Tourists can not hike Mount Agung in Karangasem Regency, Bali, because it is temporarily closed from October 1 to November 30, 2024. This temporary closure was carried out during a religious ceremony at Pura Pasar Agung Besakih Giri Tohlangkir.
The Public Relations of Pura Pasar Agung, I Wayan Suara Arsana, said the activity is a major ceremony that is only held every ten years. Therefore, the sanctity around Pura Pasar Agung must be maintained together from the beginning to the end of the work.
“This activity is carried out every ten years. The last one was held in October 2014. So this is a big ceremony at Pura Pasar Agung,” Suara told Detiknews on October 1, 2024.
Meanwhile, Prajuru Pengemong (Organizing Committee) of the ceremony at Pura Pasar Agung Besakih, Giri Tohlangkir, has sent a letter to tour guides dated September 30, 2024, regarding the appeal for a ban on climbing to the top of Mount Agung.
The letter, signed by, among others, Committee Chairman Jro Mangku Wayan Sukra and Pengelingsir (Elder) of Pura Pasar Agung Jro Mangku Gede Umbara, explains that the temple, which stands at the foot of Mount Agung, is carrying out the ceremony of Karya Tabuh Gentuh Wana Kertih, Segara Kertih and Nubung Pedagingan Purnama Kelima 2024.
Mount Agung hiking trail attracts foreign tourists
As the highest mountain on the Island of the Gods, Mount Agung has always been the target of climbers and foreign tourists.
This stratovolcano-type mountain is considered sacred by Balinese Hindus and is said to be the abode of the gods.
Mount Agung is the choice of climbers because they can see the view from a height, including the panorama of other mountains, such as Rinjani in Lombok. You can also see Mount Batur and its lake if the weather is clear.
There are two most widely used climbing routes: the first through Besakih Agung Temple and the second through Pasar Agung Temple.
It is highly recommended that beginner climbers take the Besakih Agung Temple route. In addition, foreign tourists should use a guide to avoid getting lost.
