So here we are peering into Bali's highest mountain/ dormant volcano, Gunung Agung.
Zoom out...
It hasn't erupted since 1963, but I was totally prepared with the excellent lava-jumping skills I acquired in many team-building exercises of past days. Getting to the summit was quite involved. Following a vigorous texting exchange with our guide, Putu (involving transportation, gear, etc.) we were picked up at midnight at our hotel. Putu was recommended by my Bali-loving friend, Rebecca. At the base of Gunung Agung was a large temple complex, and we paused for a few moments so Putu could pay proper tribute before we started up. Gunung Agung is also one of Bali's holiest sites.
We began the climb at 2 AM, and walked and scrambled for nearly five hours with flashlights. The purpose of hiking at night is to reach the summit in time to catch the beautiful sunrise and have the best chance of seeing the island without cloud cover. What was difficult to discern in the darkness of the climb, however, is how steep many of the sections were.
In the end, it was a fun and exhausting climb. And so ended our eco-activity on Bali.
Zoom out...
It hasn't erupted since 1963, but I was totally prepared with the excellent lava-jumping skills I acquired in many team-building exercises of past days. Getting to the summit was quite involved. Following a vigorous texting exchange with our guide, Putu (involving transportation, gear, etc.) we were picked up at midnight at our hotel. Putu was recommended by my Bali-loving friend, Rebecca. At the base of Gunung Agung was a large temple complex, and we paused for a few moments so Putu could pay proper tribute before we started up. Gunung Agung is also one of Bali's holiest sites.
We began the climb at 2 AM, and walked and scrambled for nearly five hours with flashlights. The purpose of hiking at night is to reach the summit in time to catch the beautiful sunrise and have the best chance of seeing the island without cloud cover. What was difficult to discern in the darkness of the climb, however, is how steep many of the sections were.
In the end, it was a fun and exhausting climb. And so ended our eco-activity on Bali.
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