Mount Agung is the highest mountain in Bali
with a height of 3142m above sea level. Trekking Mount Agung is one of best Bali trekking adventure.
If you are looking for a real and more challenging tour program, Mount Agung trekking adventure
is perfect for you.
Getting In And Around
Mount Agung is most commonly approached from the
south via Klungkung and
Candidasa, from the west via Besakih, or from the east via Tirta Gangga and Karangasem.
There are three climbing
routes up the mountain, all are difficult and unless you are physically fit and
have some serious Mount Agung trekking experience, do not even attempt any of these climbs.
Climbing Routes
From Besakih (west).
This is a demanding climb starting close to Besakih temple. The ascent will
take about 6 to 7 hours and ends at the very highest point of the mountain. The
final hour or so is exceptionally demanding, often requiring ascent on all fours. A sensible start time is
about 11PM, so that you arrive at the top before dawn and wait for the sunrise.
From Pura Pasar
Agung (south). The climb starts directly at Pasar Agung Temple at an altitude of
about 1,550 meters and brings you up to about 2,800 meters, resulting in a
total ascend of about 1,250 meters. It generally takes three to four hours. Not as stiff as the Besakih
route. Strength, rather than endurance will be
the limiting factor for most people. A sensible start time would be about 2:30
AM, again with aim of reaching the peak just before dawn.
From Duku Bujangga
Sakti (north). A seldom used route but one which is most appropriate for less
experienced trekkers and the slightly less physically fit.
Guides
The service of a local
guide is absolutely essential.
Stay Safe
No matter your experience,
do not attempt to climb Mount Agung without a guide. The routes are difficult
to follow and you are likely to get lost.
Mount Agung Trekking Season
The best time to
climb Mount Agung is in the dry season of April to October. January and
February should certainly be avoided if possible due to heavy rain, possible
flooding and even landslides in the area. If you choose the right time for Mount Agung trekking, you will be safe.
Here
are the top 10 things you should know before heading for your first mountain:
1. IT IS COLD UP THERE!
Starting
your summit climb for Mt Agung at 2am, temperatures at that time can drop as
low as as 2-5 degrees. So bundle up!
2. KEEP YOUR PERSONAL DAYPACK WITHIN
5KG
A
general rule of thumb is to keep your day pack for your personal belongings
within 5kg. Carry backpacks or sling bags are going to be real irritating when
they swing around while you are climbing or when the trek starts getting tough
and when you are struggling to catch your breath.
3.
INVEST IN PROPER TREKKING SHOES
Trekking
shoes give you a better grip on the ground so that each step places less
stress on your muscles and joints. Do not wear running shoes or sneakers while
trekking.
Trekking
shoes are much-needed when you trudge across the river bed or muddy terrain.
4. TRAIN THOSE CLIMBING MUSCLES
Even if
you are physically fit, you will enjoy your climb a lot more if you have strong
climbing muscles.
5. KNEE GUARDS
A
trekking guide at Mt Agung once exclaimed, “Why do Singaporeans always have
knee problems?” We did not grow up playing in the mountains. City folks, you
rather bring a pair of knee guards, than spend the next few weeks wincing as
you step off the bus.
6. THE RISK OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS IS REAL
Altitude
sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is likely to occur once you reach
heights of above 2,400m. Its symptoms include headache, light-headedness,
shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and nausea. Ascending
slowly is the best prevention of altitude sickness.
7. DRINK AT LEAST 3 LITRES OF WATER A
DAY
You need
a water intake of around 3-4 litres when you’re climbing in the mountains.
Water helps with preventing AMS by providing your body with the resources to
produce red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body, which is
especially crucial at low oxygen environments.
8. EAT WELL
The one
thing that trekking guides fear most is when trekkers don’t eat. When you don’t
eat, you don’t have energy to walk, and that means big trouble for the guides. Bringing
some snack such as chocolate bars are helpful.
9. ASK ABOUT EMERGENCY PLANS
Trekking
is an adventure activity, and there are inherent risks of sustaining injuries.
You
need to ask your adventure provider, what happens if I can’t walk anymore? The nearest
hospital is often 3-4 hours away. How do you get out of the jungle? Some places
are accessible by helicopters, while others may not. Knowing what should happen
when an accident happens will put you at greater ease during the trek.
10. CHECK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE ON
TREKKING
Most
travel insurances exclude coverage on trekking above a certain height. For
example, AIG Travel Guard excludes coverage for trekking above heights of
3,000m, and NTUC Income’s travel insurance coverage excludes trekking above
4,000m. Check your policy coverage before purchasing.
