The tallest mountain in Bali at 3,142 meters above sea level, the active volcano Gunung Agung is said to be the ‘home’ of the Balinese gods. Religiously, the Balinese Hindus orient themselves towards Gunung Agung as the center of their spiritual world.

Gunung Agung accordingly, is also home to the ‘mother temple’ of Bali, Besakih. In 1963, the volcano’s last eruption killed more than a thousand people and destroyed several villages. Hiking trips to the summit are now popular with athletic tourists, who are rewarded with some of Bali’s most spectacular views.