Complete Guide to Hiking Mount Batur in Bali

If there’s one adventure you HAVE to do in Bali, if you don’t mind an early wake up and a bit of cardio, it’s got to be a sunrise hike up Mount Batur! I mean, how many times do you get to say you’ve hiked an active volcano?

Hiking Mount Batur for sunrise was at the top of my bucket list, among many other incredible experiences, when my husband and I spent a month in Bali last year. We were travelling through South East Asia during a 4-month long trip, and Indonesia was the only country on our itinerary where we could hike up a volcano and make it back to our hotel before lunch!

I had seen lava rock and steam puffing out of an active volcanic crater before when we hiked to see the Fagradalsfjall Volcano in Iceland. But what was so mesmerizing about the Mount Batur hike was the sunrise view over the other mountains and volcanoes, lakes, sea and nearby islands.

In this post, I’ll give you the deets on everything you need to know about hiking Mount Batur! From whether to do it with a local guide or not, what to pack with you – layers, layers, layers! – to how to get yourself there and back from your accommodation. Psst! You won’t need to worry about that last part if you book the hassle-free guided tour we did!

Mount Batur, an Active Volcano

Bali, just like the majority of Indonesia’s islands, sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire. This tectonic belt is a zone of high volcanic activity and frequent seismic movements that includes 75% of the world’s volcanoes.

Mount Batur is one of Bali’s two active volcanoes and its peak sits at a height of 1,717m above sea level. It’s the second tallest peak on the island, while Mount Agung – the other active volcano – stands at a whopping 3,142m. That’s quite the elevation but at least when hiking Mount Batur, you won’t need to worry about altitude sickness!

Even though Batur is still an active volcano, its last major eruption recorded was in 2000, which makes many adventurers consider it to be one of Bali’s safest hiking options. Despite its active status, it remains a popular destination for trekkers seeking awe-inspiring views of the sunrise from its summit. The desire to see it for yourself is probably what brought you here!

Where Is Mount Batur?

Situated in the northeast Kintamani region of Bali in the Bangli regency, Mount Batur is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from the popular area of Ubud and around 2 to 2.5 hours from Seminyak surrounding regions. Right at the eastern foot of the volcano within its old caldera, lies Lake Batur, Bali’s largest lake.

Even though the crater lake of Danau Batur is a brisk 20°C temperature year-round, it is possible to take a dip in it! In fact, the water quality is quite clean, and acts as a source of drinking water for the locals of Kintamani. But as such, and because the lake is considered sacred in Bali, swimming is restricted to certain areas of the lake.

Instead, most folks who visit Mount Batur will choose to relax in one of the many natural hot springs located along the western shores of Lake Batur. While rejuvenating your muscles in the natural minerals emitted by the volcano’s geothermal steam, you can get nonstop views of the gorgeous lake and adjacent Mount Abang!

But I’ll try not to get ahead of myself. More on the hot springs experience later!

Is Mount Batur Safe to Climb?

Let me put your minds at ease and tell you again that Mount Batur hasn’t had an eruption since 2000. Technically, it’s no longer an “active” volcano but remains a “live” volcano.

Since then, it’s been a peaceful slumbering giant. The eruption of Mount Batur in 2000 was significant, but fortunately, it didn’t have a widespread impact on nearby communities. While it did cause some disruptions and temporary evacuations, the damage was relatively contained. Most of the effects were localized to the immediate vicinity of the volcano, and efforts were swiftly made to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in the area.

With local authorities there to closely monitor volcanic activity and ensure the safety of hikers and residents alike, Mount Batur remains a relatively safe hiking destination.

Hiking volcanoes also often tends to be safe on the way up due to the terrain being quite even and soft due to the volcanic ash. The need for scrambling or walking on narrow paths is almost unheard of, as any previous eruptions would make the volcano face less rocky and more packed with soil, This couldn’t be truer for Mount Batur. It’s only once you reach the ridge of the crater at the top of the hike that you might want to pay closer attention to your footing!

How Difficult Is Hiking Mount Batur?

Mount Batur was quite frankly one of the least challenging hikes we’ve ever done. The volcanic ash that is heavily scattered across the volcano’s surface creates a soft terrain to walk on as opposed to heavily rocky or rooted treks we typically embark on. Even under the night sky, the path didn’t need our headlamps to light up our every step and we could walk up fairly mindlessly – okay, we still needed to pay enough attention as to not bump into anyone!

