Mount Agung, Bali

July 2003, climbing, 1 day

...De Ja Vu with a different ending...

Two years earlier I attempted to climb Mt Agung but failed (Mt Agung 2001). Now after the Europe trip, I stayed in Bali for one month before flying back to Australia. I decided to go for another attempt.

Mt. Agung (3000+ meters) is a semi-active volcano, Bali's highest mountain. It is considered sacred by the Balinese, they believe it is the dwelling place of the Gods.

As was two years ago, the plan was to start climbing from Pasar Agung Temple instead of starting from Besakih Temple (Besakih is the largest temple complex in Bali at the South-East foot of Mt. Agung). Driving from Denpasar at 11pm, arriving in Pasar Agung Temple around 2am. We started climbing around 3am in the dark. There were 5 of us, including a guide and my dad (he was 61 years old, not bad).

The climb was steep. It was dark under the trees, until finally we passed the heights the trees can't survive. Then the full moon guided our steps. The path was rocky and slippery with gravels, the top was visible yet we seemed to climb in a stagnant position. It was said a Swiss had once lost his way down and wilder for three weeks until he was found eating grasses.

I managed to get at the top after the sun's just risen at 6am. The view was magnificent, looking this huge crater inventing phosphorous smells and beyond. The cloud made a vast carpet, the sun rays came in yellow orange and made the whole sky dark blue. It was cold until suddenly the rays got a clear pass on me. It felt nicely warm I fell asleep for a little while.