No access to Gunung Agung until November
Bali's sacred Mount Agung volcano has been closed to climbers for two months starting from Tuesday, September 9, 2014.
The mountain's closure to hikers and climbers is connected to the Pancawali Krama Wana Kertih Ceremony underway at Pura Pasar Agung in the village of Sogra in Karangasem, East Bali.
The closure of climbing on any part of Mount Agung at an elevation higher than Pura Pasar Agung was announced by Wayan Suara Arsana, on behalf of the organizing committee of the Pancawali Krama Wana Kertih Ceremony, who said the prohibition will remain in effect until November 21, 2014.
As reported by Radar Bali, hikers and others present on the slopes of Mount Agung at elevations higher than Pura Agung would be an affront to those participating in the ceremony. Pura Pasar Agung is located at the foot of Mount Agung, it's location effectively barring use of Mount Agung by hikers for the entire two-month period.
The only people allowed to climb Mount Agung during the two-month period would be Hindus performing mendak tirta or ngaturang pekelem rituals at Mount Agung.
The committee has written to a number of Bali travel and tour companies and guide associations requesting that the sacred quality of the ongoing ceremonies be honored and tours that involve climbing the mountain be halted until November 21, 2014. "We have emphasized that this prohibition applies not only to hiking paths near Pura Pasar Agung, but all climbing paths. Only Hindu devotees performing religious rituals are allowed on the Mountain during this period," explained Arsana.
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Mount Agung or Gunung Agung is Bali’s highest and holiest mountain, believed by devout Hindus to be the home of the gods. It located in Karengasem Regency, Bali. The imposing Bali volcano stands 3,142 meters above sea level, and can be seen from most parts of Bali, particularly from the east and south, as well as from Nusa Lembongan and Lombok.
Physically fit hikers ascend the mountain in about 3 to 4 hours from Pasar Agung Temple and 5 to 7 hours from Besakih Temple, which is the most sacred and also called the Mother Temple of Bali. There are several tour companies with trained guides who will lead your team to the summit, from where you may enjoy spectacular views of Bali as well as Mt. Rinjani over on Lombok.
Departing at 1 - 2 a.m. (head torches and wet weather gear supplied) after making an offering and prayer at the holy Pasar Agung Temple, the highest in Bali, your group begins the ascent of this impressive volcano to arrive in time to witness the most remarkable sunrise you will see in Bali and to enjoy the spectacular morning views of the neighbouring islands of Lombok, with its own imposing Mt Rinjani, Nusa Penida and Lembongan and the whole south and east of Bali.
Trekking first through jungle, your team passes the tree line and treks up the lava flows of the 1963 eruption, enjoying the spectacular night views of Bali. On arrival at the summit after sunrise and making an offering and prayer on this holy mountain your group will enjoy a well-deserved breakfast before beginning the descent.
Don’t be too upset by the temporary closure; there are several tours up other volcanoes in Bali which are accessible to hikers:
Keen adventurers can try Gunung Batukaru (2276m), Gunung Abang (2151m), Gunung Batur (1717M) and others.
Ask your tour company for alternate treks and climbs. If you are fit enough, don’t miss an opportunity to see Bali from a bird’s eye position. Always take a warm top for cool times, preferably something water-proof.
