mount batur trek height

Mount Batur Hike In Bali: How To Do The Sunrise Trek

The Mount Batur hike in Kintamani , Bali is one of the most popular and enjoyable sunrise trekking experiences you can have in Indonesia.

It’s not very hard to do the Mount Batur Bali trek from any part of the island, and the guided trek takes you up a still active volcano — Gunung Batur — with a summit elevation of more than 1,700 meters.

Mount Batur sunrise trekking is especially popular because you can catch amazing views of the sunrise from the top of the mountain, usually in a sea of orange clouds. Sunset trekking can also be interesting if you don’t like the idea of waking up early.

I’ve done this Bali volcano hike many times over the years, and the Mt Batur trek is always a completely memorable adventure in its own way.

Mount Batur is currently open for hiking as of 2024. Back in May 2023, there was some talk from the former Bali governor about banning tourists from hiking the mountain, but thankfully that hasn’t happened.

In this guide, I’ll explain how you can hike Mount Batur for sunrise or sunset, with or without a guide, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Quick Facts

• Distance: 3 – 5 kilometers (2-3 miles) return
• Elevation Gain: 500 meters (1,650 feet)
• Top Elevation: 1,717 meters (5,633 feet)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2 – 4 hours return

Mount Batur view point

Best Mount Batur Tour Guide

First of all, if you’re looking for a vetted tour guide for visiting Mount Batur Bali, here’s a top-rated Mount Batur sunrise trekking tour from GetYourGuide starting at 500k Rupiah ($32 USD) that includes optional hotel pickup and drop-off from places like Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Sanur, Kerobokan, and Canggu.

They also have a high-rated trek that includes the natural hot springs in Kintamani, and optional transfer from Ubud or Nusa Dua.

These prices are fairly similar to what we see being quoted on the ground in Bali, and the online reviews are highly positive too. The tour includes breakfast and trekking equipment like poles, torches, and drinking water.

We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Book Now: Mount Batur Bali Sunrise Tour

You can see wild monkeys on the Mt Batur trek

Drone picture of the Gunung Batur volcano and caldera

Where Is Mount Batur?

The Mount Batur volcano is located in the Kintamani highlands, on the northeast part of Bali island.

It’s about a 2 hour drive to Mount Batur from Canggu, Kuta, Sanur, or Seminyak, and about a 1 hour drive from Ubud.

Or, if you stay a night at a hotel directly in Kintamani, you can walk to the volcano from your hotel! That’s how we did our latest Mount Batur sunrise trek.

Where To Stay: Batur Volcano Guesthouse  

About The Gunung Batur Volcano

Mount Batur (also known as ‘Gunung Batur’ in Indonesian) is part of an active volcano that’s believed to have formed in a massive apocalyptic eruption about 25,000 years ago.

At one time (before it blew its top), Batur was apparently more than 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) tall — making it even bigger than Mount Agung , Bali’s current tallest volcano (which is already huge).

Almost two dozen eruptions have happened at Gunung Batur since 1804 when recording first started, and it last erupted in 1999-2000.

That sounds scary, but any signs of impending volcanic activity are constantly monitored by the Indonesian government so Batur is generally very safe to climb.

Since 2015, UNESCO lists the Mount Batur caldera as a global geopark for its fantastic volcanic landscapes.

Kintamani crop fields in the morning

Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

• starting the mount batur hike.

Mount Batur sunrise tours start with a very early morning pickup (2 AM-ish) so your guide can drive you all the way to Kintamani for a hike to the top of the volcano in time for sunrise.

The Mount Batur hike is very popular, so you’ll most likely be trekking in the company of dozens (if not hundreds) of other international and local tourists all sharing the same path.

At the top of the Mount Batur view point, you cross the rim of the volcano and then you’re greeted by packs of Balinese monkeys eager to share your sunrise (and your snacks)! Keep a close eye on them.

On our last hike to Mt Batur, one monkey stole our entire snack bag, and by the time we got it back he had looted the Pocari Sweat and drank it in front of us. Nakal monyet .

Where To Stay: Mt. Batur Volcano Guesthouse  

• How Hard Is The Hike?

The hike up Mount Batur takes about 2 hours (give or take) depending on your fitness level, and it’s steep but not dangerous at all as long as you stay on the path. If you’re feeling unsure about this hike, just DO IT!

Anyone can do the trek, but I wouldn’t take that to mean it’s a complete joke either. The climb up is a decent calf killer, and the walk down is a bit of an ankle buster.

It’s a fair bit of elevation gain. You will be plenty sore after the hike! Plan on a Balinese foot massage afterwards.

If you want a harder volcano hike than Mt. Batur with less crowds, consider doing the Mount Agung hike in the same area. However, the climb up Agung is a much, much tougher hike than Mt. Batur.

• Mount Batur Hike Distance

The Mount Batur hike distance depends on where you start and end your trekking, but generally it’s about 3-5 kilometers (2-3 miles) roundtrip.

AllTrails (and some travel blogs) are incorrect for this hike when they list it at 9.3 kilometers (5.8 miles). Looking at a Mount Batur map, that’s only the distance if you completely circle both volcano craters, and start from the bottom of the road in Toya Bungkah village.

The real Mount Batur hike distance is quite a bit shorter, so keep that in mind when you see inflated figures like that.  

• Mount Batur Height

The Mount Batur height at its summit is 1,717 meters (5,633 feet). You don’t need to acclimatize to altitude before doing the hike.

It’s a fair change in elevation if you’re coming from sea level in the touristy areas of south Bali, but it’s definitely not enough of a change to cause altitude sickness, so you don’t need to worry about anything of that sort.  

• Mount Batur Elevation Gain

The Mount Batur elevation gain depends on where you start and end your hike, but generally it’s about 500 meters (1,650 feet).  

Little monkey enjoying the Mount Batur view point

Drone picture of the Mt Batur summit and surrounding caldera

• Mount Batur Weather

The Mount Batur weather is quite a bit cooler than other parts of Bali, although it’s never frigid.

Overnight temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), and the wind can make it feel colder than that.

You’ll definitely want to bring a light jacket to wear at the top of the Mount Batur view point, and that way you can stay warm while waiting for the sunrise.

After the Mount Batur sunrise, the weather warms up and you’ll be ready to shed the jacket on your way down.

Speaking of weather, what if clouds or fog roll in and block your view of the sunrise? Unfortunately it happens sometimes, and I’ve seen it myself.

Regardless of how much planning you do, ultimately there is no way to predict the weather on Mount Batur. You just have to give it a shot, and hope for the best.  

• Mount Batur Sunrise

The Mount Batur sunrise is an awesome sight to see. It’s so worthwhile.

On the right you have Lake Batur and the peaks of Gunung Abang, with the Mount Agung volcano just barely visible above them.

Directly behind the sunrise is the Bali Sea, and on a clear day you can even make out the shape of Mount Rinjani on Lombok island way off in the distance!

Mount Batur sunrise trekking

• Breakfast At Mt Batur

After sunrise at Mount Batur, it’s time for breakfast. Most tour guides include this for free in the trekking packages, and you’re going to be hungry after spending your morning climbing a mountain.

Since Mt Batur is an active volcano, there are small heat vents to be found at the top of the crater, and the tour guides will usually let you cook eggs by sticking them in the heat vents.

It’s yet another fun and unique activity to enjoy on this Bali volcano! I mean really, how often do you get the chance to cook eggs with heat vents from an active volcano?

Morning at the Mount Batur view point

What To Bring

• Jacket: Bring an extra layer for the Mount Batur sunrise trek. You’ll shed your jacket right away as you heat up, but then you’ll probably want it again at the top while you sit and wait for the sunrise.
• Footwear: Regular shoes are fine, but sturdy hiking shoes are better for the Mount Batur hike. You can also do it with hiking sandals, but I wouldn’t wear flip flops. You’ll be walking on slippery gravel and steep inclines or declines at times.
• Poncho: If you go during the rainy season (especially December to February), you might want to bring a rain jacket just in case.
• Water: Most Batur tours will give you a small bottle of water for the hike, but if you can bring 1L or 1.5L per person that’s better.
• Snacks: Again, even though most tours include free breakfast, you’ll probably be wanting energy snacks to go with it.
• Headlight: Mount Batur sunrise trekking tours will provide cheapo flashlights, but a quality headlight will be even better.
• Camera: Essential. A small tripod could be handy too since it’ll be dark before the sunrise.

You can hike Batur any time of the year, but the best months are April to November, when there’s less rain and the mountain visibility is better. June through September are especially dry, and that’s when you have the best chance of seeing a spectacular sunrise.

The volcano crater

Mount Batur Deaths & Safety

Accidents and deaths are rare at Mount Batur, although a 25 year old Swedish tourist unfortunately fell into the crater and died in 2010, and a 70 year old American fell to his death in 2022.

These are two of the only confirmed Mount Batur deaths to date, even though hundreds of tourists hike the volcano for sunrise every day.

The hiking path is quite safe as long as you stay away from steep edges. The drop-offs are easy to avoid as long as you can see them.

You should always have a light for hiking in the dark (Mt. Batur guides can provide this), and please don’t ever try to take selfies or other pictures near steep cliff edges.

As long as you follow these rules, the Mount Batur hike is very safe and even kids can do it.

King of the mountain. The Mount Batur monkeys can be sneaky.

Mount Batur Tour Guide / Mafia Requirement

Even though it’s a fairly simple hike that could be done solo, Mount Batur is controlled by a local trekking group (mafia) that doesn’t let anyone climb the volcano without paying for a local guide.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve climbed Mount Everest and you’re the picture of fitness, you’ll still be forced to hire a local guide and pay your dues for the Mount Batur sunrise trek.

People who try to climb the mountain without a guide have reported being verbally abused by locals (“you’re a terrorist”) and even shoved, kicked, or physically threatened. Hopefully the Bali government will step in and put an end to this.

As much as I don’t like rewarding this kind of bad behavior, keep in mind it is motivated by poverty. Kintamani is a very poor area of Bali. There are also a few other benefits to hiring a guide:

• Transport: Who wants to be driving in a foreign country at 2 AM? Better to pay someone else to do it for you.
• Navigation: Even though the path is easy to find in the daytime, it’s definitely more tricky in the dark before sunrise.
• Assistance: Guides will give you a hand on the mountain, and help you snap photos with the sunrise.
• Supplies: Most tours include some things you’ll need for Mount Batur sunrise trekking, like breakfast, bottled water, flashlights, etc.
• Peace of Mind: Is $30 or $40 USD really worth getting into a fight with the locals on your holiday?

Hikers and monkeys on the north crater rim of Mt Batur

Mount Batur Without Guide – Directions

If you’re resolved to hike Mount Batur without a tour guide, the best way to attempt it is on the north side of the mountain .

The trail on the north side is more quiet and only seems to get used by people starting directly from Kintamani village (i.e. locals and overnighters) doing the Mount Batur sunrise trek.

This side wasn’t monitored by anyone when we went, but that may change. My best advice is to navigate to Red Lava Campground and then walk up, up, up the slope.

The path to the top of Mt.Batur isn’t too hard to follow without a guide, even in the dark — just follow the elevation. There are dozens of converging trails that all meet at the summit. The only challenge will be finding the start, so give yourself some extra time for that.

Morning views at Mount Batur Bali

Mount Batur Afternoon Trekking

If you’re not really interested in seeing the Mount Batur sunrise, or the early start won’t work for you, then it’s always possible to do morning or afternoon trekking at Mount Batur.

You won’t see the same epic sunrise at the Mount Batur view point, of course, and the other downside is that it may be harder to find other travelers to share a group with you. Plus, fog is more likely to block the views altogether.

Morning and afternoon aren’t popular times to hike this volcano, but that can be a good thing if you’re wanting to avoid the big crowds.  

Mount Batur Sunset Trekking

If you don’t like waking up early for the sunrise, and would rather stay an extra night in Kintamani, then it’s also possible to do sunset trekking at Mount Batur.

The Mount Batur sunset isn’t quite as dramatic as sunrise since you don’t have Gunung Abang in the background, but you’re still bound to get some great views.

Better yet, if you feel like camping, you can do a 2-day Mount Batur trek and witness both the sunrise and the sunset! This is a unique way to get more time on the mountain.

Book Now: Mount Batur Sunset Trekking / 2-Day Mount Batur Camping

Mount Batur sunset trekking is another alternative

Mount Batur sunset

Where To Stay

Nowadays there are lots of great budget friendly Kintamani hotels if you want to stay overnight before your Mount Batur sunrise trek. See below for some recommendations.

The main advantage of staying in Kintamani is that you have easier access to the Mt. Batur volcano so you can wake up later for the hike. That means starting at 4 AM, instead of 1-2 AM if you start from other areas of Bali like Ubud, Kuta, or Sanur.