As most volcano hikes are, it was uphill the entire way. But thankfully, the incline wasn’t tough at all. The distance, time and elevation of the hike all depends on your starting point, which will vary depending on whether you choose to hike it on your own or with a tour guide from a private area. Our hike didn’t even take 1.5 hours and it was a steady incline throughout, making it feel like the breaks weren’t needed but still appreciated!

We actually wanted to keep going at the pace we were at, as we were barely out of breath, but our guide encouraged us to take short breaks.

The soft, black volcanic ash was not like what we experienced hiking Acatenango in Guatemala. It was coarse enough to give resistance to our steps, preventing our feet from sliding down with each step, which helped us save our energy. The elevation gain we experienced from where we started our hike to the camp near the volcano’s crater ridge was about 570m, which was spread pretty evenly across the entire hike.

Ensuring the Best Conditions for the Hike

Check the Volcanic Activity

I know I said not to worry about hiking this specific active volcano, but it goes without saying that you should always be checking any seismic activity before embarking on a volcano hike.

To keep tabs on Mount Batur’s seismic activity, there are a few reliable sources you can turn to. One option is to check with local authorities or the Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). They’re the experts on volcanic activity in the region and regularly monitor Mount Batur for any signs of unrest.

Another great resource is online platforms like the Volcano Discovery website or the Global Volcanism Program. These sites provide up-to-date information on volcanic activity worldwide, including Mount Batur. Plus, they often have handy features like live webcams and real-time updates, so you can stay in the know from wherever you are.

Check the Weather

It would definitely suck to lose your beauty sleep, trudge up the volcano in the middle of the night and cold, just to get there and not see anything. Oof! Imagine getting to top, waiting for sunrise to come, only to be caught in a gust of clouds the entire morning.

You’ll never be able to guarantee perfect conditions, but you can do your best to set yourself up for a successful hike and views by verifying the weather forecast before you go. Choose the clearest day you can, ensuring zero rain and the lowest cloud coverage. Of course, season matters quite a bit in this case, as Bali has a rainy season and a dry season!

When Is the Best Time to Hike Mount Batur?

Bali’s dry season runs, give or take, from April to October. During these months, you’ll have the best chances for minimal rainfall, making for clearer skies and better visibility. Perfect for soaking in those breathtaking views! We actually hiked Mount Batur during the first week of March and it was picture perfect. But one year might not always bring the same climate situation as another, so for the most promising conditions, visiting Bali further into the dry season is best.

In regards to the best time of day to tackle the volcano hike, I will say it time and time again: sunrise is the most magical time to be basking in the views at the volcano crater summit! That’s right, starting off this trek at the wee hours of 4am is 100% worth the sleep loss. You can catch up on sleep later but you won’t have the same opportunity to watch sunrise over Bali’s largest lake, volcanoes, east coast and beyond.

Trust me, watching the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colours as the sun peeks over the horizon is an experience you won’t want to miss! As the day goes on, the view clarity diminishes too, with the haze and humidity in the air. There will be crowds, but the crater ridge is so vast that you’ll always have a spot to get your unobstructed photos and videos like we did!

Can You Hike Mount Batur Without a Guide?

Hiking Mount Batur without a guide is technically still possible but doesn’t come without its many challenges. There are certain locals who patrol the main entrance point and make it very difficult for you to pass through without paying the supposed 100k IDR “entrance fee”. There are actually three scooter checkpoints on the paved road leading to the Pura Pasar Agung temple with pretty much mafia members trying to persuade you to pay this fee, even though it is not a legitimate cost for hiking the volcano.

Next obstacle is the group of people who will gather behind the gate at the temple, which is the best spot to park your scooter. That’s another thing – the only way to avoid paying the 100k IDR “fee” and just pass through, is to ride your own scooter, not hire a driver to take you to the trailhead.

As you park your bike behind the temple, other locals will claim that you need to pay for a guide, typically at the cost of 500k IDR, which is insane. If you’re one of the lucky ones to avoid them, great! You’re in the clear and can start your hike. But, if you’ve encountered them, there is no shortage of threats and harassment – yes, even physical harassing with shoving, shooing with wooden sticks, or the like. Some of these members are not afraid to barricade you, and you’ll either need to stand your guard or pay up.

Oh, by the way, you do NOT need a guide to hike the volcano. They just tell you you do, either for safety reasons or to keep the place sacred. But if safety were a problem, this hike wouldn’t be an easy 1-hour trek from the temple, along a well trodden path. And if they truly held to the sacredness of the area, the locals wouldn’t allow hundreds of tourists climbing the volcano every single morning. Though there is currently a government restriction on hiking volcanoes in Bali, it is still business as usual, and there is no government conservation or entrance fee in place either.

