The Ultimate Adventure in Bali: Nature, Thrills and the Great Outdoors

For thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts, this island is the ultimate playground. From volcanoes to river valleys, waterfalls to a sprawling national park, the rugged environment beckons with opportunities for exploration and adventure in Bali.

Bali sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotbed of tectonic activity that has over millennia forged the magnificent landscapes of the island. Four principal volcanic mountains, gaping calderas with towering peaks and ridges, and highland lakes that feed the hundreds of rivers which have carved the dramatic ravines and poured over flood plains – these have all contributed to what can only be described as a truly awesome environment.

Add to that a fertile, tropical climate and the ecology thus thrives with thick forests that to this day blanket much of inland Bali. This is what awaits the hikers and trekkers, mountain cyclists and white water rafters. These enticing environments are an opportunity to ‘get out the south’ and to venture to distant destinations.

As mentioned, there are four principal mountains on Bali – Mt. Agung, Mt. Batur, Mt. Batukaru and Mt. Abang – but there are more than 20 significant peaks in total on the island. Each of these present their own unique terrain, and a new summit to conquer. Here are two from Bali’s eastern Karangasem Regency that tease what a mountain hike has in store.

Bali’s holiest mountain – and therefore the most important mountain on Bali. Home to Pura Besakih, the mother temple that climbs up the southern face of Agung, all Balinese Hindu must make pilgrimage to this great temple complex.

For adventure seekers, the climb to the mountain’s crater rim, battling thick mountain forest and volcanic terrain, is perhaps Bali’s most epic outdoor mission.

There are two regular routes for hikers, the first from Pura Pasar Agung Temple (1,700m above sea level) takes around 4 to 5 hours to the crater. This is normally the route taken for those doing the sunrise trek to the crater which starts at 2am. This is a direct ascent and is a steep hike up and down the mountain face. Another route, starting closer to Besakih Temple, takes around 5 to 7 hours depending on your level of fitness.

Either way, the trek up Agung is a challenging feat, first through thick mountain forests, and when the tree line ends, the volcano’s craggy crown calls for scrambling upon brush and rock. But at the top, balancing upon the boulders that line the summit edge, the most majestic view of the entire island makes every step worth it – the very contours of the coastline visible from this most epic perch.

Bali’s most eastern mountain peak, Lempuyang is best known for its Agung-facing temple where the iconic ‘Gates of Heaven’ photo is often taken. Whilst visitors line up for their photos, a more rewarding experience is found on the southeast side of Lempuyang – a forgiving trek through light, lush woodlands with gentle slopes to the top.

There is a clear path through the mountain forest, as this is an important pilgrimage for many Balinese Hindu, who walk with their offerings from the start point at Pura Jumenang towards Pura Penataran Lempuyang Puncak – the temple at the summit. Thus, shrines dot the 2.5 hour ascent, before reaching the peak, which stands at 1,174 metres above sea level.

For any mountain treks, we strongly recommend local mountain guide (and Balinese Priest), Pak Mudi: @mudigoestothemountain | mudigoestothemountain.com

Whilst many mountain trails are a journey to the peak, the trekking experience with the Muntigunung Community Development Program (MCDP) is a dramatic descent down the mountainside towards the island’s northern coastline.