Each mountain has a reigning god
At 2 a.m., the four of us hesitantly walked out of the homestay to the meeting point, preparing for the sunrise hike in Bali. In the middle of summer, the air on Bali island was as cold as a late Fall day. We only wore thin clothes because we didn't think that on a tropical island, the temperature could drop. Seeing us standing there huddled together, Edi, the tour guide, had to build a small fire to warm up while we waited.
The car took us on a long trip to Kintamani, Bali, about 30km northeast of Ubud. Seeing that we were still sleepy, Edi took the wheel and stirred up the atmosphere a bit before the climb. He said, on the island of Bali there are 22 sacred mountains, the four most sacred mountains are Agung, Batur, Batukao and Abang. Mount Agung, 3,031m high, is not only the most magnificent mountain in Bali, but is also honored by the people as the abode of God Mahadeva, the supreme incarnation of Lord Shiva. On the mountain there is also Pura Besakih Temple - known as the "Mother Temple" of all the island's temples.
And Mount Batur - where the group is heading - is known as a spectacular sunrise spot in Bali. But not many tourists realize that this is one of the most active volcanoes on the island. Mount Batur, 1,717m high, is said to be the abode of Lord Brahma, associated with the symbol of a ring of fire. Legend has it that after a major eruption in history, an entire village was wiped out, but the sacred temple on the mountain still stood. The last time this volcano woke up was around the 1960s, the layer of lava was still covering it
One thing led to another, and soon the car arrived at Batur Lake. The crescent-shaped lake is located at the foot of Mount Batur, providing a large source of water for the entire Central Bali. The rice fields around Lake Batur are associated with the story of Dewi Danu, the goddess of water.
The sky was still dark, the motorboat through the mist carried us gliding on the calm lake surface. Looking up, everyone was surprised by the open sky sparkling with thousands of stars. Reaching the other shore, the whole group reached the foot of the mountain. Edi gave each person a headlamp and advised the whole group to "walk lightly, speak softly, smile gracefully" to avoid "forest disturbances", not to litter litterally, and anyone who needs to go to the toilet must ask for directions. The tour guide will take you to the right place. Listening to instructions, we became more careful in our words and steps.
Watch the sunrise
We did not climb to the top of Batur, but took a shorter route through a small village called Pulak on a gentler slope. This journey does not require any special physical fitness or experience compared to the Agung or Batur mountain climbing tour. However, the trekking route still has steep uphill sections and loose volcanic soil, so there are some sections where it is difficult for shoes to grip the path. Walking through the forest, the only sound in our ears was the chirping of insects. Halfway through the sky, the crescent moon illuminated us.
Edi sometimes goes ahead, sometimes backs up to ensure our safety and not let anyone get lost. Soon the whole group reached the back of the mountain, Pulak village appeared on the slope with simple wooden houses of indigenous people. Pulak has a glimpse of villages in the highlands of Vietnam, when people build houses above to live, below raise chickens and pigs... At just 5 am, people wake up to cook and prepare for the day. new. Seeing the guests passing by, seemingly familiar with this scene, they smiled warmly and continued their work.
The sky moves with every step of the traveler, blue, pink, orange... replacing the night. The illuminating light helps us see clearly how far we have come. With only one step left to reach the destination, we couldn't hide our joy and walked faster.
Reaching the top, the open sky appears before your eyes. A sea of white clouds like cotton curls in the valley. Looking to the left, Edi showed us the rugged peak of Agung, Bali's most sacred mountain, and beyond was the vast ocean on Bali's East Coast. Looking to the right, I saw the cone of Mount Batur and the crater lake below still covered in morning mist. Edi said, on a clear day, visitors can see Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island and the Gili Islands - two other beautiful islands of Indonesia. We sat on a wooden bench to enjoy the fruits of our trip, sipping a cup of tea and a hot breakfast amidst that breathtaking scenery. Just wish time could slow down.
Saying goodbye to the sea of clouds, the group continued their journey along the crater through many other villages before returning to Pulak village and taking the boat back. On the way back through Batur Lake, you will have the opportunity to see the peaceful daily life of the local people. On the shore of the lake is a statue of the water goddess Dewi Danu standing tall, as if protecting the villages and crops of the local people. That's Bali, this island is a place where wherever you go you can see the cultural and spiritual colors imbued in every corner of daily life on the journey of discovery. That lovely island will make you remember the smallest things forever.
