Gunung Agung
Volcano Bali's highest active volcano and sacred summit
Bali’s highest peak, Gunung Agung dominates eastern Bali and is sacred to Balinese Hinduism; climbers and pilgrims visit for strenuous ascents, sunrise views and temples such as Pura Besakih on its slopes.
Gunung Agung is the highest mountain and principal active volcano on Bali, Indonesia, rising to approximately 3,031 metres. It is the island’s most sacred peak and the setting for major temples and ritual landscapes, including the prominent Besakih Temple on its slopes.
The mountain is an active stratovolcano with a large summit crater; it has produced historically significant eruptions, most notably the major 1963 eruption and renewed activity in the late 2010s. Trekking to the summit is undertaken by experienced guides when conditions and regulations permit, and eruptions can close the mountain to visitors.
Agung stands in eastern Bali and dominates the eastern central part of the island, visible from long distances across Bali’s lowlands and coastlines.
- Height and volcano type: Highest point on Bali at about 3,031 metres and an active stratovolcano with a large summit crater.
- Recent eruptions: Notable historic eruptions include a large, destructive event in 1963, and more recent eruptive activity occurred from 2017 into 2019, affecting local air travel and communities.
What to See #
- Besakih Temple: A major temple complex on the volcano's slope known as the "Mother Temple" of Bali; it comprises multiple shrines and is a key pilgrimage site.
How to Get to Gunung Agung #
From Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) or Bali’s main towns, drive east toward Karangasem/Amlapura to reach the slopes of Gunung Agung. The trip from Denpasar or the airport is commonly 1.5-3 hours by car (depending on traffic) along the main east‑west roads across Bali; you can follow signs for Amlapura/Karangasem. Public transport options are limited - take an intercity bus or shuttle to Amlapura or Rendang, then a taxi or ojek to the trailhead.
Most visitors start hikes from local trailheads (e.g., near Pura Besakih or Rendang villages); expect a short walk from the parking/settlement area to the formal trailhead and then a multi‑hour trek to higher camps and the summit.
Tips for Visiting Gunung Agung #
- Start the climb in the very early hours (many parties begin around 2-3 AM) so you reach the summit for sunrise; daytime cloud and heat usually reduce visibility later in the morning.
- Check current volcanic activity with Indonesia's PVMBG and arrange a local guide/permit through Balinese authorities before attempting a summit-access is closed or restricted during unrest.
- If you're not climbing, visit the Besakih temple complex on Gunung Agung's lower slopes in the morning for dramatic views of the mountain and fewer visitors than midday.
Best Time to Visit Gunung Agung #
Go in the dry season (May-September) when trails and summit approaches are drier and visibility is generally best for hiking and views.
Weather & Climate near Gunung Agung #
Gunung Agung's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1962 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (378 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (361 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (299 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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June
June is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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August
August is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 29 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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November
November is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (150 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (317 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
