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Information About

Mount Agung




  Caption
  Elevation 3,031 meters (9,944 feet)




Mount Agung ''(Gunung Agung)'' is a mountain in Bali . At 3,142m above sea level, this Stratovolcano is the highest point on the island. It last erupted in 1963-64 and the lava flows missed, sometimes by mere yards, the Mother Temple Of Besakih , which is located on the slopes of the mountain.

Gunung Agung is still active, with a large and very deep crater which occasionally belches smoke and ash. From a distance, the mountain appears to be perfectly conical, despite the existence of the large crater.

From the peak of the mountain, it is possible to see the peak of Gunung Rinjani on the island of Lombok, although both mountains are frequently covered in cloud. The best time to climb the mountain is at dawn when the air is still clear, giving spectacular views.


CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN

There are three major approaches to the mountain. From the south, south-east, and from the west. The western approach is the most commonly taken path, as it leads from the Temple of Besakih. It also has spectacular views along the length of the trail. It is important that hikers take their own water with them as the only source of water on the trail is a well that is considered holy and therefore forbidden.


THE 1963-64 ERUPTION

The lava flows missed, sometimes by mere yards, the Mother Temple Of Besakih . The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese People as miraculous and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected. However, over 1,000 people were killed and a number of villages were destroyed in this eruption.

Image:Mount Agung.JPG



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