In the case where you get caught up by folks threatening payment for a guide, there are a few things you can do. Either, find your way around them and keep walking up, though you may risk being harassed further, or bring a small amount of cash – definitely not 500k IDR – in case you would rather keep the peace and negotiate with an on-the-spot guide.

I urge you to read the Google reviews on this pinpoint location someone tagged to help you best prepare yourself for the drive up, the hike and dealing with adverse encounters (or how to avoid them).

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend the long scooter drive up, especially in the dark if you are coming from places like Canggu to do the sunrise hike. Nor do I recommend trying your chances with hiking without a guide considering the damper the unwanted interactions may have on your Mount Batur experience.

But if you must, be sure to dress appropriately for the drive and the hike, give yourself plenty of time by arriving before 4am at the parking location, and rent your own motorbike on Klook for the whole day with free drop-off and pick-up!

Hiking Mount Batur With a Guide

All right, I’ve said my piece about what to expect when attempting to hike Mount Batur without a guide! It’s not easy and it’s very much a “your mileage may vary” type of situation. But if you’d like to avoid the situation altogether and go up hassle-free, why not opt in to go with a guide like we did?

And no, I don’t mean going with a last minute guide at the entrance point because you feel compelled to. I mean hiring one in advance and getting a comfortable ride from your accommodation to your meetup point too! We hired our guide Komang and driver through GetYourGuide and couldn’t have asked for a better experience throughout the day!

Pickup and Lounge Meetup

We were staying in Legian, which is one of the regions for which pickup is included with the sunrise Mount Batur guided trek we did. In fact, if you’re staying in either Kuta, Legian, Jimbaran, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Sanur or Ubud, you can count on a driver picking you up.

We selected the earliest pickup time of 1:30am, considering we were at one of the furthest locations, and our driver was already waiting for us at the entrance of our place at Anantara Vacation Club Legian Bali. Since we had only a few hours of sleep, we took advantage of the 2+ hour drive to catch some more z’s.

We arrived at our meetup point around 3:30am with quite a bit of time to relax and get set up. The meeting point was actually a beautiful open-air villa lounge on a stunning lush property. It’s actually dedicated to tour operators working with GetYourGuide, which is why the private driveway had GYG signage pointing up towards the lounge and green terrace.

If it weren’t pitch black, I would’ve appreciated the surroundings so much more! Which is what we did once we came back down after the hike. But in the meantime, before setting off on the excursion, it was time to grab a pick-me-up hot cup of coffee or tea, some snacks and head to the bathroom after that long ride.

Being that we were super tired and that it was not even the break of dawn yet, I was getting very chilly. Fortunately, we packed our puffer jackets with us which were very much appreciated. The hot coffee in the lounge helped warm me up as well before we met with our guide Komang. We did a little introduction while we finished up our drinks and cookies, and he grabbed a couple of wooden staffs and headlamps for us before we set off at 4am.

The Hiking Experience

We were one of the first groups to start hiking. Oh, and somehow it only ended up being me and my husband Jason in the group! Yup, a fully private tour. That was a nice surprise. So already, we were at a really great start. I can’t guarantee that that will always be the case, as the tour doesn’t explicitly say it’s private. But what I can say is that our guide was spectacular!

Komang had a very warm way about him. He made it easy to have conversations as we climbed up as he always kept pace with us. And when we needed a minute to film and vlog, he gave us that space. He paced us really well and always looked out for us to make sure we got frequent breaks. But as I mentioned above, the hike was actually very easy on us and we didn’t need to stop for a breather as often as we did!

Sunrise is the busiest time of day to hike Mount Batur. We were consistently going up while people were ahead of us or to our backs. Large guided groups would take breaks at specific checkpoints along the trail as we zigzagged across the volcano face. One break spot with benches was also a dedicated Balinese Hindu shrine area where many guides would stop for offerings and prayers before continuing on.

As we continued upwards along the trail, we would also see the line of small moving lights of people’s headlamps under the dark sky indicating how far we still had to go. The crowd also got a little larger as folks who did the Jeep Sunrise Tour would disembark and walk up the short stretch to the summit.

But after a mere 1h15, we found ourselves at a short scramble before arriving at our camp spot.

Along the entire summit and ridge of Mount Batur are various camps set up for various tour operators. I thought we had a pretty great and unobstructed view, once the sun started popping out! But once we got up there, shed off our backpacks and stretched out our legs, it was time to enjoy our first meal of the day.