The other reason to stay in Kintamani is that there are some great things to see besides the volcano . You can soak in the natural hot springs at Lake Batur, visit the traditional villages and temples, etc.  

Hotels Near Mount Batur Bali

Inn @ Volcano

Bukit Catu Hostel

Villa Jempana

Batur Volcano Guesthouse

Mount Batur Hot Spring

Since Mount Batur is an active volcano, there is also a hot spring nearby by the name of Toya Devasya.

The facilities are nothing special, but the hot spring has an amazing view of Lake Batur and the surrounding mountains — almost like an infinity pool.

Many Mount Batur tours include this hot spring as part of the itinerary, and it’s a great way to relax after the hike!

A dip at the Mount Batur hot spring (Toya Devasya) is a great way to relax after the hike.

Is Mount Batur Worth It?

Now it’s time for the most important question of all — is Mount Batur worth it? Yes, I definitely think so!

Aside from the novelty of hiking on an active volcano, with steaming heat vents and playful monkeys, you also get to witness one of the most amazing sunrise views in Bali, Indonesia. I don’t normally like waking up so early for sunrise, but this one is worth it!

Generally you won’t see flowing red hot lava at Batur, but the entire southwestern slope of the volcano is surrounded by a field of old black lava rock that’s now used for dirt biking tours and other fun activities. Overall, Mount Batur is well worth a visit when you’re in Bali!  

Is Mount Batur Open / Closed?

Yes, Mount Batur is currently open to tourists and hikers as of 2024! There are no impending plans to close it. I’ll update this travel guide if anything changes.

Back in May 2023, the former governor of Bali threatened to close all of the island’s 22 mountains to hikers because of one or two tourists misbehaving. Thankfully there was a lot of pushback on this idea, and so far no new law has been issued.

The mountain is rarely closed to the public, and that would generally only happen temporarily if there’s some kind of unusual volcanic activity or other safety concerns. Right now it’s still open.

Happy travels!  

More Bali Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this Mount Batur sunrise trekking guide.

Don’t forget to check out my Bali Travel Guide and my complete list of the best hikes in Indonesia !  

• Bali Beach Guide - The Best Beaches In Bali
• Bali Waterfalls Guide - The Best Waterfalls In Bali
• Bali Temple Guide - The Best Temples In Bali
• Bali Travel Guide - Info, Pictures, & Blog
• Nusa Penida Island Guide - How To Visit From Bali
• Most Beautiful Indonesian Islands - Best Places To Visit In Indonesia
• Best Hikes In Indonesia - Volcanoes, Jungles, & Waterfalls

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Do you have any recommendations for the best shoes (for women) for this? I’m coming to Bali in early September from America & im trying to pack light. Would all purpose “hiking sandals” (from Keen, Merrell, or Teva – for example) be acceptable?

Hi Mick! Hiking boots with ankle support would be best, but you could do it in hiking sandals if you’re needing to save space in your bag. It’s not a very long hike, but the gravel can be slippery, especially on the way back down, so you’ll want something with a bit of grip. As long as you watch your footing, I think that would be fine.

I’m looking to travel to Bali in the next month, and have come across a few sites and posts that say the tourist bans have now become official. Any truth to that? I haven’t been able to find any legitimate /government-backed articles about it, but the rumors have definitely got me feeling concerned. Hiking Mt. Batur is one of the highlights for me.

Hi Bree. Currently Mount Batur is still open for hiking, so nothing has changed yet. Personally I think it’s very unlikely there will be any ban, but I’ll be monitoring the situation closely and I’ll update this article if anything changes.

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We Are Travel Girls

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ASIA , BALI , HIKING , INDONESIA · November 21, 2017 Last Updated on March 14, 2024

6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING MOUNT BATUR

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Mount Batur is situated in the Bangli region on the island of Bali, Indonesia. For many years tourists have been hiking up Mount Batur (a volcano in Bali) to watch the sunrise over nearby volcanoes Mount Agung and Mount Agung, and it’s not hard to see why!

If you can manage to wake up early for the drive to the mountain, you will be treated to an adventurous hike in the dark with an amazing sunrise awaiting you at the summit. Just last week, I hiked the volcano for the first time and didn’t really know what to expect.

In this article I share 6 things you need to know before you hike Mount Batur, including what to bring and how to prepare.

1) How Hard Is The Hike Up The Mount Batur Volcano In Bali?

First things first, how hard is the hike? For most that will be the most important question that needs answering. If you are normally active and have a decent level of cardio, you shouldn’t find the hike to be too difficult.

You will read on most forums, travel advice channels and blogs that it’s easy and you can practically run up it! Well, that’s not entirely true.

The hike is about two hours (for most, quicker if you need fewer breaks) and remember you are summiting a volcano which is 1,717 meters, or 5,633 feet, above sea level.

For me personally, I found the hike pretty difficult and not the easy stroll as some described it. To be fair, I don’t do too much cardio and if I am at the gym it’s most likely for a leisurely Pilates class! 

So when it comes to understanding how difficult the hike will be, honestly you have to look to your own personal fitness level and not someone else’s. You know your own body, and will be able to tell pretty early on if you are going to find the hike hard.

You definitely do not need to be training beforehand (it’s a 2-hour hike, not a marathon!), and as long as you take breaks when you need them I think anyone can get to the top.

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2) What To Wear To Hike The Volcano

The temperature and climate will be different from one night to the next and also changes throughout the hike. I would recommend wearing comfortable leggings or shorts, something you would typically wear to work out.

By far the most important thing to wear is proper trainers or hiking shoes! I watched many girls in very silly stylish boots slipping as they tried to climb the last part of the hike where the rocks and gravel are loose.

Bring a sweater or hoodie for the cooler moments in the hike, probably at the beginning and at the summit. Throughout the hike itself you will probably remove these outer layers.

I also suggest bringing a waterproof jacket , especially if you are hiking in the wet season or near to it as you may get rained on!

3) What To Bring To Mount Batur

Carry a small rucksack and bring along your waterproof gear, extra water and some snacks. I also highly recommend buying a headlamp beforehand.

You are given a flashlight by your guide, but having a small headlamp made the hike much easier, especially towards the end to have your hands free when climbing up the rocky path.

Your guide will likely have a couple of small waters for you, but I think it’s best to have extra and bring your own too. At the summit your guide will have some snacks, probably some simple boiled eggs.

If you anticipate being hungry, bring along some sandwiches or biscuits. We brought these with us, but in the end waited to eat until we stopped on the return drive back to Seminyak .

4) Camera Equipment

Bringing cameras is essential! I currently use a Nikon D850 and a Sigma Art Lens , but any quality DSLR will work to capture the sunrise.

Sunrise at the peak of Mount Batur is truly stunning so make sure to bring along your cameras, Gopros, phones or whatever your preference is for photography.

Unless you are a professional, I would suggest leaving the tripod at home. Whilst you could get an awesome time-lapse shot, it’s quite busy at the peak and carrying it up the mountain would be a pain. 

If you really want a tripod, I would recommend a smaller flexible tripod and not a large one. But I urge you to put down the cameras and enjoy the moment as the sun rises after snapping a few shots!

5) Who To Hike With & Tours

We booked our hike with a local company called Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking for about Rp 800,000 (~$60) per person. This includes everything, including pickup and drop off from Seminyak, local guide up the mountain, water, flashlights, simple breakfast at the top, and lunch at a nearby restaurant after the hike.

Usually, bookings take place over WhatsApp for many activities in Bali, so don’t find it unusual if this is how the booking is confirmed. We received a message confirming pickup at 1:45am the night before and the driver was right on time.

We decided to take a private hike of just my boyfriend (update: now husband!) Ryan and I with a guide. There are group tours, but the pricing is very similar and it’s very nice to have a private guide so you can go at your own pace up the volcano.

Mount Batur Guided Tours 

If you prefer to go with a tour then there are plenty to choose from, some are just the sunrise tours and others include fun extras like a visit to natural hot springs after or stops at waterfalls. Here are some of the top-rated tours to choose from:

• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek with A Female Guide
• Mt. Batur: 2 Day Camping Trip, Summit Hike, and Hot Springs
• Mt. Batur Sunrise Hike with 1-Night Stay in Kintamani
• Mt. Batur Black Lava Cycling Tour w/ Natural Hot Spring
• 2-Day Sunset and Sunrise Camping at Mt. Batur
• Mt. Batur Sunrise Trek & Jungle Swing Private Tour
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek and White Water Rafting
• Mount Batur Quad Bike Tour and Natural Hot Springs
• Mount Batur: Private Volkswagen Jeep Volcano Safari
• Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Adventure with Jungle Swing
• Mount Batur: Private Sunrise Jeep Tour & Natural Hot Spring
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek With Guide and Breakfast
• Mount Batur Sunrise Hike and Natural Hot Spring

6) Schedule

The time you get picked up will depend on where you are staying on the island.

From Seminyak , you will be picked up around 1.45am, Ubud 2.15am and other locations further south will be earlier. The driver will pick you up at your chosen location and the drive will take around 2 hours (from Seminyak). Upon arrival, your hiking guide will meet you in the car park and it’s time to get started.

As I previously mentioned, you will hike somewhere between 1.5 – 2 hours depending on your own speed and that of the group you are hiking with. You will reach the peak at around 5.30am and spend around an hour or more just taking in the sunrise.

Then you can keep going up to wander around the crater of the volcano, see some monkeys playing at the temple on top of the peak and find some areas where hot smoke is creeping out of the volcano. You can spend around another hour or so wandering around before you begin your descent back down.

I expected the descent to be much less time than the way up, but in fact it still took around 2 hours, as we scrambled down the volcano. Again, time for each part of the trip will depend on your pace, and how long you stop for pictures, etc!

Finally, on the drive home your driver will stop somewhere for you to have a light breakfast and some tea and coffee before the drive back to your hotel or villa.

Where To Stay In Bali

Our top places to stay in bali, indonesia.

• 9 Epic Places To Stay In Bali
• The Best Bali Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Kayon Resort
• Colony Hotel
• Find the best accommodation in Bali, Indonesia

WHAT TO KNOW FOR VISITING BALI

Indonesia visas.

The typical visa to visit Indonesia allows you a free 30 day stay depending on your country of nationality. Be sure to check the official Indonesia visa website for the latest information.

The currency used in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) . The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 14,000 IDR. You can check the latest IDR exchange rate on Google .

While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate.

BEST TOURS IN BALI

Some of the best tours and things to do in Bali are:

• Bali Instagram Tour
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
• Snorkeling Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan

WHERE TO STAY IN BALI

Seminyak is our recommended area to stay when visiting Bali. We recommend booking your hotels on Booking.com to get the best rate and many hotels offer free cancellation in case your plans change.

Some of our favorite hotels in Seminyak are:

• The Colony Hotel : High end hotel with a colonial feel in the middle of Seminyak.
• The Legian Bali : 5 star hotel right on the beach.
• Blue Karma Oasis : Relaxing villa style hotel.

AirBnB is also a great option in Bali!

For more hotel options, be sure to read our 9 Epic Places To Stay In Bali and Best Bali Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts articles!

BEST TIME TO VISIT INDONESIA

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season between April and October . July and August can be very crowded, so we prefer the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October.

BEST BOOKS ABOUT BALI

Read more about Indonesia before you go! Some of the best books about Bali are:

• Eat, Pray, Love
• A House in Bali
• Under the Volcano: A Story of Bali

WHAT POWER ADAPTERS DO YOU NEED

Indonesia uses standard 2 prong Type C adapters also commonly used in Europe.

You can buy a universal adapter that will work in any country and has extra ports for USB cables to charge your phone and other devices.

We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies.

TRANSPORTATION IN BALI

• Public Transportation: There is limited public transportation in Bali. You can take public ferries between islands by using a website like Bookaway .
• Rental Cars : It is possible to rent a car at the airport in Bali, though driving might be challenging due to road congestion and local rules.
• Uber: Uber is sometimes available in Bali, though it depends on the area. Many local drivers do not like Uber so you may want to use the licensed Blue Bird Taxis or hire a private driver for the day instead.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Our top recommended travel insurance companies for Bali are:

• World Nomads : Comprehensive coverage for medical, travel delays, and electronics.
• SafetyWing : Cheaper monthly coverage primarily for medical.

For more information, read our article on why you need to book travel insurance for your next trip!

MORE ARTICLES ABOUT BALI

• The Ultimate Guide To Nusa Penida
• The Best Regions To Visit In Bali
• 14 Reasons To Visit Bali
• An Insiders Guide To The Best Cafes & Restaurants In Bali

The Mount Batur Sunrise Hike was one of my favorite experiences in Bali, and I highly recommend you do the trek on your next vacation to the Indonesian island!

I hope this article helps you to plan your own visit to Mount Batur in Bali. If you have questions, tips or updated information about hiking Mount Batur, please share them with readers in the comments.

