Mt. Agung (Gunung Agung)

The Basics

An experienced mountain guide is not only essential for climbing Mount Agung safely but required by local law. (While the mountain is off limits due to volcanic activity, no guides are available.)

Some tours will bring you all the way to the summit; others stop at the crater rim. Most aim to reach the apex of the climb for sunrise—perhaps Bali’s most beautiful—with sweeping views across the island. The mountain is both steep and sacred to the Balinese: Treat it with respect.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Temperatures at the top of Mount Agung can drop to close to freezing at night: Bring warm clothes.

• The Agung trekking trail is both steep and slippery in places: Proper walking boots are a must.

• Establish whether your guide will provide a headlamp or whether you need to bring your own.

• Mount Agung can take a good couple of hours to reach from Sanur or Nusa Dua: Ubud is a better place to start.

• Mount Agung is one of Indonesia’s harder volcano climbs: Be sure you're reasonably fit.

How to Get There

In Karangasem, northeast Bali, Mount Agung can only be climbed with a guide. Most travelers opt for a convenient sunrise trekking tour that includes round-trip transfers from their accommodation and doesn’t require self-driving after a night climb. Freelance guides are usually to be found at the two main starting points for the trek: Pura Pasar Agung (Pasar Agung temple) and Besakih temple.

When to Get There

For views and visibility, Mount Agung is almost always a sunrise climb. Climbing during the dry season (roughly March to September) is recommended, as rains can make an already steep and challenging path very slippery and further reduce temperatures at the summit.

Which Indonesia Volcano Climb is Right for You?

Indonesia is home to more than 120 active volcanoes, and a volcano climb is a rite of passage when in the country. If Mount Agung is closed due to volcanic activity, or if you prefer a less physically challenging climb, Mount Batur offers beautiful sunrise views, while Mount Rinjani on neighboring Lombok is an epic multi-day hike.

Is Mt. Agung worth visiting?

It depends. Mt. Agung offers panoramic views and is sacred to the Balinese, who orient their homes and temples around it. But it’s a physically challenging climb and best avoided if you have a fear of heights; you can always admire it from Sidemen or visit Besakih Temple instead.

Is Mt. Agung difficult to climb?

Yes, Mt. Agung is difficult to climb. Whether you take the shorter Pura Pasar Agung route (which usually stops at the crater rim) or the longer, steeper Besakih Temple Route to the true summit, you’ll find the climb physically demanding. It’s not a technical climb, just steep, slippery, and exposed to the elements.

Can you climb Mt. Agung without a guide?

No, you can’t climb Mt. Agung without a guide. Guides are both compulsory and necessary. Almost everyone climbs Mt. Agung for sunrise, which means scaling steep, slippery, poorly signed slopes in darkness, while weather conditions can be changeable. It’s critical to have a guide who knows the route and conditions.

How long does it take to hike Mt. Agung?

The shorter Pura Pasar Agung route runs from midway up the mountain to the crater rim and takes 7-8 hours. The longer Besakih Temple Route runs from 2,953 feet (900 meters) to the summit at 9,944 feet (3,031 meters) and is an 11-13 hours round trip.

How much does it cost to climb Mt. Agung?

It’s always worth booking a private guide to climb Mt. Agung; otherwise, everyone has to turn back if one person in the group turns back. Packages with transport cost around US$70 for the short route from Pura Pasar Agung and start at around US$80 for the long route from Besakih Temple.

What should I wear to Mt. Agung?

Mt. Agung is a sacred mountain, so you should dress respectfully, wearing long pants and a shirt that covers your shoulders. Slippery rocks make hiking boots your best option and solid sneakers your second choice. Winds can be cold, so a fleece, rain jacket, and thin gloves are also recommended.