Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali lives up to its grandiose nickname with white, sandy beaches, vast green plantations, and volcanic mountains. Indeed, many who visit the island will attempt to conquer their mountains, in search of a view above the clouds. These are the top four volcanoes that will take your breath away (literally).
Mount Agung
This is the hardest volcano to climb, taking at least four hours to trek up a very steep incline to the peak. Many will start the trek in darkness at midnight and hike for six hours to catch the sunrise at 6 am. The trail isn’t very well paved and you could slip on some rocks so do wear proper hiking shoes and concentrate on where you put your footing. All that hard work does pay off though, as you can view all of Bali, including Mt Batur, at the top.
One of the popular start points is at Puru Pasar Agung, which hosts the Pasar Agung Temple. The temple has its own set of heaven gates like many other temples in Bali do. But, if you decide that you just want to view Mt Agung from afar, you can instead head to Lempuyang temple which boasts the instagram-worthy gates instead.
Insider Tip: The reflection effect of the picture is created by holding a mirror below the camera. Bring your own mirror to avoid paying locals who will charge exorbitant prices to help you take your photograph with the prop.
Mount Batur
This is perhaps one of the most enjoyable and eye-opening hikes you can make in Bali. Many will sign up for a sunrise trekking tour to have a guide bring them up in the darkness and provide breakfast. Entertainingly, the guide heats up food with hot steam from the crater. After enjoying the sunrise view of Mt Abang and Mt Agung (from a distance), you can explore the volcano.
Before climbing, the guide will also take you to a temple to pray for a safe trip. Animal lovers will be happy to hear that monkeys will be your companions as you climb your way to the top and remain with you at the peak.
This tour can’t be missed, so make a booking down below!
Mount Abang
Before starting your hike, take a moment to enjoy Balinese coffee at the plantations around the mountain. There are coffee and tea sampling sessions which will energize you for your three hours hike. In fact, they have the most expensive coffee beans in the world which are made with the aid of Civet cat.
As with other treks, you can choose to have a sunrise trek to the top where you can view Mount Batur and Mount Agung, the two mountains we have mentioned earlier.
Mount Batukaru
For those who enjoy going off the well-worn tourist beaten trek, Mount Batukaru provides the best solitude with its careful restriction to the number of hikers. Due to conservation and religious purposes, in which the locals believe that this is the resting place for their spirits upon death, this route is the least explored by humans. It will be the wildest hiking route you venture upon in Bali.
Not only will you encounter monkeys, but you will also be able to spot deer and anteaters on your nine hours trek to the peak. There are several temples which you can visit along the way as well.
With views that only the Gods situated high up can admire, it is no wonder that many who venture to Bali will attempt to glimpse the glory of mother nature and take the effort to meet the sunrise while at it. While some treks require high physical fitness levels, many would attest that like many things in life, the climb is worth it.
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