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!

We Are Travel Girls Founder Becky van Dijk of BeckyvanDijk.com Connect with Becky  Facebook | Twitter | Instagram  | Pinterest  | YouTube

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Monica Houghton says

December 3, 2017 at 5:10 pm

Omg just watched the engagement video!!!! So happy for you guys!! ???

We Are Travel Girls says

December 4, 2017 at 11:31 pm

Thank you so much Monica! It was a really special moment and as you know, totally unexpected by me! Becky x

Definealpha says

March 5, 2018 at 9:34 am

Hi there, I have an instagram account and would like to share some of your pics from this Mount Batur trip on one of my post. Need your consent before i do so.

Wawi Joseph says

December 29, 2019 at 9:18 pm

Thank you for sharing. Beautiful to read. I am Indonesian live in Bali. I am 61 years old. Planning to climb mount Batur in 2020 (will be 62 in 2020). I hope I can do it. Plan to go with my wife (53 in 2020 and around 15 staffs of our cafe, the staffs are very young, vary from 18 to 30).. Thanks again

Enrico says

April 8, 2018 at 3:22 am

Thanks for sharing dear! It’s always nice to have good info on these things, instead of just cold articles that are not really honest about it :D

April 18, 2018 at 9:51 pm

Thanks for the awesome sharing for the trip to Mt Batur. It is very helpful for my upcoming trip in May. Xx

February 9, 2019 at 4:58 pm

Hey! Congratulations on your engagement! Just wanna check if you have the link or name of the tour guide for Mount Batur? Many thanks!! :)

April 10, 2019 at 7:46 am

Such a great informations and congrats for engagement! I was wondering, We will have a drive to take us there, then do we really need guide to walk with us? Can we climb without a guide and not get lost.

Tanisha says

May 26, 2019 at 3:00 am

those pictures are extremely nice. thanks for your article. that was really helpful?????

May 27, 2019 at 9:19 pm

Hi by the way I’m planning this June going on Mount Batur.You have their contact number?

June 18, 2019 at 10:06 am

Se question as the one before..is guide required?

June 19, 2019 at 1:04 am

I strongly recommend going with a guide or tour company for safety and to support the local economy. The hike begins before sunrise in the dark so it would be easy to get lost. The guide can also take you different routes depending on your fitness level and show you some great spots at the top you might not otherwise find on your own. Have fun, it’s one of my favorite activities in Bali!

-Becky, Founder of We Are Travel Girls

August 15, 2019 at 3:53 am

Hi there, thanks for the article. I am wondering if you have any insight on how busy the trek was and about the motorbikes that go up and down. Were these bad and did this bother you at all?

August 15, 2019 at 4:32 am

The hike was reasonably busy when we did it but it was not too bad. We were able to walk by ourselves or with another small group during the majority of the hike because everyone is spread out and goes up the mountain at different speeds. It does get fairly crowded at the top though. There were only 2-3 motorbikes that went past us during the entire hike so this didn’t bother us at all. Thanks for reading!

– Becky, Founder of WATG

Mahima says

September 30, 2019 at 11:25 pm

I am loving this post. I went tired searching for such detailed information on Mount Batur. A well written, detail oriented and very helpful write-up. Thanks a lot.

October 9, 2019 at 9:59 am

Hi, I am going in November first week…I am worried if it rains in Bali..what do you suggest that shall I think of climbing Mt batur or not..will it be risky considering rain?

Diane S says

January 20, 2020 at 2:40 pm

Great writeup! My husband and I just climbed Mt Batur yesterday, and you do NOT need to hire a guide. We stayed in the local town, and did the hike ourselves, with the help of the well-marked maps.me.

Saying that – we knew the sunrise hikes tend to be crowded, so we decided to start at 7:30 am. We were at the top by 10 am, and had it all to ourselves.

I’m all for supporting the local economy- we just choose to do that in other ways (staying in a local guest house, eating meals locally, etc).

For someone asking about the rainy season – this is Jan 2020, meant to be the rainy season – but it happens to be an extra dry year (due to climate change). The whole day we hiked was clear and sunny, with a bit of drizzle in the evening – one advantage of staying locally: we soaked in the local hot springs after – lovely!

Anonymous says

September 13, 2022 at 1:42 pm

This Blog was really very helpful. Wish you a great day and keep sharing such informations with us

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Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, Bali, Indonesia

The Mount Batur sunrise trek in Bali, Indonesia is a rewarding and magical way to start the day. Plus, sunrises in Bali don’t get better than this! 

After a few weeks of beaches, palm trees and swimming in Raja Ampat , Gili T and northern Bali, it was time to challenge myself.

While I wouldn’t say I’m unfit, I’m no gym bunny. I tried yoga once and was in pain for a week! Oh and I’m pretty hazardous on two wheels. I’m not bad at running, but often lack the motivation required to find my trainers, let alone lace them up!

So when I reached Bali, it was time to stop being so lazy and get the blood pumping again.

Mt Batur (known in Indonesia as Gunung Batur) is an active volcano, and its peak is at 1717 metres. Due to high daytime temperatures the trekking tours all set off early in the morning, when you’ll enjoy the added bonus of catching sunrise from the top.

READ MORE: Best Tours In Ubud, Bali 

The Mount Batur trekking tour is offered on a few websites including GetYourGuide – a professional tour booking website, which I’ve used around the world. This is one of their most popular tours, and has over 1900 reviews giving it an average of 4.8 out of 5!

I knew this was the tour for me when I saw that it also included a relaxing stop at some hot springs after the hike. A few other I looked at included a coffee plantation tour, but I had a feeling my body would be calling out for some thermal waters after what I was about to put it through. There are also options of private tours if you want your own travel guide for the duration of the volcano hike. 

Planning your trip to Bali? Here are a few quick highlights:

Hiking Up Mount Batur For Sunrise

After being picked up from our accommodation in Ubud at 2.30am by an English speaking driver, we travelled for around an hour to a hotel close to Mount Batur, where we joined a group of around 20 people.

After a cup of coffee we were given torches and started the walk to the base of the volcano. There were lots of people around, not just from our tour group, also starting the ascent.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking: The Ascent

By this time it was after 4am and we were told that sunrise would be around 6am – just two hours to go! We realised that in order to reach the summit for the first rays we’d need to keep a pretty moderate pace.

Similar to my sunrise experience at Borobudur a few weeks before, it was a strange feeling starting the climb in the pitch black, not knowing what surrounded us.

Local guide Adi was friendly, motivating, and stayed with us the whole way up. He was an excellent example of a responsible tour guide, and was passionate about the area he calls home. He climbs Mount Batur every single day, so I figured we were in pretty safe hands!

The first twenty minutes weren’t too bad. The path weaved through a forest at a gentle gradient. It was nice and cool and we stopped regularly for a swig of water and a pep talk!

After a while the path became much steeper. Not only that, but it was slippery – the volcanic rubble hard to grip onto even in hiking boots.

At a whopping 5 ft 1, I’m not blessed with the tall gene, and at times I found the leg extension really difficult with the route being so steep. 

Every now and then I twisted around to see a beautiful deep orange glow starting to form behind Mount Agung (another volcano nearby). There was also a lovely light shimmer across Lake Batur. 

I knew that if I could make it to the summit, this sunrise was going to be really special.

With each step I became more and more breathless. My face reddened until it was a bright shade of beetroot (thank god it was still dark and no one could see me!)

‘This is much harder than I expected,’ I thought, legs turning to jelly. The group split into sub-groups on the ascent, some wanting to race up while others took a gentler pace, less bothered about making it for sunrise. 

It became a battle of mind over matter. My body was struggling and wanted to give up, but my mind was going all the way.

“Ten minutes to the top,” Adi shouted.

“Come on Chloe, you can do this,” I responded, silently.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking: The Summit

When you reach the summit of Mount Batur volcano there’s a strange adrenaline that kicks in. You see THAT view and you just know it was all worth it. You feel proud. It’s so rewarding.

It’s not even 6am and look how much you’ve achieved!

You don’t want to sit down. You don’t want to go to sleep. You want to hug everyone at the top. You want to dance around like a loony!

I looked around and couldn’t believe it. The thick blanket of darkness was being replaced by glistening orange and gold rays, bursting from the silhouette of Mount Agung.

There was a low mist hanging – spooky but magical. Lake Batur had a glassy untouched sheen. The view was spectacular, and even more special than expected.

I’d seen photos before the day trip, but they didn’t do it justice. To stand there and look around at the panorama is something I’ll never forget.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking: The Views

As each second ticked by the light changed, illuminating more of the beautiful surroundings.

A few hundred people climb Mt Batur (Gunung Batur) each day, but different tour companies take different routes up (turns out our route was the hardest…!) and end at different parts of the summit. A friend of mine did the tour a few months later and had a different experience, getting a motorbike up some of the way – I was shocked! 

Thankfully, it meant that our spot wasn’t overrun with people and felt strangely calm. Everyone was just staring out, taking it all in.

Soon enough, the sun was high in the sky and our English-speaking guide Adi was helping prep breakfast – boiled eggs cooked in the steam from the volcano!

They were served in a breakfast box with bread and fruit. They were the most delicious boiled eggs I’d ever tasted – sprinkled with the sweet flavour of victory!

Joining us for breakfast, a few monkeys who were playing around the summit, no doubt well fed on leftover breakfasts!

READ MORE: Ubud, Bali: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Mount batur sunrise hike: the descent.

After several photos, we started the descent, following a completely different path to the way up.

The first half was on steep, slippery rubble. After bracing my legs for part of the route, I discovered it was much easier to run down. The path continued back through the forest and soon enough, we were back at our starting point.

Mount Batur – Bali Trekking Tour: The Reward

As a treat, we rewarded ourselves with a soak at Toya Devasya hot springs. Located right on the lake, it was a spectacular spot to reflect on our adventurous morning.

I’m so glad I pushed myself to climb Mount Batur. It wasn’t easy but it reminded me how important it is to challenge yourself every now and then.

Despite the struggles on the way up, this Bali trekking tour was one of the highlights of my month in Indonesia, even more so as I got to share it with two of my favourite people in the world. So what are you waiting for? Sign yourself up and go for it!

What a buzz it was to complete the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek . I hope you’ve found this travel guide helpful. You can find out more about the tour, check prices and book here . 

You can also check availability easily with this handy booking tool…

If you’d rather skip the hot springs, you could go for this option which includes a coffee plantation tour, or this option which includes an incredible white water rafting trip too – perfect for adventure lovers!

Tips For Climbing Mount Batur At Sunrise

Clothing : Before the sun rises it’s a bit chilly. I wore leggings, a sports vest and a zip up hoody, which was perfect for the conditions.

Footwear : I wore hiking shoes but proper trainers would also have been fine. You need decent foot support and grip so definitely no flip-flops or sandals.

Water : Our tour company gave us one bottle of water, but I’d recommend taking one more.

Food : Breakfast was included with our tour, but bear in mind this isn’t until you reach the summit.

I ate a chocolate bar for energy on the way up. I also took a few sweets to suck on. Any excuse for some sugar!

Toilets : Nope, they don’t exist on volcanoes so go before you start the climb. You’ll probably be pretty dehydrated so won’t need it until you get back after.

If not, then at least it’s dark most of the way up!

Fitness : I would honestly say that anyone could do this if they really wanted to. As mentioned, our tour split into groups so people could take it at their own pace.

Best Hotels Near Mount Batur

Hotel pickups from Ubud and other towns in Bali happen very early in the morning, so if you want a little more sleep, you may prefer to stay nearby.

Here are a few great options I found that are all very close to Mount Batur.

Volcano Terrace Bali – A small family run villa with breathtaking views, located just under 2 miles from Mount Batur. The gardens look beautiful overlooking Lake Batur below.

Rooms start at £21, a total bargain for how lovely it looks! Check latest prices here.

Lakeview Hotel – 15 minutes drive from Mount Batur and with breathtaking views over Lake Batur, this is a great place to stay if you’re planning to hike Mount Batur at sunrise.

I spotted double rooms for around £60, so it’s a good mid-range option. Check latest prices here.

Toya Devasya Hot Spring Wellness Resort – The smartest hotel in the region, this is where we relaxed in the hot springs and pools after our sunrise hike. It really is a stunning place!

The accommodation is in private villas which have their own pools. It’s a gorgeous place to stay if you’re celebrating something special or want to splash the cash.

Rates start around £129 per night for a deluxe pool villa. Check latest prices here.

Batur Volcano Guesthouse – Simple guesthouse accommodation, just over a mile from Mount Batur, with a small hot spring pool and mountain views. Very reasonable too, with a double starting around £27 per night.

There’s also a 4-bed dorm which could be a good option for solo travellers or groups of friends. Check latest prices here.

