Mount Agung, Bali | Best Time To Visit, Entry Fee, Timings

Mount Agung, Bali Overview

Mount Agung stands majestically tall in Bali with a height of almost 3031 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Bali. It is a revered and religious mountain of the island and is considered holy by the locals. Shrouded with clouds and mist the hill and the breathtaking views make the whole scene look like a picture from a storybook. Mount Agung forms the centre of the area and is also responsible for bringing rainfall to the western side island along with influencing the climatic conditions.

Gunung Agung was initially a dormant volcano which had been in slumber for almost 100 years until an active eruption took place in the year 1963. Today, Gunung Agung is considered to be an active volcano emitting smoke and ash occasionally with a broad and deep crater. While planning a visit to Mount Agung, check out the weather conditions and the status of the volcano before embarking on the journey.

Mount Agung is a revered mountain of Bali, whose summit is shrouded in clouds and mist, and is a delight to any trekker or rock climber. This mountain is home to picturesque views at dawn and is ideal for some exquisite photography. Every house in Bali is aligned towards the mountain, for it also holds the epithet of being the spiritual centre of Bali.

Religious Beliefs of Mount Agung

A Balinese religious myth states that the deities chose Mount Agung as it was the highest peak to be the centre of their thrones. All other temples in Bali are made aligned to this mountain and also similarly worship the deities.

Another myth of Hinduism believes that the Gods found Bali to be an unstable, wobbling and dwindling island and to stabilize it, they set down the holy mountain of Mount Agung. This peak is considered as 'Navel of the World', and a shrine is made in various temples to commemorate it.

Best Time to Visit Mount Agung

There is a beautiful temple called Besakih Temple which is located near the peak of Mount Agung and the best time to visit is considered to be during April. During this time the entire entrance of the temple is beautifully decorated with bamboo poles, coconut leaves and flowers giving it an enticing and enchanting feel. There is a row of women who are dressed in beautiful white clothes adorned with beautiful flowers and fruits and carrying the offerings on their heads. All this makes for a spectacular visit.

Volcanic Eruptions at Mount Agung

Gunung Agung is considered to be an active volcano with a series of volcanic eruptions taking place in the gap of specific years. The very first time that an explosion took place was in the year 1843, where it seemed as if Mount Agung had come to life!

The next volcanic eruption took place after almost 100 years in 1963. This eruption was considered to be one of the most devastating eruptions in the history of Indonesia, which killed nearly 200 people and flows of ash and lava continued throughout the year. However, miraculously the temple was saved, which served as a signal from the power of the Gods.

The next set of eruptions occurred between 2017 and 2019 due to which restrictions on hikers and trekking are imposed. There was a massive explosion of almost 2000 meters high and spewing smoke and ash, causing a state of panic among locals and tourists. The recent explosion in 2019 sent lava, rocks, and debris throughout the perimeter and was also responsible for delay and interruption of some international flights.