THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok - page 256

comfortable accommodation and other attractions nearby. In the big resorts, there's Mudi
Goes to the Mountain in Candidasa, Bali Sunrise Trekking and Tours in Ubud and Perama
(bookable through their offices in most tourist centres or at peramatour.com ) .
Gung Bawa Jl Sri Jaya Pangus 33, Selat 0812 387 8168, gungbawatrekking.com . In
the village of Selat, a 30min drive (10km) from Pura Pasar Agung, Gung Bawa is a young,
good-humoured, highly experienced and dependable guide who speaks excellent English. He
charges Rp675,000/person (minimum two people) for a hiking package including guiding,
food and drinks, a night at Selat's Puri Agung Inn and transport to and from Pura Pasar
Agung. He can supply a head torch, jacket and even shoes if necessary. He also offers an
overnight option that leaves Selat at noon and camps at 2560m, and costs Rp1,375,200. Selat
has a couple of places to stay, both of which can also organize treks up Gunung Agung (see
Walks and trekking ) .
Ketut Uriada Muncan 0812 364 6426. In Muncan, 5km west of Selat, English teacher
I Ketut Uriada has climbed Agung several hundred times and still sometimes accompanies
tourists or sets them up with his assistant. Small groups who book ahead can spend the even-
ing before the climb at his house; he charges $35 (Rp401,100)/group of up to three people
from Pura Pasar Agung, or $70 (Rp802,200) from Besakih.
Besakih
Daily 6am-7pm • Rp15,000; the rule about wearing a sarong and sash appears to be inconsistently applied but
you'll definitely need them if you're in skimpy clothing; you can rent them from the information office (from
Rp20,000)
The major draw in the east of Bali is undoubtedly the vast Besakih temple complex, the most
venerated on the island. On a clear day it can be a magnificent sight, the multitiered shrines
of the twenty-plus temples busy with worshippers in traditional dress bearing elaborate of-
ferings and the whole complex framed against the stark grandeur of the sacred volcano. But
Besakih also has a reputation as a place of unpleasant hassle, and its jumble of buildings, un-
remarkable in many ways, are closed to non-Hindus, who must stay outside the low walls;
even the towering hulk of Gunung Agung is often invisible behind enveloping cloud. You
might well end up wondering why you bothered. If you do, arrive early morning or late after-
noon to avoid the worst of the crowds.