Still not found the right hotel for you? Search for other hotels near Mt Batur using the map below…

Enjoyed this post? Why not pin it…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

22 thoughts on “Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, Bali, Indonesia”

Wow amazing adventure and love the sunrise jump photos and hot spring ones.. can I kindly ask what time did you depart back to hotel when adding toya devasya to the itinerary please

Thank you! It’s an amazing experience. I can’t remember exactly but I seem to remember it was just around lunchtime? Maybe midday? Not too sure though as it was a while ago!

Lovely pictures Chloe. I have been to Indonesia but a pity I couldn’t climb a volcano. I think it is time for me to visit again 😀

Thanks Deepika! It was such a beautiful experience… and the challenge made it more rewarding! I hope you get the chance to go! Cx

I’m going on holiday in Bali next month and wondering about this hike. It sounds like it was worth the effort!

Thanks Shanti – it was definitely worth it and great to go out of your comfort zone every now and then! I certainly earned my time by the beach the week after! 🙂

What an amazing adventure! I want to do that one now. I’m arriving in Thailand next week, and then I definitely plan to get to Indonesia in the next couple months. Climbing a volcano is definitely on my bucket list!

Thank you Skye!! I hope you get the chance to do this – let me know how you get on. It’s quite an exhausting hike but it’s good to push yourself sometimes!

Well, I’m contacting the company now, so hopefully I’ll get to follow in your footsteps soon!

Ah that’s amazing – Voyagin are so great. Enjoy and let me know how you get on 🙂

Wow that a complete description about Mount Batur Sunrise trekking tour, I am personally local villager who live just on the foot of Mount Batur proudly to give 4 thumbs for this article. The local guide who cooked Egg in the steam of volcani is Adipurta, he is my cousin. Anyone who want to find him easily contact through WhatsApp @ +6281904082208. Thank you.

Thanks Jero! Your cousin was great. we loved the tour and are soooo glad we did it!

Wow amazing adventure and love the sunrise jump photos and hot spring ones.

Thanks Ranu! It was a really intense day but so worth it! Glad you like the photos.

• Pingback: Things to do in Ubud - Chasing Waterfalls and Sunshine - Peppy Travel Girl

The adventure sounds amazing! I am planning to do this in March and greet the rising sun on my birthday 🙂 Thanks for the recommendation on the tour guide. Was the drop off back at the hotel included or it is own transport back? It doesn’t clarify on their website.

Hi Victoria, What an amazing birthday idea! We got dropped off back at our little apartment, so it was nice and easy! We were knackered by then so went and treated ourselves to burgers in Ubud!

Amazing pictures and such useful information for future travellers. Thanks very much!

Thank you so much – it’s an amazing place for photography!

Just booked my hike for March, can’t wait!! 😀

I hope you have an amazing time. It’s such a beautiful hike!

Thanks Chloe I was taking a group and we were skeptical whether to go for it or not .. took the leap after reading your experience . it would have been a blunder to miss it … trekking on a volcano was an out of this world experience .

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Mount Batur: Your Essential Guide & Beat the Crowds [2024]

What to wear, how to beat the crowds & other cool things to do in the area.

Mount Batur's sunrise views have put it on every Bali bucket list. Here's the inside scoop on conquering Mount Batur your way: from beating the crowds to cruising in a Jeep!

Ready to book? Check out all our handpicked Mount Batur trekking & Jeep experiences here!

Why visit Mount Batur? Is it worth it?

Yes, Mount Batur is worth it! It's a beginner-friendly climb with incredible sunrise views (if the weather cooperates), plus the thrill of hiking an active volcano with UNESCO status.

Just be aware that it's very popular, so expect crowds (600 hikers a day!) We would recommend picking a trekking guide who takes a less touristed-trail .

Is there a ban on hiking in Bali?

In June 2023, there was talk of banning hiking on Bali's mountains to protect their sacredness. Don't worry, no ban is in place yet! You can still hit those trails, but expect stricter rules to respect Balinese traditions. A complete ban is unlikely.

Is Mount Batur hard to climb?

It depends on your fitness, but most reasonably fit people find it manageable – summit in about 2 hours! Descent can be trickier on the knees, so save some energy. Want an easier option? Consider the Caldera Trek , which takes under an hour. You can also do a jeep ride !

What's the view from the top?

The views from the top of Mount Batur are worth the early wake-up call! As the sun breaks, it'll light up neighboring volcanoes like Mount Abang, Agung, and Rinjani. A volcanic lake shimmers below, and you'll also get panoramic views of nearby towns and villages.

What is the timing of the Mount Batur climb?

The Mount Batur sunrise hike means a midnight hotel pickup, returning around noon. For a later start, consider the sunrise Jeep trip (pickup around 3 am) or a Sunset hike /jeep ride (starting early-mid afternoon, ending around 8-9 pm). This may work better for families with children!

What's the terrain like?

Expect a mix of terrain on your Mount Batur hike: dirt roads, jungle paths, rocky sections, and even slippery volcanic sand on the descent (take it slow). Don't stress about the dark – your guide will provide flashlights!

What should I wear?

Dress in layers for Mount Batur! It's chilly at the top (14-18°C) but warms up later. Pack a jacket, long pants, and a short-sleeved shirt. Rain gear is wise, especially during the rainy season (Dec-Mar). No need for hiking boots – running shoes are fine.

What else should I pack for the hike?

Essentials are: plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and your camera or phone (and a drone if you're feeling fancy!). Most guides include a unique breakfast experience, even cooking eggs in volcanic steam, but bring some snacks if you get peckish. Also, have a bit of cash on hand in case you want to grab a treat from locals at the summit.

How long to reach the start point?

Travel time to the start point depends where you're staying. Expect about an hour from Ubud (faster at night!), up to two hours from South Bali (Kuta/Seminyak/Canggu), and only 10-15 minutes if you're near Kintamani.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to go depends on if you prioritize clear sunrises or smaller crowds. Dry season (June-Sept) offers the best chance for epic sunrises, but it's also peak season (600 climbers a day!). For fewer people, try the shoulder seasons (Oct-Nov, April-May), knowing rain is more likely. Rainy season? A sunset trek might offer clearer skies.

Do I need a guide?

Technically, you can hike Mount Batur without a guide, but it's strongly discouraged. Local guides tightly control access to the mountain, and solo hikers may face hassle. This system ensures safety and supports the local community. Check out our favourite Mount Batur guides here !

What else is there to do around Mt Batur?

After your Batur trek, ease those tired muscles at the natural hot springs (touristy though). Interested in coffee? Explore a sustainable plantation in Kintamani , Bali's coffee heartland (and please, avoid ones that exploit luwaks!). For cultural immersion, there's Besakih Temple, Bali's most important, or seek out hidden waterfalls like Kato Lampo .

If you want a truly unique experience, visit Trunyan Village (our fave!) Bali's oldest village known for its magical tree and fascinating traditions.

Can I see Mount Batur without the crowds?

Yes! For fewer crowds, choose a guide that takes a less-travelled route to summit. The summit itself might still be busy, but you'll avoid the massive crowds of 600 people during the climb itself.

For a truly unique and uncrowded experience, try the Batur Caldera hike . This sunrise trek offers stunning views of the volcano's rim and includes a boat ride on Lake Batur for a real adventure!

Can I see Mount Batur without hiking?

Yep! Skip the hike with a 4WD Jeep adventure . See Mount Batur and explore black sand lava fields - perfect if you're short on time or not a hiker!

Is Mt Batur suitable for kids?

Batur is one of the easier volcano hikes, so it could work for your kids if they're up for a 2-hour hike each way. Since sunrise hikes start at midnight, consider a sunset hike or a jeep trip with a later start – those might be more kid-friendly. You can also ride an ATV at Batur !

Frequently Asked Questions

More field notes finds.

Mount Batur Sunrise Hike: Everything You Need To Know

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: June 25, 2023

Categories INDONESIA , HIKING

If you’re an adventurous traveler visiting Bali, a sunrise trek up Mount Batur should be on your bucket list. Located in the Kintamani district of Bali, Mount Batur is an active volcano that is one of the best (but most challenging) sunrise hikes on the island. The Mount Batur hike to the summit takes around 2-3 hours and rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Batur.

Table of Contents

MOUNT BATUR HIKE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the experience of hiking Mount Batur at sunrise, including what to expect, what to bring, and how to make the most of your trek. So, get ready to lace up your hiking boots and witness a sunrise like no other on Mount Batur.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT MOUNT BATUR

• Mount Batur is an active volcano located in the Kintamani district of Bali, Indonesia. It stands at 1,717 meters (5,633 feet) above sea level.
• The most popular activity on Mount Batur is the sunrise trek, where hikers ascend to the summit in the early hours of the morning to watch the sunrise over the surrounding landscape.
• Mount Batur has erupted several times in the past, with the most recent eruption occurring in 2000. Despite being an active volcano, it is considered relatively safe for hiking and tourism.
• There are three main craters at the summit of Mount Batur, with the largest and most recent one being formed in 1917. The other two craters are older and no longer active.
• Mount Batur is located in the Bali Volcanic Belt, which is a series of active and dormant volcanoes that stretch across the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok. The Bali Volcanic Belt is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

BEST MOUNT BATUR MOUNTAIN GUIDE

If you are looking for a reliable and organized tour guide for the Mount Batur hike that includes pick-up and drop-off this is the tour I suggest from GetYourGuide: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

There is one slightly cheaper tour but the one I have mentioned here takes you to a natural hot spring after, which is an awesome way to recover the legs and wash off the dust from the volcano trek.

Batur Sunrise Trek

• Transfers Included
• Breakfast Included
• Hot Springs Visit

GetYourGuide has hundreds of reviews and a good track record of picking you up on time, providing experienced guides, and helping you reach the summit. They also include a free breakfast!

Book Now:  Mount Batur Bali Sunrise Tour

WHERE IS MOUNT BATUR VOLCANO

Mount Batur Volcano is in the north of Bali in the Kintamani District. It is about a 2-hour drive from Canggu/Seminyak and about one hour from Ubud. Mount Batur’s height is 5,600 feet above sea level, which is 1,707m of altitude. Also known as Gunung Batur, it is one of the most active volcanoes in Bali along with Mount Agung, which is visible from the summit.

BEST TIME TO TREK/ WEATHER

Bali is a paradise island but it can also be a very wet island. It’s best to plan your Mount Batur hike for sunrise during the dry season, which is roughly starting in May until September. That isn’t a hard and fast rule and don’t feel like you can’t visit Mount Batur outside of those months but that is the optimal period. It isn’t necessarily going to be dangerous if wet, it is more so that you might have more clouds and rain at the summit where you are trying to enjoy the beautiful sunrise!

It can get quite cold on the trek so bring a warm jacket but layer up as once the sun has risen it will be hot. A big tip is to bring an extra t-shirt so when you get to the top you can switch out your sweaty shirt and replace it with a dry and warm one. This will help keep you warm in the wind at the top.

MOUNT BATUR DIFFICULTY

Mount Batur is quite short. The first half an hour is relatively flat for a volcano trek. It does get quite steep for about 45 minutes and some people struggled a bit but for the most part, it is a moderate trek. If you take lots of breaks it is quite a moderate trek.

You can take a motorbike almost the whole way to the summit but it definitely isn’t necessary. It’s a volcano hike for the non-hikers and much easier compared to the quad-burning Mount Rinjani on Lombok .

The entire hike took us around 5 hours but we took an insane amount of photos and stops. You could really do this hike in 3-4 hours without rushing. 

M OUNT BATUR HIKE ELEVATION GAIN

The Mount Batur hike elevation gain is approximately 500 meters in total gain, which is 1,650 feet.

MY MOUNT BATUR SUNRISE TREKKING EXPERIENCE

At 130 am I met the crew in Canggu and we sleepily bundled into the van and headed towards Ubud to pick up the rest of the group. It took us a couple of hours to reach the entrance to the hike. I think it was about 2.5 hours from Canggu until we made it to the jump-off point. Here we assembled, organized our gear, and headlamps, and had a quick briefing before we set off in the dark at around 4 am. 

It was quite cold and most people were wearing a jacket and pants but I was in shorts and took my jacket off to start the hike as I knew it wouldn’t be long before I warmed out and started sweating. A headlamp was necessary as the ground is uneven throughout the entire hike.

The first 20 minutes of the hike is pretty flat and we powered through that section in the dark before having a quick rest. The trail was pretty busy with lots of groups also making the sunrise trek. I think a few hundred people were also on the trail although most are moving at a similar pace so there aren’t too many hold-ups until near the summit. 

The second half of the trek gets quite steep and is a good morning workout. The trail turned into a series of natural steps and there were a few slips as we made the final ascent to the summit. 

The sky was now starting to show some color and we made it to the summit just in time for sunrise to witness the beginning of the Mount Batur Sunrise. At the summit, there are lots of benches and huts.

