around the 3 temples of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
What is there for tourists?
Mount Agung and the sacred temples are one of the most famous tourist attractions of Bali. The temple has ascending stairs with a split gate to the main temple courtyard. The central shrine of Pura Panataran Agung is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, the Hindu Trinity. The Pura Kiduling Kreteg flies red banners for Brahma, Pura Batu Mddeg, flies black banners for Vishnu and Pura Panataran Agung in the center flies white banners for Lord Shiva. The temple is open between 8 and 5 in the evening while some temple courtyards are closed for visitors for the sake of worship.
Climate and Surroundings
The mountain has some diverse terrains. While the lower elevations of the mountain are covered with lush green forests, the higher parts are covered with ash and volcanic rock. One of the best attractions of the mountain is the sunrise above Lombok’s Mount Rinjani. Wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists can be impressed with wild animals and bird sightings too. The Mount Agung takes the rain out of most of the clouds causing the west to be lush while the east is barren and dry.
Attractions
There are many things to do on top of Mount Agung. Trekkers can climb the mountain during the months of April and October. The west side’s lush green vegetation, macaques, hawks and eagles can also be enjoyed on the mountain. One can climb from Besakih temple on the west which will take 6 – 7 hours. The Pura Pasar Agung route from the south takes 3 – 4 hours to reach a point with some excellent views including the crater. The Dukuh Bujangga Sakti from the north provides a rarely used route.