Breakfast on the Summit

Waiting for sunrise as we had about one hour to spare after arriving at around 5:15am, we got to enjoy some hot foods prepared by our guide. The guides actually cook and heat up the food they carry up the mountain using the natural heat emitted by the volcano. Can you believe?

It’s not much, but anything to warm ourselves up in the cold and dark was very welcomed. The body heat from the hike wore off quickly so I couldn’t wait to hold the warm sandwiches in my hands.

We had some mashed banana sandwiches as well as boiled egg sandwiches, both contents having been cooked with the heat of the volcano! They weren’t anything special, besides the mashed bananas being nice and sweet, but we honestly didn’t care for taste at that point. We weren’t expecting a gourmet meal by any means. And the fact that Komang brought our food up, prepared it and set it up for us was very much appreciated. We also had some extra bananas and snacks he provided to munch on as we waited for the sun to pop out!

Epic Sunrise at Mount Batur

Watching the blanket of clouds that wrapped around us finally dissipate to reveal deep hues of orange and purple was epic to say the least. One moment we couldn’t see much past our hands, the next, we were looking way out into the Bali Sea and beyond.

The fog drifted fast past us and around us, creating a very mystical scenery. The low clouds lifting from within the crater and the caldera were perfect additions to the already stunning landscape.

As the sun peaked through the streaks of clouds, we could start to see Lake Batur glistening below us, Mount Abang and Mount Agung ahead of us, the Lombok Strait past there and the hazy silhouette of Lombok and the Gili Islands in the background. This time of the day was the only time to see so far and so clearly!

Exploring the Ridge

While still witnessing sunrise, we went to explore the ridgeline of the crater for about an hour. It goes out pretty far and we could see other hikers making their way to the true summit! we were on the north end of the crater and we walked along the ridge towards this viewpoint.

It wasn’t too busy on the narrow path and we loved peering out east to see the silhouette of everyone along the other edge of the crater, with Lake Batur and the other mountains ahead of them.

Seeing into the vast crater was also pretty cool! We could see patches of ground covered in cooled lava and ash and steam coming out of the ground way below us.

Speaking of steam coming out of the ground, there’s one specific spot near where we summited that allowed us to be completely embraced by the hot steam. It’s a little enclave tucked away on the inside of the crater at the northernmost point of the ridgeline. You’ll see everyone taking turns getting right in this natural open steam room, feeling the hot mist on their skin!

It was fun stepping into the mouth of the enclave, but I didn’t last very long!

After some time wandering the ridge, taking in the views as the hues changed from dark to golden to green, we started heading back to our spot where we waited for sunrise on the benches, just east of the steam cave.

We were just about getting ready to leave when a troop of monkeys started climbing up to the viewpoint as well! They weren’t shy at all and just started looking for food every which way. Some of them started climbing the huts, others scavenged under the benches for potential leftovers. Our provided walking staffs came in handy at this point to keep a safe distance from any ambitious monkeys!

But once most of the extended family of monkeys got bored and moved through, only a few monkeys remained. They looked awfully cute as they sat at the viewpoint, munching away and enjoying the view too.

After playing monkey paparazzi for a bit, we started heading back down the volcano. Instead of going down the way we came, we went a completely other way, circling around Mount Batur.

It was much easy on the knees as it was less steep, and we kept our shoes free of pebbles and volcanic ash. But it was definitely a longer way. We went through a forested area which was nicely shaded at times. The terrain was vastly different from what we felt coming up.

Once we reached the foot of the volcano, it was nice to see the fields of cabbage and other vegetables that were being farmed, now that the sun was out. And by 9am, we were already back at the villa lounge, washing up and waiting for our driver to pick us up.

Additional Activities You Should Do After the Hike

The hike was marvellous and I would have totally been satisfied going back home after that eventful morning. But it was only 9am and we had a whole day ahead of us still!

If you’ve made it all the way up to the Kintamani region, it would be a shame to leave it so soon! There are a couple of activities you could tack on to your Mount Batur hike while you’re in the area. The majority of the guided sunrise tours actually have one of these two activities already included in the package, so if you book one, you won’t have to worry about getting there yourself!

Visit a Coffee Plantation

Pretty much every Mount Batur sunrise tour inclusive of the transfer option has a coffee plantation visit included by default. This is final activity you have before making your way back to your accommodation. If you choose to forego the transportation and simply start your tour at the meeting point, this won’t be a part of your tour. But you could always visit one of the many coffee plantations in the Bangli regency of Bali on your own time.

