Duration: 7 hours up, 4 hours down
Summit: 3,142 meters
The Start of the Adventure
Our Mt. Agung hike began at around 11 AM. After registering at the checkpoint, we hopped on motorbikes to reach Pos 1. Honestly, this was the scariest part for me! Riding a motorbike on a steep, narrow road with a sharp drop on the side had my heart racing more than the actual hike. I kept thinking, “Why does this feel more terrifying than climbing a volcano?” 😅
Once we reached Pos 1, we began our hike through a foggy, forested path. It was already slippery and steep from the get-go. No warm-up, no easing into it—it was straight into the challenge.
From Forest Trails to Base Camp
At Pos 2, we stopped to catch our breath and have our packed lunch. The rest was short but necessary before continuing our journey to Pos 3. The trail remained tough, and just as we reached Pos 3, it started to drizzle. Welcome to mountain weather—completely unpredictable.
We quickly put on our waterproof jackets, though the rain didn’t last long. But even a quick shower made the trail muddier and more slippery. From here, the hike only got steeper and more demanding. The trail narrowed, and we found ourselves climbing through thick, muddy forest terrain all the way to Pos 5.
By the time we reached our base camp, it was around 4 PM. The hike took us a solid 4 hours with barely any flat sections. At camp, we changed into warmer clothes—it was cold and windy—and prepared for an early dinner. Our guide reminded us to rest early since we’d be starting the summit push at 3 AM.
Camp Vibes and Night Sky
Though we were exhausted, we managed to enjoy the incredible views from base camp. The sunset was stunning, and later, the entire island of Bali lit up beneath us under a bright moon and a sky full of stars. It was surreal.
Sleep? Barely. I probably rested for 30 minutes at most—part excitement, part discomfort—but I was eager to get going.
Summit Push at 3AM
We began the summit trek at 3 AM with a prayer. Our guide warned us that this was the most dangerous part of the hike. The path quickly transitioned from forest to loose volcanic rock—sharp, steep, and slippery. Every step required focus. Our guide kept reminding us: “Focus, focus. One step at a time.”
Rest stops were short and only on safe sections. We paused briefly to take photos—Bali below was glowing, and the moon above was lighting our path.
But the summit always feels closer than it actually is. Just when we thought we’d made it, we had to cross to another ridge. Thankfully, this part was a bit flatter—a small reward before the final push.
At the Top of Bali
After around 2.5 hours of summit hiking, we reached the peak of Mt. Agung. I was speechless.
The view was indescribable—sunrise breaking over the horizon, Mt. Rinjani in the distance, Mt. Batur nearby, the vast crater of Agung still gently smoking from its last eruption in 2019. It was humbling to stand on an active volcano and witness nature in such raw form. No photo can truly capture it.
We celebrated with photos and quiet moments of gratitude before beginning our descent.
The Descent: Slippery, Scenic, and Scary
Descending was, surprisingly, more terrifying than the climb. The loose gravel and volcanic stones made it feel like we were sliding down more than walking. If I could crawl, I would have! Thank goodness for my hiking stick (a total lifesaver). Our guide, in contrast, was dancing down the mountain in slippers with music playing. A total pro—don’t try this. 😅
Back at base camp, we collected the gear we’d left behind, changed into dry clothes, and had a quick breakfast to refuel for the final descent through the forest.
Final Stretch: Forest to Checkpoint
The trail back down was the same, but our pace was quicker—around 2 hours. I could feel my knees aching, and the fatigue was real. Just before reaching Pos 2, it started pouring heavily. We saw other hikers making their way up, also braving the rain as we did.
At Pos 2, we changed back into our waterproof gear and continued the muddy, rainy descent. Eventually, we reached Pos 1—and then came the scariest part again: the motorbike ride back to the checkpoint. Still terrifying, still heart-pounding!
Our driver was already waiting to take us back to the hotel. After a quick clean-up and a long sigh of relief, we headed back, sore but fulfilled.
Reflections
This Mt. Agung hike wasn’t easy. It tested my body, my mind, and even my fear of motorbikes 😆. But reaching that summit made every slippery step, every drop of sweat, and every cold breeze worth it.
Massive thanks to our amazing guides Randy and Kiki (instagram @pontar.trus) —if you’re planning this trek, look them up. They kept us safe, motivated, and laughing the whole way.
Quick Tips for Future Hikers:
- Bring waterproof gear – weather changes fast.
- Use a hiking stick – trust me, your knees will thank you.
- Dress in layers – it gets really cold and windy up there.
- Trust your guide – they know the mountain best.
- Don’t underestimate the motorbike ride – it’s part of the adventure!
Another summit checked off. Another unforgettable experience.
Until the next climb. 🏔️✨
charventurous 