Mount Agung

Mount Agung is an active stratovolcano and the highest peak in Bali at 3,031 meters, located in Karangasem Regency in eastern Bali, Indonesia. Revered as the island's most sacred mountain in Balinese Hinduism, it dominates the landscape and houses Pura Besakih on its slopes. Notable for its dramatic eruptions in 1963 and 2017-2019, it offers challenging trekking routes, sunrise summit views, and panoramic vistas across Bali and neighboring islands.

Visitors can expect a rugged volcanic landscape with steep, rocky trails through forest and barren lava fields to a large crater rim. The mountain is accessed via trailheads at Pasar Agung Temple and Besakih Temple. Most visits are guided overnight treks to reach the summit for sunrise with panoramic views of Bali, Lombok and the ocean. Lower slopes feature temples, villages and agricultural terraces. There are no built tourist facilities on the mountain itself beyond base parking and small stalls.

Mount Agung is Bali's most historically active volcano. Its major eruption in 1963-1964 was one of the largest in Indonesia in the 20th century, significantly impacting surrounding villages and temples including Pura Besakih. The volcano reactivated with eruptions in 2017-2019 leading to temporary evacuations and flight disruptions. The mountain has long been central to Balinese settlement patterns on its fertile slopes.

In Balinese Hinduism, Mount Agung is regarded as the most sacred mountain and believed to be the abode of the gods and ancestral spirits. It is considered the spiritual center of the island and the replica of Mount Meru. Pura Besakih, known as the Mother Temple of Bali, is located on its southwestern slopes and is the largest and most important temple complex in Bali, hosting major religious ceremonies linked to the mountain.