Gunung Agung
Mount Agung is the highest and most revered mountain in Bali. It stands about 3,031 meters above sea level and is located in the Karangasem region, East Bali. The mountain is still active and experienced a quite large eruption in the past, the most famous of which occurred in 1963. For the Balinese people, Mount Agung is not just about nature, but also about faith. The mountain is considered the center of balance for the island of Bali and a highly sacred place. On its slopes stands Pura Besakih, the largest temple in Bali which often serves as the center of religious ceremonies. From various corners of Bali, Mount Agung is almost always visibly towering majestically, as if guarding the island.
In addition to its strong spiritual value, Mount Agung is also known for its extraordinary scenery. From the peak, if the weather is clear, you can see almost all of Bali, even as far as Mount Rinjani in Lombok. However, it should be noted that climbing Mount Agung is not an ordinary activity. The trail is quite difficult and climbers usually have to follow customary rules and specific times, as the mountain is considered very sacred.
What makes Mount Agung even more special is not just its height, but also these things:
- The Most Sacred Mountain in Bali
In the life of the Balinese people, the direction of Mount Agung is always the main reference point. Everything facing the mountain is considered more sacred and has a higher spiritual value. - Home of Pura Besakih
Pura Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung is known as the mother temple in Bali. The complex is vast and consists of many small temples, each having its own function and meaning. - Active Volcano with a Long History
The large eruption in the past left important stories and lessons for the surrounding residents. Until now, the activity of Mount Agung is continuously monitored because it is still classified as an active volcano. - A Mind-Blowing Sunrise Spot
For experienced climbers, the moment the sun rises at the peak of Mount Agung is one of the most memorable experiences. The sky slowly changes color, with clouds and the sea visible far below. - No-Nonsense Climb
Mount Agung has several climbing routes, but all require strong physique and thorough preparation. It is not recommended for beginner climbers without a guide.
Gunung Batur
Mount Batur is one of the most popular mountains in Bali, especially for those who love nature and sunrise. This mountain is located in the Kintamani area, Bangli Regency, and has an elevation of about 1,717 meters above sea level. Although not as high as Mount Agung, Mount Batur is actually a favorite of many people because its climbing route is relatively more friendly and can be completed in a short time. This mountain is an active volcano and is located within a large caldera that is also home to Lake Batur. The combination of the mountain, lake, and cool Kintamani air makes the atmosphere around Mount Batur feel cool and soothing.
Mount Batur is often a destination for sunrise trekking tourism. The ascent usually starts early in the morning, around 3 or 4 am, to reach the peak right at sunrise. From the top, you can enjoy the sight of the sun slowly appearing from behind the mountain, with Lake Batur and the surrounding villages clearly visible down below. After descending, many tourists also continue to relax in the hot springs around the lake.
What makes Mount Batur always busy and special are the following things:
- Active Volcano Inside a Caldera
Mount Batur stands within a giant caldera, the result of a prehistoric mountain eruption. So when you climb, you are actually in an area of former large volcanic activity that formed the unique landscape. - Tourist-Favorite Sunrise Trekking
Mount Batur is famous as one of the best spots in Bali to see the sunrise. The sunrise view is often said to be worth it because it is easily accessible but the result is extraordinary. - View of Lake Batur from Above
From the peak or the climbing path, you can see Lake Batur stretching widely against a backdrop of green hills. In the morning, the lake usually looks foggy, making the atmosphere even more dramatic. - Suitable for Beginner Climbers
Compared to other mountains in Bali, the Mount Batur trail is relatively safer and clearer. It is suitable for beginners or those who are trying mountain climbing for the first time, as long as they use a guide and have good preparation. - Many Activities Around the Mountain
Besides climbing, the Mount Batur area also has many exciting things such as hot springs, tourist villages, Kintamani coffee, and photo spots with caldera views.
Gunung Abang
Mount Abang is one of the mountains in Bali that is still relatively calm and not too crowded with tourists. It is located in the Kintamani area, Bangli Regency, not far from Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Its height is about 2,152 meters above sea level, so in terms of altitude, Mount Abang is actually higher than Mount Batur. Even so, its name is not as popular as its neighbors. This is precisely its attraction because the atmosphere is calmer, quieter, and suitable for those who want to climb a mountain while truly enjoying nature.
Mount Abang is also known as an old mountain that has long been inactive. Its climbing path is dominated by dense forest with tall trees, so throughout the journey, you will be walking mostly under the shade of nature. The climb usually starts from Trunyan Village or Abang Village, and the travel time is relatively longer than Mount Batur. But the fatigue will be paid off with a quiet atmosphere and natural scenery that is still pristine.
What makes Mount Abang have its own unique attraction includes:
- Higher than Mount Batur
Although rarely realized, Mount Abang is actually higher than Mount Batur. From several points, you can see Mount Batur and Lake Batur from a different and wider angle. - Pristine Forest
Throughout the climbing path, the atmosphere is still very green. Large trees and fresh air make the journey feel cool, suitable for those who like trekking in the open air without the crowds. - Quieter Climb
If you don’t like crowded trails or climbs that are too touristy, Mount Abang can be an option. The atmosphere is quieter and feels more personal. - Inactive Volcano
Unlike Mount Batur and Mount Agung, Mount Abang has not shown volcanic activity for a long time. This makes the climb feel more stable and safe, as long as you still pay attention to weather and physical condition. - Calm and Natural View
The view from Mount Abang is not as instant as the Mount Batur sunrise, but that is precisely its uniqueness. The nature feels more raw, more peaceful, and suitable for those who want to “heal” while walking on the mountain.
