Volcano Climbing

CLIMBING to the summit of the top mountain on Bali is the adventurous experience. But, unfortunately, climbing should be accompanied by a guide. According to Hindu belief, mountains are sacred objects. In Bali mountains are considered holy simply because of their high altitude. That's why so many of Bali's larger and most respected temples are to be found in mountain foothills, or higher.

There are several rules that the mountaineer should observe, especially when in the vicinity of a temple. And should these rules be overlooked, don't be surprised if the smiling Balinese faces turn sour, because contravening religious conventions is far worse than insulting somebody's mother on the Island of the Gods.

From the highest ground of Bali's mount, you can see the spectacular panorama of Bali all around, and a chance to admire the morning glory. Imagine hiking up a volcano to reach the peak at dawn, then sit and watch the world wakes up; the sky and earth changing gradually in colour and light until everything glows and springs alive.

In Bali there are even climbing clubs for young people. For rock climbers there is a state-of-the-art.

Tips for climbing
Explore Bali's active volcano led by experienced guide with unforgettable memories. Before you start planning your climbing in Bali's mountain, check out the tips below:

• All mounts in Bali can be climbed, and the craters' edges of some can even be reached on motorcycle. Climbing mountains in Bali is not such a difficult task, and the summits of most can be reached quite easily on foot. Steeper stages that require special expertise are rarely come across because there are already so many well-trodden paths prepared by hundreds of climbers over the years.
• It is important to be in a good physical shape for this trek. The climate is quite cold at night. In Bali's mountain rains quite often, especially on wet season (November to March). In the morning the sun is bright, then the fog starts crawling up around followed by rain. So it is better to start at midnight to reach the summit in the early morning. After breakfast, you will go down again.
• To find information on climbing at the base of the volcano look for the guides. Guides are recommended. They can explain the geologic history of the mountain, show your some excellent maps of the area, and arrange guides to the top.
• Obviously it is necessary to prepare equipment before setting off:
  • A hat, sunglasses and suncream to stave off the sun's rays.
  • Appropriate day pack and good trekking shoes.
  • A pair of gloves (because of undergrowth which sometimes has dangerous thorns)
  • A jacket or sweater, a raincoat and a knapsack.
  • An extra socks.
  • Don't forget to tuck your trousers into your socks.
  • Long pants and long hand shirt
  • Flashlight, binocular, camera and extra films.
  • It's also a good idea to take along a few first aid items.
• Women, for example, are forbidden from entering temple areas when they are menstruating. Beef should not be taken into the temple courtyard, rude words we should keep to ourselves, and so forth.
• Obstacles are not really that restricting, meaning that mountaineering in Bali is actually an accessible sport for all and a leisurely pastime. A few of the mountains, particularly during the rainy season, are apt to become very muddy, and landslides are not uncommon. So don't forget to take some tobacco - not for smoking, but for mixing with water as a solvent for removing mud from the legs!