It’s quite a set-up and not very natural at all but at least it is organized. That doesn’t mean it is clean. The litter on Mount Batur was pretty insane and we were actually up there doing a cleanup and collected 25 huge sacks of trash.

The sunrise turned out to be beautiful. We had a strong layer of clouds below us with Mount Agung peaking out over them and we could even see across to Mount Rinjani . As the sun came up, the layer of clouds turned yellow, orange, and red and Mount Batur slowly took some light as well.

It was all over pretty quickly but it was a sunrise to remember. I love being above clouds for sunrises and sunsets and they are always interesting.

We had hot chocolate at the summit and depending on your tour, some people had a basic breakfast prepared in small kitchen huts. Lots of monkeys hang around the summit for the scraps but they are quite friendly compared to the monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary .

The nice part about the hike was that we actually took a different route down and it was incredibly scenic. We followed a crumbly ridge around the edge of Mount Batur sliding our way down. After about thirty minutes we left the ridge and came to a beautiful view of the idyllic Lake Batur.

It doesn’t seem like the Bali we know and is almost a forest atmosphere. I almost forgot I was on a tropical island for a little bit.

From this viewpoint, we headed down the switchbacks until we made it back to the parking lot for the long, tired drive home. We arrived back in Canggu just after midday.

Mount Batur sunrise trek was an incredible adventure and for something that only takes a morning, it’s no wonder the expedition is one of the most popular tours in Bali.

Thursday 1st of February 2024

thanks for sharing this wonderful info

Sunday 19th of February 2023

Loved this and am wanting to do this hike while in Bali but I noticed the tour company requires 2 people. Do you happen to know if there are other companies similar to Four Elements ?

Mount Batur Trekking

Saturday 1st of June 2019

Lot of monkeys on the top mount batur.

Looking for cheap package hiking mount batur? https://floreskomodotour.com/bali-packages/mount-batur-sunrise-trekking.php

surabaya tour agent

Sunday 19th of May 2019

i like this :)

monkey monkey haha

Sharon Rausch

Thursday 16th of May 2019

I can hear good sound thank you so much for sharing nice post.

Trekking Mount Batur at Sunrise – A Complete Guide

Published May 28, 2019

// By Margherita

Mountain lovers, this is for you! Did you know you can climb an active volcano in Bali? Check out our new complete guide to trekking Mount Batur at sunrise – an experience you can’t miss in the Island of Gods!

We were climbing in complete darkness, following our hazy flashlights. Every now and then, our guide Putu would hold his hand out, helping us up, or guiding us past challenging spots. I could feel the rough edge of volcanic rocks underfoot, as we neared the summit of Mount Batur. 

On one side, there was the mountain. Our dim flashlights didn’t reveal much, but I could make out black rock, with a faint pink tinge. On the other site, lights were dancing all around Lake Batur , and a larger, looming silhouette was barely visible, surrounded by the starry sky.

It was none other than Mount Agung , Bali’s tallest and best-known volcano, all over the news with its ongoing eruption.

This was just the beginning of our volcano adventure – trekking Mount Batur at sunrise was definitely the highlight of the five weeks we spent in Bali. We were in two minds about whether or not to do it, as I hate waking up early – and the 1 am wake up call required to hike Mount Batur in time for sunrise is beyond early. But trust me, it’s worth the effort!

So, if you are debating whether or not to include Mount Batur in your Bali plans , stop thinking and just do it. It will be a day unlike any other, definitely worth the extreme wake up call. Here’s a guide with absolutely everything you need to know to plan your Mount Batur sunrise trek , with a detailed account of our experience!

Where is Mount Batur?

Mount Batur ( Gunung Batur in Indonesian) is located in the Kintamani region , in the northeastern part of Bali. It’s about 1 and a half hours drive from Ubud , and over 2 hours from Canggu and Seminyak – more on the way back, since you’re pretty much guaranteed to encounter traffic.

UNESCO-listed Mount Batur is one of Bali’s three active volcanoes . It’s 1717 meters high, much shorter than Mount Agung, which is 3031 meters high.

The two volcanoes are located right across each other, separated by Lake Batur, the largest in Indonesia. At the end of your Mount Batur trek , standing on the summit, you’ll get a wonderful view of Mount Agung with the rising sun behind.

How to Get to Mount Batur?

By far, the easiest way to reach Mount Batur is by car. Hotel pickup and transfer is included in most Mount Batur hiking packages – including the tour we went on, organised by TripGuru.

If you’re staying in Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu, you’ll be picked up around 1.30 am, while if you’re in Ubud, pick up time is usually around 2.30 am. You’ll be trekking Mount Batur in time for sunrise , so an early wake up call is required!

If you have a scooter, in theory you could also ride to the base of Mount Batur yourself and trek to the summit independently. However, we would very much advise against doing so – riding through Bali in the middle of the night on a scooter might be dangerous, as the roads are dark and full of obstacles (not to mention, lots of dogs!)

How to Plan Your Mount Batur Trek?

Planning a Mount Batur sunrise hike is super easy. Dozens of companies operate Mount Batur day trips, starting with a 1.30/2.30 am pick up, and dropping you off back at your hotel between 11 am/12.30 pm depending on traffic and location. 

We opted for this hike with TripGuru , because we liked the idea of hiking with a small group. TripGuru put us in touch with our driver via WhatsApp, and we arranged a time and place for our early morning pick-up. 

It is not necessary to book months in advance for your Mount Batur trek as departures are frequent, but if you want to book a small-group tour like we did, we recommend doing so at least one week before your chosen date. 

Can you Hike Mount Batur Without a Guide?

That’s a hard question to answer. In theory, yes. You could simply drive yourself to the base of Mount Batur and start hiking. If you’re in good physical conditions, this hike isn’t challenging or demanding in any way, and the path is clear and easy to follow – provided you pay attention , as accidents have happen in the past, and one tourist even died after falling into the crater .

However, we very much recommend trekking Mount Batur with a guide , for two reasons. Firstly, this is how many locals living in the vicinity of Mount Batur support themselves. Secondly, if you rock up independently, you’ll certainly be hassled by freelance guides for their services.

Even if you do manage to find the trailhead and start hiking alone, you’ll be stopped along the way, and you may not be allowed to continue unless you hire a guide.

Travel is supposed to be fun, so would you really like to put yourself through all that just to save $50? Do yourself a favour and enjoy trekking Mount Batur with a local guide!  

Trekking Mount Batur – Going Up

After driving across Bali for a couple of hours, you’ll be reaching the car park at the bottom of Mount Batur around 3.30/4 am. There we met our local guide Putu, who gave us with flashlights and a bottle of water each, before starting the trek. 

At the start, the trail climbed gradually, we were all able to keep a steady pace, since we were climbing in darkness and there was nothing to see.

After approximately half an hour, Putu gave us a choice – continue on the ‘easier’ path, which we would have had to share with dirt bikes ferrying tourists to the path, or opt for the ‘hard’ path, steeper and more uneven, but with fewer people and no bikes. 

We all agreed on the hard path. We hiked through a forest for a further half-hour, as the trail grew increasingly steeper. Nyoman, a young lady from a nearby village joined us, with a backpack full of soft drinks and snacks available for sale. 

The final stretch of the Mount Batur hike was the most challenging – even though to be honest, I didn’t find the trek to be at all hard. After we left the forest, the path became very rocky, and sometimes we needed to use our hands to scramble up, and it was necessary to pay attention to the uneven terrain.

’10 minutes to the summit’ Putu said as we got to a small shop where tourists on dirt bikes were being dropped off. We hiked a few more switchbacks up, on a flat, even path, until we reached the top.

Trekking Mount Batur – The Summit & Crater

We got to the summit of Mount Batur at 5.20 am, a full hour before sunrise. There are benches set up for hikers to sit on, overlooking Lake Batur and Mount Agung, slowly becoming visible as sunrise got nearer, and the sky turned from inky black to blue to mauve. We were handed our breakfasts, boxes with cheese sandwiches, boiled eggs, and a hot coffee. 

Then, suddenly, we heard a loud boom , and saw a flash of red on the tip of Agung. It’s lava! somebody shouted nearby. It was indeed – a small explosion on Mount Agung , erupting non-stop since November 2017, followed by a plume of smoke, billowing in the sky.

Shivers of happiness slid down my spine, and suddenly, that wake up call became worthwhile. 

That was only the start of that wonderful show called sunrise. Mist floated into the valley, across the lake and around Mount Agung, surrounding it with an eerie haze.

Meanwhile, an orange glow slowly started to appear to the left of the mountain. It got more and more vivid, until the first rays of the day pierced through the haze – the sun was rising, and there was no better place to see it in Bali than the summit of Mount Batur. 

After sunrise, we had time to trek around the crater of the volcano . Following the entire crater takes a further hour and a half, but as we were approximately half way in, clouds flooded the valley hiding all the views. Why bother going all the way around, we thought, and started heading down. 

Trekking Mount Batur – Going Down

The descent from the summit of Mount Batur took about as much as going up. We hiked down on the ‘easier’ path, the one used by dirt bikes, as the ‘hard’ trail would have been too steep to follow. 

We were all looking forward to the views, but sadly, clouds had rolled in and hid everything from sight – after having seen a live eruption , and a stunning sunrise, I guess you can’t have everything!

At about 9 am, we were all back in the car park, and started our journey back to our hotel in Seminyak.

If you want a little reward and you’re not ready to end your adventure quite so soon, why not opt for this Mount Batur tour including hot springs – there’s nothing quite like relaxing in a hot pool with views over Mount Agung to rest your tired legs and wrap up such a great experience!

What to Wear for a Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

We were told to cover up and wear lots of layers , as it tends to be cold all the way up and on the summit. Maybe we were lucky, but the temperature was around 15°C on the summit, and we were fine just wearing a fleecy hoodie – but for colder days, a windproof jacket will definitely help. 

In any case, you’ll need to wear layers , as the temperature will start rising as soon as the sun comes up, so you’ll probably be hiking down just in your t-shirt. 

In terms of footwear, we both hiked wearing trainers. I wore my TropicFeel shoes which were absolutely perfect all around Bali. We didn’t have hiking boots as this was the only hike we did in Bali, and trainers were absolutely fine. I wouldn’t risk hiking in flip-flops or sandals though.

Two other things you may want to take with you are a water bottle and a headlamp . A half-litre water bottle was included in the price of our Mount Batur trek, but we it wasn’t enough. Your guide will also provide flashlights for the hike up in the dark, but if you prefer to have your hands free, a headlamp will indeed be useful,

Best Time to Hike Mount Batur

It is possible to go trekking on Mount Batur year round , but the best time to get epic sunrise views is the dry season, between May and September. 

During the wet season , especially during the rainiest months of December, January and February , the path may be muddy and slippery, and the summit of Mount Batur may be wrapped in clouds – meaning you’ll miss out on the views!

How Long Does it Take to Trek Mount Batur?

People in good physical conditions may expect to reach the summit in about 1 hour and a half/2 hours. Our group took 1 hour 15, because we took the steep ‘hard’ path and we were all fast hikers, and ended up being the first on the summit. 

Hiking down takes about the same as going up, and if you opt to hike along the crater after sunrise, that will add another 1 to 2 hours to the total time of your Mount Batur trek. 

How Hard is it?

Personally, I didn’t find hiking Mount Batur at all hard. Having said that, I am an experienced hiker, and I have done lots of similar treks in the past ( Pic Boby in Madagascar and Mount Tai in China are just two examples), not to mention several multi-day treks (like Via degli Abati and Turgen-Ak Suu in Kyrgyzstan). 

If you’re new to hiking , or not in good shape, you’ll probably find the hike to be challenging. My advice is to take it easy, and let your guide know – they’ll be able to adjust their pace and maybe even help you with your bag.

If it is really too much for you, or you’re not confident hiking up, fear not – it’s possible to cheat your way up! At the base, you’ll find locals offering rides on the back of their dirt bikes until a point just 15 minutes from the summit. Prices are quite steep at 600,000 IDR (about €40) for the return trip – but if you can’t, or don’t want to hike, it’s a good option.

How Much Does it Cost to Hike Mount Batur?

Sunrise Mount Batur trekking tours usually range in price between $40 and $50, including hotel pick up and drop off. All entry charges are included in your tour price. 

Having said that, a guard in uniform stopped our car at a roadblock just before reaching the car park at the bottom of Mount Batur, and asked us all to pay a 15,000 IDR (less than €1) admission fee. Our driver seemed genuinely surprised, and the uniformed guard said it was a ‘new charge’.

We were all to sleepy to complain and since it wasn’t very much, we paid up – and were given printed tickets. Whether this new entry charge is legit or not , I have no idea. We recommend keeping some small change at hand just in case.

Is it Safe to Hike Mount Batur?