We visited the Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation as part of our excursion. The experience was actually quite delightful, starting strong with the warm welcome we got from our host and tour guide at the entrance. We walked through a beautiful garden filled with both Arabica and Robusta coffee trees where we got to learn the difference between the two coffee cherries and male versus female coffee beans.

It wasn’t just coffee plants we saw, but various fruit trees and shrubs used for making tea such as hibiscus. This was also the first time we ever saw how snake fruit – a new addition to our fruit repertoire from our Bali visit – grows!

One we walked through the stunning garden, we got to meet our new furry pals, though they were dozing off as they’re nocturnal. Luwaks, or Asian palm civets, are narrow-nosed long-tailed weasels native to Indonesia that help produce a special kind of coffee. Let’s just say it’s the most expensive poop in the world.

Yup, after the luwak eat and digest the coffee fruit, the beans remain intact and get released naturally. After that, the coffee beans get cleaned and roasted, creating a very aromatic and good tasting coffee. And yes, it is the most expensive coffee in the world: kopi luwak.

After our tour and learning about the process for luwak coffee, we settled in at the open-air terrace overlooking a gorgeous view into one of the many lush river valleys of this region of the island. With this peaceful backdrop, we got to try 14 different coffees, coffee flavours and teas to end our day. Two of my favourites were the avocado flavoured milk coffee and the mangosteen tea. Yum!

But before we wrapped up, we couldn’t leave without trying out the luwak coffee. It was a nice experience having it brewed with a Japanese siphon, and might’ve attributed to being even tastier. Yes, it definitely hit those coffee-loving tastebuds of mine in all the right places. But is it worth the price of 50k IDR? You’ll have to find out for yourself!

Soak in the Natural Hot Springs of Lake Batur

Visiting a coffee plantation is the last thing you’ll do before getting back to your accommodation, if you opt in for a transfer with your Mount Batur guided experience. If you select to do the hike plus a hot springs visit, you’ll be able to have a nice hot soak at an outdoor thermal baths facility located right on the western shores of Lake Batur.

Relax and refresh those leg muscles after your hike with another gorgeous view of Lake Batur and Mount Abang.

There are quite a few thermal bath locations in the town situated between Mount and Lake Batur, Toya Bungkah, all of them well rated. The tour operator you go with will determine which hot springs to go to. But if you decide to go on your own, there are a few notable ones to take a look at: Segara Healing Bali Natural Hot Spring, Bali Volcano Natural Hot Spring Swimming Pool and Toya Devasya.

The majority of these hot springs will have more than one pool, shower facilities, towels for your use and even a restaurant to order food from. If you want to spend a few hours here soaking it in, you definitely could without getting hungry!

Where to Stay Near Mount Batur

We stayed near Seminyak, one of the best districts to stay in Bali, the day that we were going to hike Mount Batur. It’s a bit of a drive, which is why we included for the optional transfer with our guided trek. But if you prefer stay much closer and get more sleep the night before, you can stay right at the foot of the volcano in Kintamani.

There are actually countless hostels, guesthouses and even glamping spots to have as a base before and after your Mount Batur experience.

If you’re having a hard time choosing out of the gazillion options out there, I put together this shortlist of ones that really stood out to me, from upscale and private to more budget-friendly:

• Lava Bali Villa and Hot Spring: luxurious bed & breakfast with stunningly new and well designed rooms and facilities, with a gorgeous pool and terrace.
• Hideaway Glamping: a private glamping retreat that has an amazing aesthetic and a gorgeous view of the mountains and lake.
• Batur Volcano Guesthouse: a well located cozy stay with both private rooms and dormitories. It also has its own hot pool to dip in.
• Black Lava Hostel: a budget-friendly stay with a more family-owned feel.

Conclusion

As I wrap up this complete guide to hiking Mount Batur, I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for the unforgettable adventure my husband and I had. Standing atop this majestic and sacred volcano, witnessing the sunrise painting the sky with hues of gold and purple, I’m reminded of the sheer beauty and wonder that Bali has to offer.

Hiking Mount Batur was more than just a physical accomplishment – it was a soul-stirring experience that left an indelible mark on me. Maybe it’s got something to do with the geothermal heat up there! I realize that it’s not just about reaching the summit, but about the moments shared, the history and personal stories learning from our amazing guide, and the memories made along the way.

In fact, I dare say that witnessing the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur has earned its place as one of my top 10 bucket list experiences in Bali.

But the adventure doesn’t end here. Bali is brimming with countless other experiences waiting to be discovered – from snorkelling with the manta rays in Nusa Penida to witnessing history unfold walking through the gorgeous rice terraces of Jatiluwih and indulging in delectable cuisine.

Until next time!