Pura Puncak Penulisan is a climb of 21.9 kilometers (hors catégorie). Pura Puncak Penulisan tops out at 1,693 m above sea level. It is located in Desa Tejakula, Bali, Indonesia. The average gradient is 7.9% with a maximum of 19.8%. The climb has 1725 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: This hors catégorie climb covers 21.9 km with an average gradient of 7.9% and 1725m of elevation gain, which makes it a serious test. The real difficulty lies in the repeated very steep sections, with six kilometres at 11% spread throughout, including a tough first section right from KM 1. The rare flat stretches (KM 6.0-7.0 at 3%, KM 16.0-17.0 at 3%) are too short to offer any real recovery.
Tips for managing your effort:
1. Pacing: Start easy over the first kilometre at 4% so you arrive fresh at the series of 11% ramps that follow. Avoid redlining it on the steepest sections.
2. Gearing: Anticipate the gradient changes. Shift down to your easiest gear before the 11% sections, and use the few kilometres below 5% to recover by spinning your legs.
3. Breaking it down mentally: Split the climb into segments based on the steep sequences (e.g. KM 1-6, KM 9-14, KM 19-20). Focus on one segment at a time to manage the effort better mentally.
For riders who have climbed it, the ascent to Pura Puncak Penulisan is a memorable one. Riders describe a tough climb, with gradients that really test the legs. Some also mention the long, iconic staircase of several hundred steps leading up to the temple, an option for the hardiest who want to go all the way to the top.
The reward at the summit matches the effort. Riders describe a breathtaking panorama, and on a clear day you get an uninterrupted view of the Batur, Abang and Agung volcanoes. The air is cool and invigorating, a welcome breath of fresh air after the grind, although some riders warn that the site can quickly be swallowed up by thick fog, especially late in the day, which adds to the mystical atmosphere.
The vibe at the top is described as incredibly peaceful and serene. Riders feel a deep sense of calm, reinforced by the sacred character of the place and the presence of numerous ancient statues and artefacts that speak to the thousand-year history of the temple. It's a spot that invites well-earned reflection and contemplation after the effort.
To round off the experience, several riders recommend stopping at one of the warungs nearby to try the local speciality: the "kue bantal", a small pastry, served with a hot drink. A perfect moment to recharge before the descent.
21.9 km • 1725 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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