In our opinion, yes. The path was fairly easy, and when we got to rocky/uneven sections, our guide Putu was always happy to lend a hand (literally) to get past tricky spots. 

Mount Batur is an active volcano , but recently it hasn’t been as active as Agung, which as of May 2019 was still erupting more or less daily. If there were dangers of Batur erupting, tours would be stopped instantly – so have fun, and don’t miss this wonderful sunrise hike experience!

Around the crater you’ll find dozens of monkeys – PLEASE DO NOT FEED THEM. Bali monkeys are so bold because that tourists routinely give them food, which causes them to associate the idea of people with food.

We’ve seen monkeys climbing all over people to snatch bananas or other kinds of food, and we’ve even seen a monkey open a backpack left lying on the floor and run off holding a Ziploc bag – with a passport in it! Try not to leave your belonging unattended around monkeys, and never, ever walk around them with food in your hands. 

When Was the Last Eruption of Mount Batur?

The last time Mount Batur erupted was in 2000. Before that, it erupted in 1968 – as you reach the summit, you’ll see the lava fields from that eruption. 

Where to Stay near Mount Batur

If you can’t even bear the thought of waking up quite so early, but still want to hike Mount Batur for sunrise, there’s another option!

There are plenty of places to stay in the vicinity of Mount Batur – staying there the night before hiking will grant you an extra two hours sleep, while still giving you time for a shower after your descent.

Here are some accommodation options for Mount Batur , for all budgets!

• Amerta Sari Hotel & Restaurant – traditional Balinese interiors and top volcano views in this upscale hotel near Mount Batur!
• The Ayu Kintamani Villa – the only real luxury option in the vicinity of Mount Batur, with Balinese-style deluxe villas, some even with private pools. 
• Villa Jempana – great midrange option with rooms from €40, including an infinity pool with Agung views and excellent breakfast!
• Triangle House – perfect for budget travellers , accommodation is in cute A-frame huts just 5 minutes away from Mount Batur!
• N’Jung Bali Camp – another top budget option , travellers get to stay in a tented camp with barbecue near the lake. Perfect to chill before and after your hike!
• Songan Home Stay – wonderful option for those who want to learn more about Balinese culture while staying with a local family.

Many thanks to TripGuru for this wonderful experience!

Hiking Mount Batur In Bali – A Complete Guide

Posted on Last updated: 13 March 2024

Categories Bali , Indonesia

Hiking Mount Batur at sunrise is one of the most popular things to do in Bali. So here’s all you need to know when planning your trip.

Table of Contents

How To Get To Mount Batur

Mount Batur is located in the far north east of Bali, around 40km from Ubud and a 1 hour 30 mins drive by car.

It is not possible to trek Mount Batur without a guide, therefore transport to and from your accommodation will be included in your tour.

Most people choose to do Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking from Ubud, although pick up can be arranged from all over Bali.

Accommodation pick ups start at around 2am. This is in order to reach the starting point of the trek for around 4am.

The trek takes roughly 1 hour 30 mins to reach the summit, with the aim of arriving for sunrise before 6:30am.

Our amazing Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking experience was organised through Your Bali Trekking Tours and we can highly recommend them.

Hiking Mount Batur Prices

Prices start at around 350,000 IDR per person, and we can personally recommend Your Bali Trekking Tours .

Prices include: – Transport to and from your accommodation – Full guided tour – Breakfast/Dinner – A Head Torch – Water

Best Time To Visit Mount Batur

It’s important to remember to take something warm for the top because it can be extremely cold no matter what time you visit.

A warm boiled egg in between your palms is nice, but isn’t quite enough to keep your whole body warm.

Tourists and food do attract monkeys, so remember to keep your belongings safe and zipped away in a bag.

Please do not torment the monkeys as it could be an early end to your trip if bitten by one.

If you’d like to see more monkeys in their natural habitat we recommend visiting Ubud Monkey Forest .

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Reusable Water Bottle

Lightweight Rain Jacket

What To Expect When Hiking Mount Batur At Sunrise

Mount Batur is the second largest active volcano on the island after Mount Agung, and Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking is one of the most popular things to do in Bali .

Don’t worry though, it’s nothing like Mount Rinjani on Lombok , this is much more tourist friendly.

Standing at 1717 metres tall, due to Mount Agung’s consistent eruptions, it is the highest Volcano hike accessible to the public.

There is no need to worry however, as trekking Mount Batur is monitored daily by seismologists and the last eruption was in the year 2000.

The total distance for trekking Mount Batur is a maximum of 9km there and back, depending on which trail you take. There is a harder route and an easier route. Your tour guide is likely to give you the option on the day.

Hundreds of tourists head up to Mount Batur for sunrise to catch the incredible 360 degree landscape from the top.

With views looking out to Mount Abang it will be a breathtaking experience that you’ll remember for a life time.

There have recently been a few tours operating a sunset trek! Which although are less popular, can be incredible if the clouds clear.

What To Expect When Hiking Mount Batur At Sunset

The trek itself is classed at mediocre difficulty level, however we promise it’s really not that hard!

After trekking for roughly 90 minutes, when you reach the summit, you’ll receive some food and a warm drink from your guide.

This is usually a banana sandwich and a boiled egg, cooked by the volcanic steam at the top of the trek.

Overall, having climbed Mount Batur for both sunrise and sunset, we’d recommend sunrise for an almost guaranteed amazing experience.

Sunset is much more of a risk as it’s very rare to catch a good one, but you’ll be pretty much the only tourists on the mountain!

We visited Mount Batur twice, once at sunrise and once at sunset.

The following photos show the trail and journey of our sunset trek in the light of day, so you can envision what it’s like in the dark.

Either way it’s a must on your Ubud itinerary .

Where To Stay In Ubud

Alaya Resort

Alaya Resort is located in the heart of Ubud , the cultural centre of Bali .

The resort is set amidst the rice fields , offering an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.

Guests enjoy free daily afternoon tea and tropical fruits.

The contemporary Balinese-style rooms all come with a flat-screen TV and a private terrace overlooking the natural greenery.

The private bathrooms, decorated in artworks, provide complete facilities.

Alaya Resort Ubud is just 200 metres away from the Monkey Forest and 700 metres away from Ubud Market.

Pertiwi Bisma 2

Featuring 2 landscaped pools and a restaurant, Pertiwi Bisma 2 offers guests a memorable stay, a 5-minute drive from Ubud Monkey Forest.

Free WiFi is available in all areas, and also free shuttles to Ubud Market.

Rooms in Pertiwi Bisma 2 come with air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV, an electric kettle and a coffee/tea maker.

Nestled within tropical gardens, they all come with a private terrace. Complimentary bottled water is provided.

Balinese dance classes, trekking and hiking activities are also available.

Sila Urip Guest House

Nestled amongst lush garden, Sila Urip Guest House is located in the tranquil part of Ubud.

Each room here will provide you with a terrace and a seating area, where you can enjoy garden view from each room.

Featuring a shower and private bathroom, rooms also come with free toiletries. Guests can also order room service.

At Sila Urip Guest House you will find a garden and a terrace. The friendly staff can assist with bike hire, shuttle service and airport transfer at additional charges.

For more places to stay in Ubud, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com .

Planning Your Trip

Book your flight.

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight.

They search websites and airlines around the globe to find you the best possible routes and prices.

Book Your Accommodation

Use Booking.com to find the best accommodation deals.

They consistently return the cheapest rates on everything from guesthouses to hotels for all of your budget needs.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Use SafetyWing to find the best travel insurance for you.

They provide travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads.

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Book Your Tours & Activities

Use GetYourGuide to book your activities in advance.

They sell the best tours, excursions and activities to attractions around the world.

Conveniently book, download and access your tickets on the move all from your mobile.

Book Your Rental Car

Use RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars in the area.

They compare all major car rental companies and allow you to easily book the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Buy Those Last Minute Bits

Use Amazon to buy everything you need for your adventure.

They offer next day delivery and you can use my travel packing checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

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A Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking Guide

By: Author Charles

Posted on June 1, 2023

Hiking up the Mount Batur volcano is one of the top trekking options on the island of Bali. A climb that begins in the middle of the night up to the crater rim for sunrise is unlike other experiences you will have on the island.

This Mount Batur sunrise trekking guide will go over all the details you will need to know to complete a climb up Batur and what to expect along the way.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Mount Batur Facts

Mount Batur is an active volcano located in the northwest part of Bali. It is one of several volcanoes on Bali and is one of the only ones you can actually climb up safely at the moment.

The volcano used to be much more active in the 1920’s and 1970’s however, it hasn’t seen much activity since its last eruption back in 1999-2000.

Today you are are able to join a guided tour and head up to the crater rim to experience Mount Batur and a sunrise over Bali.

Below are some facts about the volcano and the sunrise hike:

• Trail Name : Mount Batur
• Starting & Ending Point : Toya Bungkah Village
• Length : 10KM / 6.2 Miles
• Duration : 4 hours of trekking + time spent for summit sunrise
• Elevation Gain : 530 meters / 1,740 feet
• Height of Batur : 1,717 meters / 5,633 feet
• Terrain* : Packed Dirt and/or Rocks/Dirt
• Difficulty* : Medium / Difficult
• Time of Year : April to October (avoid rainy season)
• Guide Required : Yes

*There is an intersection at the beginning of the hike where you can choose between two routes up to the Mount Batur crater rim. One is marked easy while the other one is marked more difficult.

Essentially, the easy route is a packed dirt path all the way up to the top (motorcycles can actually go nearly all the way up). The difficult path is less trafficked and is a steeper incline on dirt, rocks, and branches.

During my time on the mountain, I hiked up the difficult path and then down the easy path.

2) Mount Batur Hike Map

Below is the Mount Batur trekking map to give you a better idea of what the route up and down would look like. You will start the hike in the Toya Bungkah Village and begin the ascent up the mountain from there.

At one point you will have the choice to go right or left. The right route is more difficult and quieter (steeper and uneven terrain) while the left route is easier but busier (packed dirt with motorcycles and more people).

You can decide with your guide which route you would like to go up. Once you reach the crater rim, you can enjoy a nice sunrise before continuing counter clockwise around the rim and then back down to the bottom.

3) Mount Batur Difficulty

When it comes to volcano hikes, Mount Batur is on the easier end of the spectrum. That doesn’t mean this is necessarily an easy hike – you are gaining over 1,700 feet of elevation.

But when it comes to the terrain of the hike, it can be pretty manageable based on which route you take. Like I said, depending on what trail you go up can dictate how hard the hike will be.

Less than a mile into the hike, you will come across an intersection that shows the sign below (right more difficult and left easier).

The route to the right is a more direct trail that goes straight up the mountain. That means it comes with a steeper incline and more uneven terrain . You will need to climb up uneven rocks, dirt, tree branches, etc. until you reach the crater rim.

If you decide to head on the left route, you will have more of a snake path going up to the crater. This means the path will be less steep but a bit longer in length to reach the top.

The easier route is mostly packed dirt, meaning you wont need to worry as much about your footing during the trail. Here you may also come across motorcycle taxis, who can take visitors all the way up.

You will want to think about your physical abilities when deciding which route to go on as well as the fact that you will be hiking at night with headlamps / flashlights.

On the way down Mount Batur, one of the highlights is hiking alongside the edge of the crater rim. Once sunrise is complete, you can continue counter clockwise around the rim and take in some new angles of the volcano and surrounding landscape.

This part of the trail can be a bit dangerous as the path is mostly small loose rocks and dirt on a downwards slope.

If you think going around the crater rim will be too difficult for you, then you can speak with your guide and just head back the same way you initially came up.

4) Mount Batur Weather

When it comes to visiting Indonesia one of the most important topics you will want to think about is the weather.

Indonesia is split up into two main seasons – rainy and dry. The rainy season lasts from November to March while the dry is from April to October.

Just because you visit in the rainy season, doesn’t mean every day will be full of rain and just because you visit in the dry season, doesn’t mean every day will be perfectly clear.

On average though, you will see more rain and clouds during the rainy season and that can certainty impact your visit to Bali and a Mount Batur sunrise trekking experience.

So, when it comes to Mount Batur weather and enjoying a rain and cloud free sunrise, your best bet is to head there during those dry months.

I would also take a look at the Mount Batur weather forecast as you get closer to your time there. If you do have flexibility, try to avoid any days that forecasts a lot of morning rain and clouds.

While the weather can come and go (especially with volcano weather), choosing the best weather day will give you the best chance to fully enjoy the trek and sunrise.

5) Can You Hike Batur Without a Guide

The answer is no. You must have a local guide with you during the duration of the hike up and down the mountain .

I have seen a lot of controversy with this in the past, with many people getting upset that they are being forced into paying for a hike up a mountain.

But unfortunately, that is the way it is now. The locals around the mountain essentially control the rules there and you will not be allowed near the entrance without a guide with you.

