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ASCENT TO THE SUMMIT 

There are a few regular starting points for climbers, but we chose the more direct position, which was next to the holy temple at Besakih. This is an inspiring start for the upward journey, because as the mother temple of the island, positioned at the base of  the mother mountain, Besakih temple demands a great degree of reverence and respect.

Depending on your level of fitness and determination, the ascent can take three to four hours or more. The start is deceptive, with a gentle amble along ridged soil carved by a thousand tiny rivulets and through lightly forested groves, but it isn't long before the climbing gets tough. You soon find yourself relying on your hands as well as feet to lift yourself over huge rocky boulders and scramble up walls of shattered volcanic rock or scree. A difficult enough task in the broad  daylight, let alone in the semi translucent black of a night sky dimly lit by the moon behind a cloudy gauze.

The view from the top is worth every drop of sweat, every grazed hand, and every stretched muscle. If you have timed it right, you'II arrive at the summit just as the sun creeps over the distant horizon, and if you're lucky enough to have chosen a clear morning, you'll be able to see forever. The sudden rise from the plains below to the 3,300m peak gives you the distinct impression that you're up high in an aeroplane, suspended in mid air above the minute details of the world far below. There is nothing more exhilarating and awe inspiring than this. 

From the peak of Mount Agung, the island of Bali is distinctly appealing. Like looking at a topographical map, the different areas of the island lie in clear patches of bright colour, all gently working their way down towards the crystal jewel-like ocean. This is your incentive for the next stage of your summit to sea expedition... the descent.

TRANSITION FROM SUMMIT TO SEA 

The descent down Mt Agung is even more difficult, because by this time your muscles are already well and truly fatigued, and even the early heat of the day makes any movement quite challenging. But days later, when you still need to use your hands to lift your aching legs up a flight of stairs, the feeling of being on top of the world stays with you.

The main element of the Balinese landscape, that soft ruffle of patchwork quilt that stretches from the central mountains to the coast, is an important transition phase of the summit to sea journey. Glad to have your feet planted back on solid ground, it is great to have the time to explore the wealth of natural habitats and fascinating physical and cultural environments created by generation of Balinese creatives. 

The central eastern region surrounding Mt.  Agung is a luscious paradise of alternating rugged river valleys and terraced slopes, both twisting and turning as they tumble together towards the coast. You can choose to hack your way along unchartered river banks through matted jungle vines and down muddy slides, or you can tightrope walk your way along the thin raised patches of grass between rice paddies, or even simply follow the myriad of small roads and laneways that amble their way through timeless villages.

This section of the journey, is suited to an age and any level of fitness. You can simply choose for yourself how simple or difficult
you want to make your travels.

The more adventurous may like to appreciate to rapidly unfolding landscape from the seat of a bicycle, which are often easy enough to hire. Some adventure  companies offer specially guided tours of the countryside. And when fatigue sets in (for those who were brave enough to make the summit attempt), there's always; the versatility of four wheel driving, the fun and colour of catching local bemos, or more conservative forms of transport, all of Which can help you along to your next destination.

I've enjoyed all of these modes of exploration at one time or another, and each has its own charm. It is the very fact that it can be just as enlightening to wind your way through a forgotten village - past ancient temples and the simple daily rituals of villagers bathing and washing clothes in local streams - as it is to take on the more challenging jungle areas, that makes the journey through the inland Balinese terrain an incredibly enjoyable experience.

THE OCEAN AT THE JOURNEY'S END

Reaching the sea after a gruelling landlocked adventure can be the icing on the cake - or, perhaps more metaphorically appropriate - the sauce surrounding the pudding. Balmy tropical waters are never as inviting as when you're needing to freshen up and soak away the stresses and strains of adventuring. But don't sink into the spa-like waters and put your feet up just yet: the ocean can and should be explored just as extensively as the other parts of the island. 

Simple swimming and snorkelling are delightful in waters where you might find either a soft sandy carpet underfoot or a corralled reef with bright coloured fish lazily drifting by. There are a million nooks; and crannies to explore in the many beaches and bays on the coast, particularly the quiet eastern coast near Agung.

You might go deeper by diving to the depths of what the ocean has to offer, or you may prefer to skim along the surface in a traditional jukung boat in search of fresh catches of fish.

Head further west and south for some surfing, which is a must for either the beginner or more advanced board rider. Catch some whitewash into shore on a body board at the very least to get a feel for the thrill of harnessing the powerful forces of the ocean, or, better still, carve up the undulating curl of an infamous Bali wave. This is where everything is put back in perspective, where you can feel alone out in the vast expanse of water that lies on Bali's doorstep and yet. 

Just a ' s there is no better place to start the day than on top of Bali's highest mountain, watching the sun as she peers out over oceans from the east, there's no better place to end, the day than from out in the ocean, watching the sun make her final curtain call
to the west. 

Perched on a board between sets, looking back towards the mountains, its possible to reflect on the sharp contrasts of a summit to sea adventure. On a clear day, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the glorious Agung, rising sharply out of the center of the island like a freshly risen cake form the oven. You will soon be reminded of the heights you have been to in search of the ultimate taste of what Bali has to offer, and the breadth of experiences that all go towards making Bali the diverse beauty that she is.

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