Climbing Gunung Agung

[dug]

I have a question for a knowledgable hiker in Bali. Is it possible to reach the true summit of Gunung Agung if one begins the climb at Pasar Agung. This is a shorter route to the summit,but can one reach the actual highest point from this starting at Pasar Agung? Or is Besakih the only place to start to reach the 'true' summit?

[tintin]

I don't know what "true summit" means. Is it the highest point? I don't think it has ever been measured, but it is more or less even with the point ones ends up at, when starting from Besakih. From Pura Pasar Agung, it takes about 3 hrs to reach the edge of the caldera. From Besakih, about 2 more hrs.

At Pura Pasar Agung, the guy who take care of the place (not the pemangku) is a good guide, and also a nice guy. Highly recommended.

Pl. note that ones cannot walk along the caldera of Gunung Agung, as one can, for example at Gunung Batur.

Wish you a nice and safe climb. :)

[dug]

Daniel, thanks for that reply. Yes,the 'true summit' is the highest point on the mountain.It would not have to measured, their is a point on any mountain were you can go no higher. Possibly from Pura Pasar Agung one can only reach the rim of the crater,but attaining the summit from that point is impossible. I have had a number of 'Guides' tell me it possible to reach the summit from that point,but I have read it is not possible. Your statement on the inability to walk around the crater may confirm that it is not possible to attain the summit! I am sure it is a worthy hike anyway and I will take your advice on the Guide at the Pura. What is his name and how to contact??? Thanks, Doug

[tintin]

Hi Dug,

Sorry, I don't remember the name of the young man, but he lives on the premises (there is a house on one side, near the Pura). I usually go to Pura Pasar Agung instead of Besakih, when I feel inspired to go to Agung. It commends a spendid view, and, in general, there is nobody. Last time I was there was two years ago (I haven't been back to Bali since that time for personal reasons, first time in 22 years).

You probably know the drill: one stays in Sebudi the night before (very basic), and you can start somewhat before dawn. There is no need anymore to get up in the middle of the night, as the road to the Pura was newly asphalted few years ago.

[Papa Lopez]

Has anyone been to Mt. Agung lately? Any updates for status of the trails, crowds, good guides and going rate for a guide would be appreciated. Thanks

[phil170258]

Yes, I was there 6 weeks ago. 16 of us reached the summit from Besakih (out of the 20 who started off) and it was pretty much hell. 5 hours up and 6 hours down. Don't recommend that route unless you're seriously fit and a bit of a masochist. the track (if you could call it that) is terrible, more like a goat track and I would absolutely not recommend it in the rainy season. But that's the besakih route. from what I hear the other one is much easier. the guides we had were pretty useless so i'm not going to recommend them.

[Papa Lopez]

Thanks, Phil. Good to know about the Besakih side. Sounds like I can hold off on that one until I am ready. I imagined the guides were worthless, but unfortunately I hear they are not really an option. Surely the Besakih side is more expensive but any insight into a reasonable price to expect, assuming I drive to the start on my own? Just a babysitter for the up and down? Thanks

[phil170258]

Hi,

we had Balinese in our party and they did the bargaining so we paid only around 200,000 rupiah each - that was a guide for each five people. If it's just you then expect to pay more, but if you do the easier route (which I recommend unless you've got some serious climbing experience!) then it will be generally cheaper.

The view from the top really is incredible. And every time I see Agung now (not often in the rainy season) I get this great feeling. BBTW it really is cold on the summit. I know people think Bali can't be that cold! But it is. Take some warm clothes otherwise you won't be able to enjoy watching the sun come up.

Phil