The local guides there are some of the friendliest and hard working people I have come by in my travels. If you have a good experience with them, don’t forget to tip at the end!

6) Mount Batur Trekking Price & Guide Companies

An average Mount Batur trekking price is around $50 – $75 USD depending on group/private tour options.

There are a ton of companies out there that will offer guide services for Mount Batur. For the most part, these will be pretty standard and you won’t find too much of a difference between services on the mountain.

Essentially, you will be picked up from your hotel by a driver, head to Toya Bungkah Village, meet your guide and hike the volcano. Once complete, you will head back down to the starting point and your driver will take you back to your hotel.

However, you will find some tours that offer additional stops after the Mount Batur hike. These may include a stop at the hot springs, a coffee/tea plantation, or a waterfall.

Below are some of the highest rated Batur trekking options out there to choose from:

• Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike and Natural Hot Spring
• Bali: Mt. Batur Sunrise Trek & Jungle Swing Private Tour
• Bali: Sunrise Mount Batur Hike with Breakfast

7) What to Bring on the Hike

Since this is a sunrise hike, I thought it would be helpful to mention a few main items to bring along with you:

Clothing Layers – it may get hot as you are walking up the volcano and using all your energy, but once you are sitting on the crater rim waiting for sunrise, it does get quite chilly. Bringing layers for both your upper and lower body is a must.

Hiking Shoes – while I did see plenty of people wearing tennis shoes, having a solid pair of hiking shoes can go a long way with comfort. Recommendation | Keen Targhee

Headlamp – odds are your guide will have a flashlight or headlamp for you, but you may want to bring one just in case. Recommendation | Foxelli Headlamp

Rain Jacket – you never know when it may start raining. Having a packable rain jacket is always a smart item to bring along. Recommendation | Columbia Waterproof Rain Jacket

» Feel free to also take a look at some of the other essential items I like to bring along on a hike in this Hiking Packing List . 

8) Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking Experience

Your day will start in the darkness as you wake up in the middle of the night, get that hiking gear on, and head off to the base of Mount Batur. Your pickup time will depend where on Bali you are coming from.

If staying in the Seminyak/Kuta/Canggu area pickup will be around 1:30AM and if staying in Ubud around 2:30AM. Since sunrise in Bali is always around 6:00AM – 6:30AM, there isn’t the biggest difference of pickup times throughout the year.

Around 3:30/3:45AM, you will be dropped off at the start of the hike, meet your guide, and begin the ascent up the mountain.

Remember, the ascent will be done in darkness (along with your headlamp). Due to this, on the way up you wont fully be able to enjoy the landscape that you are walking through.

At one point more towards the beginning of the trail, you will come across the intersection, where you decide between the easier or more difficult route.

After making your decision, continue your hike up the trail until you begin to get closer to the crater rim.

Most of the hike will be done in the trees and surrounding forest until you reach a point where the trees begin to thin out .

As you get closer to the Batur crater rim, you will be able to see the faint lights of the surrounding villages out in the distance. Below are a couple pictures of the trail when I was hiking down in the daylight.

When I arrived at the crater rim, we still had a little over an hour until sunrise. Since we had some time to spare, our guide took the group closer to the crater rim, where we could see the volcanic fumes coming out from underneath the ground.

Here, he took some eggs and tucked them into the ground, right above where the heat was coming out from. We left them in there until sunrise, when our guide brought them to the group for breakfast.

After leaving the eggs to cook, we found a nice spot on the crater rim to relax, and slowly saw the sun begin to rise above the horizon.

This began to happen around 5:30AM and we stayed there just past 6:00AM when the sun was up.

From the crater rim you are able to enjoy the view of the Danau Batur lake down below with Mount Agung out in the background. It is a beautiful landscape to enjoy after making the sunrise trek up.

After sunrise, it is time to head around the crater rim to enjoy some new views and angles of the crater. Remember from before though – this route can be a bit tricky since it is made up of small slippery rocks and sand.

However, as long as you take it slowly, you should be good to go. By walking the edge of the Batur crater you can see the landscape on the other side of the volcano along with the reflecting shadow of Batur.

Once you make your way all around the crater, you will meet back up with the original trail, which you can take back down to the bottom. Here I would recommend just taking the easy trail down as walking down the steeper more difficult section can be a bit dangerous.

Now that it is light out, on the way down you will be able to enjoy your walk through the forest and soon enough you will be back at the starting point of the hike. Head back into the car after completing a successful morning of Mount Batur sunrise trekking.

Up next is either back to your hotel or if you joined a longer tour, you may be heading to the hot springs, a tea/coffee plantation, some Bali waterfalls , or another Bali attraction.

I hope this guide has helped you out with any questions you may have had about a hike up Mount Batur. If you do have any additional questions or comments, feel free to write them in below.

Don’t forget to check out the other Indonesia itineraries and guides up on the site, including a Java Road Trip Itinerary and the Mount Rinjani Hike on Lombok . Have fun out there and safe travels!

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20+ Tips for Hiking Mt. Batur at Sunrise in Kintamani!

I just went on a fantastic weekend trip to Kintamani, Bali’s wonderful Volcano Capital.  On my trip, I hiked the famous Mt. Batur volcano for sunrise, as well as soaked in the natural hot springs, and visited some Kintamani cafes with  astounding views – Please enjoy these travel tips for trekking Mt. Batur!

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✔️ Climbing Mount Batur Quick Guide 

👉  What You Need to Know:  Due to the “Volcano Association” (tourism mafia) you need a guide or tour to be allowed to hike Mt. Batur.  🌋  The Best Mt. Batur Sunrise Tour  →  Check Rates & Dates Here!   🚗  If You Don’t Want to Trek:  You can take a Jeep tour to Mt. Batur’s peak instead of climbing.  🛵  How to Get Around Kintamani:  There is no Grab in Kintamani, instead I recommend taking a guided tour that includes transport or renting a scooter and driving yourself to get around. For scooter rentals in Bali, I recommend Bikago .  🥾  How Hard is the Hike?  Mount Batur is a moderate trek that is 500 meters in elevation and should take 1-2 hours to complete depending on your fitness level. If you don’t want to hike, you can pay to take a motorbike taxi 4/5 of the way up.

All About Mount Batur – The Most Famous Volcano in Bali 

Climbing Mount Batur for sunrise is the most popular volcano trek in Bali , and it’s the second tallest peak after Mount Agung. Every day, hundreds of tourists make the trip to Kintamani, starting the hike up to Batur’s caldera in the middle of the night to see the best sunrise in all of Bali. Although Mount Batur is considered an active volcano, you won’t see any lava there. Gunung Batur hasn’t erupted since the year 2000, and while it’s monitored for volcanic activity, Mount Batur is generally considered safe for climbing. 

👉 The Government Trying to Shut Down Mt. Batur: In June 2023, the Balinese government announced that they would be shutting down all volcano hikes in Bali, due to poor behavior from tourists – However, this new legislation hasn’t come to pass yet, so you should climb Mount Batur while it’s still open to the public. 

My Top Tips for Climbing Mt. Batur

✅ be aware you need a guide to climb mount batur dur to the volcano “association” (mafia).

While Mt. Batur is a relatively easy hike, you still  need  to have a guide! This is because the locals have banded together to form a “Volcano Association” that enforces the mandatory guide rule. Every week, new stories come out from tourists who tried to bypass the guide rule and sneak onto the mountain, resulting in them being harassed, and sometimes physically barred entry to Mt. Batur. I asked our guide about this regulation, and he had three answers for why tourists need a guide to hike Mt. Batur: 

• Preservation of the mountain:  Mt. Batur is considered a sacred site by the Balinese people, and having a guide ensures no bad behavior (there’ve recently been some issues with tourists stripping down and filming themselves on Bali’s volcanos). 
• Tourist safety:  There was an incident where a tourist fell into Mt. Baturs caldera, and unfortunately passed away, because no one knew they were there, so no search party was enacted. 
• The Volcano Association wants tourists to pay fees for guides:  Association is another word for “mafia” while you’re traveling. Basically, the tourist mafia is when a bunch of locals get together and decide an activity  cannot  be done without a guide (even if there’s no reason the activity needs a guide). 

✅ Know You Can Take a Jeep or a Motorbike Taxi if You Don’t Want to Hike to the Top

If you’re not down for a pre-dawn uphill trek, you can always take a motorbike taxi or a Jeep tour up Mount Batur. ➡️ Check Out Batur Jeep Tours! 👉  Note!  While the Jeep tours drive all the way to the viewpoint, if you take a motorbike taxi up to the caldera, you still need to hike 10-15 minutes uphill from the parking area to the summit. 

✅ Know it’s COLD at the Top of the Mt. Batur 

You’re already at a higher elevation in Kintamani, and by the time you reach Batur’s Caldera for the sunrise viewport you’re at 1,717 meters (5,633 feet) elevation. This, coupled with the fact that the hike is done before sunrise, makes for a  cold  trip! At the summit, where everyone is just sitting and waiting for sunrise is the coldest part, there are vendors renting out blankets for 50K IDR. I rented one and was still freezing cold.  

✅ Take a Combo Tour That Includes Other Activities

There are a ton of cool things to do in and around the Kintamani area besides the Volcano tour. Since the Mt. Batur volcano tour is usually done at sunrise, there are many tours available that include add-on activities for later in the day. 

🌋 Top Add-On Tours & Activities in Kintamani: 

• ATV in the Lava Fields + Volcano Tour
• White Water Rafting Tour in Ubud + Volcano Tour
• Ubud Day Trip With Swing + Volcano Tour

✅ If You’re Hiking, Bring a Spare Shirt – Your Sweat from the Hike Freezes at the Top of the Volcano

Our tour guide told us to bring an extra shirt – I thought it was a language barrier mistranslation and he just meant to bring a jacket. Nope! It’s recommended you bring a spare change of shirts for Mt. Batur if you’re climbing. This is because you will sweat a lot during the 1-2 hour up-hill trek to the sunrise viewpoint – Once you’re at the top, aka the coldest part of the mountain, all that sweat will freeze while you wait for sunrise. We were up at the top of the caldera for around an hour, so likely not enough time to suffer from hypothermia, but bringing a spare shirt made the sunrise a  lot more comfortable  to sit through. 

✅ Know That There are Tons of Different Hiking Routes to Reach the Viewpoint

Mount Batur is huge – There are many different starting points for the trek around the base of the volcano.  For example, if you start from Kintamani, you will likely take a different route to reach the viewpoint than those who embarked from Ubud, Kuta, or Canggu. Some routes are a little bit more well-paved, but overall, it’s about the same hiking difficulty for all of the paths – In the end, everyone gets the same amazing sunset. 

✅ Try to Visit Mount Batur During the Dry Season 

If possible, try to plan your visit to Mount Batur during Bali’s Dry Season, which runs from May to October.  Always remember that Bali is a tropical destination, so the weather will be a little bit unpredictable. When we visited Mount Batur, it was the height of the dry season, but we still had a cloudy/foggy day. Later, I was talking to the guide, and he told me that we hiked on the only foggy day all month! So, while it’s unlikely to get bad weather during the “good” season, you still need to go with the flow a bit when it comes to Bali weather. 

✅ Breakfast is Usually Included in The Tour – But Don’t Expect Much!

All of the tours for Mount Batur say something along the lines of “Private breakfast while watching the sunrise” – Sounds amazing, right? Well…Yes and no. 

We did get a hot breakfast as we waited for the sun to rise on our Batur, but it was made up of boiled eggs and boiled banana mashed into some white toast 😅 – Not quite the romantic picture you’d imagine. We did the hiking tour, so all of the water, eggs, bread, etc that you’re enjoying has to be trekked up there by someone. So really, when you think about it, it’s pretty amazing they were able to get breakfast to us at all! 

✅ Bring Small Bills on Your Hike for Blanket Rentals, Snacks, Coffee & Tea

I paid 50K to rent a blanket while we were waiting for sunrise, (I was freezing!), and there were also small snacks and hot beverages for sale at the lookout point. 

✅ Don’t Climb Mount Batur on a Weekend – It Gets MASSIVELY Crowded!

All of the volcano hikes in Bali and the outer islands are massive tourist attractions that pull hundreds and thousands of visitors every day. So, no matter which day of the week you go to hike Mount Batur, you can expect there to be a crowd. However, these crowds are the worst during the weekends – If you could plan your trip to Kintamani so you’re hiking the volcano on a weekday, you’ll have a little bit of a better time. 