Gunung Batukaru
Mount Batukaru is one of the highest mountains in Bali with the calmest and most natural atmosphere. This mountain is located in the Tabanan area and has an elevation of about 2,276 meters above sea level. Compared to Mount Batur or Mount Agung, Mount Batukaru is much quieter and rarely becomes a destination for mass tourism. Precisely because of that, many people come here to seek a serene atmosphere, fresh air, and a very preserved natural nuance. The Mount Batukaru area is known as a fertile, green area, and often shrouded in fog, making the atmosphere feel cool and peaceful.
Mount Batukaru also has an important role in the spiritual life of the Balinese community. On its slopes stands Pura Luhur Batukaru, one of the highly respected Kahyangan Jagat temples. The area around this mountain is still tightly guarded by custom, so the atmosphere truly feels sacred and natural. Climbing Mount Batukaru is usually done by experienced climbers because the trail is quite long and tiring, with dense forest terrain and consistent uphill slopes.
What gives Mount Batukaru a strong and different character from other mountains in Bali includes:
- The Quietest Mountain
Mount Batukaru is suitable for those who want to get away from the crowds. There are not many climbers, no crowded tourist routes, only the sound of nature and the forest. - Well-Preserved Rainforest
The Mount Batukaru climbing trail passes through a tropical forest that is still very natural. Large trees, moss, and humid air make the atmosphere feel like entering the original Balinese forest. - Close to Pura Luhur Batukaru
This temple is one of the most important temples in Bali. Many people come to this area not only to climb but also to worship and seek inner peace. - Inactive Volcano
Mount Batukaru is classified as a mountain that has long been volcanically inactive. The main focus of climbing here is not the crater view, but the experience of being one with nature. - Suitable for Experienced Climbers
Climbing to the peak of Batukaru requires a strong physique, a long time, and thorough preparation. The trail is long and can be quite slippery, especially during the rainy season.
Gunung Catur
Mount Catur is one of the mountains in Bali that is often overlooked, even though the atmosphere is beautiful and full of tranquility. This mountain is located in the Bedugul area, specifically in the Tabanan Regency, and is included in the mountain range that surrounds Lake Beratan, Lake Buyan, and Lake Tamblingan. With an elevation of about 2,096 meters above sea level, Mount Catur offers the cool air typical of the highlands and natural scenery that is still very green. Because of its location in a protected forest area, the atmosphere around this mountain feels quieter and more natural.
Mount Catur is also known for its strong spiritual value. At its peak, there is Pura Pucak Mangu, an important temple often visited for prayer activities. The climbing trail is mostly passed by local residents who want to pray or do light trekking, not general tourists. The terrain is dominated by dense forest with a quite clear dirt path, so the climb is more about enjoying the journey than chasing dramatic views.
The things that make Mount Catur have its own unique attraction include:
- Quiet and Cool Atmosphere
Because it is rarely visited by tourists, Mount Catur is suitable for those who want a calm atmosphere and away from the crowds. Cool air and the sounds of nature become companions throughout the journey. - Location in the Twin Lake Area
Mount Catur is located in the area of Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. From certain routes, you can feel the humid, green, and distinctive Bedugul mountain atmosphere. - Pura Pucak Mangu at the Peak
This temple is the main destination for many people who climb Mount Catur. Besides its spiritual value, this place is also often used for self-calming and reflection. - Friendly Trekking Trail
The Mount Catur climb is relatively not too extreme. It is suitable for those who want to do relaxed trekking while enjoying the forest without having to climb heavily like other large mountains in Bali. - Very Natural Mountain
Because it is located in a protected forest area, the natural condition of Mount Catur is still maintained. Dense vegetation and minimal tourist activity make this mountain feel “natural” and peaceful.
Gunung Lesung
Mount Lesung is one of the mountains in Bali that is suitable for those who like a calm natural atmosphere and away from the crowds. This mountain is located in the Bedugul area, Buleleng Regency, still on the same path as Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan. Its height is about 1,865 meters above sea level, with a surrounding environment that is still green and natural. The name Lesung itself is taken from the shape of its crater which resembles a lesung or traditional rice mortar. Because it is not too well-known, Mount Lesung is often the choice for climbers who want a quiet atmosphere and relaxed trekking.
The Mount Lesung climb generally starts from the forest area around Bedugul. The trail is quite clear and not too extreme, but still passes through dense forest with the cool air typical of the mountains. This mountain is classified as a volcano that is no longer active, so the climb focuses more on enjoying nature than seeing volcanic activity. It is suitable for those who want to walk in the open air without having to climb a high and difficult mountain.
Some things that make Mount Lesung have its own unique attraction include:
- Pristine Natural Environment
Mount Lesung is surrounded by a preserved green forest. Throughout the climbing path, the atmosphere is cool, calm, and far from noise. - Inactive Volcano
Because it has not shown volcanic activity for a long time, the climbing trail is relatively safe and stable. The focus is more on the trekking experience and enjoying nature. - Close to the Twin Lakes
Its location close to Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan makes the Mount Lesung atmosphere feel characteristic of Bedugul which is cool, foggy, and green. - Suitable for Relaxed Trekking
The Mount Lesung climb is not too difficult and can be enjoyed by beginner climbers with sufficiently good physical condition. It is suitable for those who want to climb a mountain without too much fatigue. - Still Quiet from Tourists
Because it is rarely included in the popular tourist list, Mount Lesung offers a more private and calm experience. It is suitable for those who want to “heal” while enjoying the still-natural Balinese nature.