✅ Know You’re Starting the Hike in Pitch Black for Sunrise 

When we set off at 3:45 AM for our Mount Batur hike it was pitch black out, and there were no street lights on the footpaths leading to the caldera.  The headlamps our tour guide provided us with were  essential  for the hike .  We took a private tour, so a bit more on the higher-end side, and the headlamps we were provided worked great. I’ve done some cheaper sunrise hikes in Indonesia where the headlamps they give you are basically just for show – If you can bring your own headlamp, just in case, that would be best. If you think a phone flashlight is enough to do the hike, think again! I tried to use my phone’s flashlight to add to the light from my headlamp and it was something like 1/10th the strength.

✅ Maybe Budget Two Days in Kintamani Due to Unpredictable Weather 

The weather in Bali is unpredictable, and on my first time climbing Mount Batur it was too foggy to see the sunrise.The next day, however, the skies were perfectly clear. There’s nothing more frustrating than waking up at 2 AM to hike a volcano for a sunrise you can’t see! When we came back down from the volcano, our guide told us that we had been unlucky enough to climb the volcano on the only foggy day  all month  – So while bad weather at Batur is rare, it does happen. If you want to get better odds of seeing the sunrise at Mount Batur, I recommend staying in Kintamani for a few days.

✅ Bring a Sarong and an Offering to Enter the Sacred Temple 

Did you know that there’s a Balinese temple 20 meters into a cave on the side of Mount Batur Volcano? There is! And you can visit Mt. Batur’s Volcano, with a few conditions: 1) You need to bring a sarong (both men and women) – Even if your legs are already covered by your clothing. 2) You also need to bring a Balinese offering to leave at the temple in order to enter. 

✅ Don’t Forget Mount Batur is a Balinese Sacred Site

I n addition to the temple, all of Mount Batur Volcano, and in fact all of the Volcanos in Bali, are considered sacred sites in the Hindu religion. Our guide explained that the volcano is sacred because it’s believed to be closer to heaven – So tons of rituals are conducted on and around the caldera. After we sumitted Mt. Batur, our guide also took us to a site on the side of the mountain where the locals search through gravel for medicinal crystals. Our guide says that his grandfather has a crystal from this site, and when someone gets sick they will soak the crystal in water and rub it on afflicted areas. 

✅ Consider Leaving Even  Earlier  to Get a Good Spot

Sunrise in Bali is around 6:20 AM – We got to our hiking spot early, around 5:00, and were some of the first people there. There were limited seats at the viewpoint, and by 5:45 seats with a clear view were starting to fill up . We started the hike at 3:45 AM, if you’re with a group that has varied hiking abilities, I recommend leaving early. Most groups start the hike around 4 AM from Kintamani. 

✅ Know it’s a Moderately Difficult Hike 

The hike to Mt. Batur’s caldera is a straight shot up, and it usually takes hikes between 45 minutes to 2 hours to complete the entire thing.  It took us 1 hour and 15 minutes to do the hike, and all three people in my party (including the guide) were sweating heavily by the time we reached the top. Guides budget 2 hours for the hike as a default. 

💪 I would classify the Mt. Batur hike as an intermediate-level hike: Some people will find it hard, others easy, depending on their fitness level. 

💡  Tip!  If you don’t want to do the steep uphill hike, you can always take a Jeep tour. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hike Mount Batur? 

The cheapest I have seen a Mount Batur sunrise hike is around 400K IDR ($25) – This is for joining an open tour, meaning there will be one guide and a ton of hikers.  The cheapest tours don’t include breakfast or transport, you’re basically just paying entrance in the form of a “guide” because everyone is required to have a guide at Mount Batur. Most of the time, hiking Mount Batur is 500K IDR ($32), and includes a breakfast at the summit for a smaller group tour. For a private tour of Mt Batur, the overall cost will probably be between $100-200, depending on which provider you book it through. 

If you’d like a private guide, the rate is based on how many people are in your party. I recommend getting a private guide if you want to do any ad-ons like walking the caldera’s rim or visiting the Balinese temple. There are lots of ad-ons you can do for a Mt. Batur tour that change the price. For example, if you want to take the Jeep up instead of hike, that’s an extra expense. Many tour providers also offer options with transportation from Ubud, or add-on tours like white water rafting you can do after your tour. 

👉 Best Kintamani Volcano Tours 

1. All-Inclusive Mt. Batur Sunrise With Add-Ons 2. Mt. Batur for Sunrise By Jeep   3. Group Tour (Budget Choice) 4. ATV & Lava Fields tour of Mt. Batur

My Experience Trekking Mt. Batur for Sunrise

We started our Kintamani volcano tour at 3:30 AM with a cup of 3-in-1 sachet coffee and our guide passing us 2 water bottles, each. We had a later start than most because we decided to spend a few days in Kintamani to see the sights, but if you’re starting from Ubud, Canggu, Kuta, etc., expect to depart for your tour at 1 or 2 AM.

By 3:45 AM, we set off on our trek! 

It was  absolutely freezing  on the mountain in the middle of the night, but once we started the uphill ascent the movement kept us nice and warm. Our guide gave us the option of a short, medium, or long trek – We chose the medium because we wanted to do a walk on the volcano’s rim. 

Since we were departing from Kintamani, we took a lesser-traveled path than the one most travelers take. If you’re starting your tour from Ubud, you will be beginning your trek from the West side of the volcano – On the West side, there are larger and more nicely paved roads, since it gets  far  more tourists.

We were starting our trek on the South-East side of the volcano, and for the most part, the path was unmarked. Many people talk about how you “don’t need a guide” for Mt. Batur, but for the route we took, I was happy we had him! 

The path we took was steeper than the usual Mt. Batur path – Our guide gave us the option to walk on the more well-paved road instead, but that road was shared with the motorbike taxis zooming up the mountain, so we chose to stick to the walking path. The bonus of taking the more remote trek up the mountain, and also for leaving a bit early, is that we were the only other people I saw on our whole hike up! 

The hike was mostly done in the dark, and the woods, so it’s not that scenic – The high point of our trek was when we saw a wild Balinese cat hunting on the volcano. Our guide called it a “Luwuk”, which is the animal that the famous  Balinese Cat Poop Coffee  is made from – This cat looked completely different from the Luwuks I’ve seen in  coffee plantations around Bali – Later, we googled the cat and found it was actually a Sunda Leopard Cat! It was an unexpected treat to see a wild animal on our volcano trek I never even knew existed in Bali. 

We reached the Caldera’s viewpoint at around 5 AM, so the trek took us an hour and fifteen minutes.We had chosen to take the steeper and faster of the two paths, and our guide made a big fuss that this was the “fastest he had ever hiked with foreigners!” … But, I’m not sure how much I believe that haha. I know some very fit and tall guys who did the Batur trek in around 45 minutes! 

At 5 AM, the viewpoint was pretty much empty and we had our choice of seats. As more people reached the summit, the viewpoint got more and more crowded. By 6 AM, most of the seats were full.  I was freezing the entire hour we were waiting for the sunrise!

Our guide had advised us to bring a second shirt, and I was so grateful he did because the undershirt I was wearing under my puffer coat was soaked with sweat after the trek. Even after changing into a dry shirt + wearing a puffer coat, I was still so incredibly cold that I rented a blanket from one of the women at the summit for 50K IDR. 

Unfortunately, our sunrise was lackluster.  The iconic Mt. Batur sunrise is above the clouds, but unfortunately for us, we were inside the clouds instead! The fog was as thick as pea soup, and we couldn’t see a thing – It was still cool after the sunrise to explore Batur’s caldera and see nothing but white fog all around us. Luckily, we were staying in Kintamani for a few days, so we got to see a gorgeous sunrise over Mt. Batur the next day. 

What to Bring

Truthfully you don’t need much for a Mt. Batur trek, snacks and water are available on the mountain, and blankets are available to rent if you get cold. Here are some things I recommend to consider bringing: 

• Jacket:  Carry an extra layer for the Mount Batur sunrise trek. You’ll likely shed it as you warm up during the hike but may need it again at the summit while waiting for the sunrise.
• Extra Shirt:  It’s cold at the summit while you wait for sunrise, and your sweat from the exertion of the hike up will freeze. This poses a risk of hypothermia, but really it’s just uncomfortable. I recommend bringing an extra base layer to change into. 
• Headlamp:  While Mount Batur sunrise trekking tours offer basic headlamps, they don’t always work. I travel with my own after getting a few duds.
• Good Shoes:  While regular sneakers are good enough, sturdy hiking shoes are preferable for the Mount Batur hike. Hiking sandals are an option, but avoid flip flops, considering slippery gravel and steep inclines or declines.
• Poncho:  If you visit during the rainy season, especially from December to February, consider bringing a rain jacket as a precaution. However, I wouldn’t recommend trying to climb during this season because if it’s cloudy you can’t see the views. 
• Camera With Flash:  If you have a small and lightweight point-and-shoot camera that includes flash that would be perfect for this pre-dawn hike.
• Drone:  If you have a drone, Mt. Batur is the perfect place to set it off to get aerial views of the volcano’s caldera. 

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored over 30 countries and lived abroad in places like Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, India, Indonesia Thailand, Europe, and the USA. Her goal is to help other traveler see the world by providing first-hand accounts of what to expect on the road.

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Mount Batur, Bali: The Ultimate Trekking Guide

Mount Batur is one of the active volcanoes on the island of Bali, Indonesia. Every day, hundreds of tourists climb Mount Batur to see the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur. The view of the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur is very beautiful. It’s a must-see. Add this to your Bali itinerary and Bali bucketlist !

To be able to enjoy this view; you have to start traveling from midnight. It will be an adventurous journey as it has to be done in pitch black conditions. If you have never done night hiking activities, then you must prepare several things in advance.

In this article, we will share everything you need to know before climbing Mount Batur, one of the top things to do in Bali . We’ll also explain what you need to bring with you, and how the trip will be done.

Table of Contents

Mount Batur Trekking Difficulty Level

If you have never done climbing activities before, you may be wondering how difficult the climb is? This question is often asked by those who are trying to climb Mount Batur for the first time.

If you are used to doing cardio training, maybe this trip will not be too difficult for you. But if you rarely actively move, or have a weight above normal, then climbing to the top of Mount Batur can provide an extra challenge for you.

You will hike for about 2 hours to get to the top of Mount Batur which is at an altitude of 1717 meters above sea level. Of course, you can arrive faster if you need fewer breaks.

No need to feel embarrassed to rest if you feel tired on the way because this is a very common thing for tourists to do. Of course, you cannot equate your stamina with the stamina of the residents of Mount Batur. Surely they are very used to climbing this mountain every day.

It is highly recommended that you use a tour guide service, which is available at the foot of Mount Batur. The tour guides are locals who are very familiar with the climbing route on Mount Batur.

You don’t need to worry about getting lost in trekking activities on Mount Batur when you have a guide. These tour guides are highly trained for emergencies that may occur.

So there’s nothing to worry about. Everyone can get to the top of Mount Batur. You can rest as often as you need; and you will still reach the top to enjoy a very beautiful view of the sunrise.

What to wear to hike Mount Batur

Everyone has a different resistance to certain temperatures and climates. So you need to know that the temperature during the night climb on Mount Batur is around 15 degrees Celsius; with the air that is still quite humid.

If you come from a sub-tropical region and accustomed to cold weather, then you can wear leggings or shorts that you usually wear when exercising.

The most important things for you to wear are sneakers or hiking shoes. Several spots are quite steep on the trekking route to the top of Mount Batur. If you don’t wear the right footwear, then you will easily slip at these steep trekking spots.

You should also prepare a sweater just in case the temperature suddenly feels too cold for you. Usually, hikers will wear a sweater at the beginning and end of the trip.

If you are hiking in the rainy season, then bring a waterproof jacket. You never know when it will rain. Climbing to the top of Mount Batur will be very difficult if your clothes get wet.

What should you bring when hiking Mount Batur

Your guide will provide a flashlight before the climb. But it is highly recommended that you bring a small headlight. This will make the hike a lot easier.

There are several spots where you have to use your hands to climb the rocky path. Small headlights will make it very easy for you to climb at these points.

You are also advised to bring a small backpack to store your extra clothes, drinking water, and snacks.

You will probably need all of this during the climb to the top of Mount Batur. Your guide will also provide snacks and boiled eggs that you can enjoy when you reach the top.

Don’t forget your camera!

It is very important to bring a camera with you on your trip. You can bring a DSLR camera to capture the sunrise.

Sunrise at the top of Mount Batur is truly stunning, so make sure you bring a camera with you. At least bring a smartphone camera that has a pretty good image and video quality.

Where to book a tour guide in Bali

To facilitate your trip to climb Mount Batur, we highly recommend that you use a travel agent service in Bali. There are many travel agents in Bali that provide mount Batur sunrise trekking packages.

This Mount Batur sunrise trekking package includes everything you need:

• service for picking you up and dropping you off to and from your accommodation;
• a local guide to take you to the top of the mountain;
• flashlights and standard trekking equipment;
• food and drink including lunch after the hike

You can choose to take a private tour or a group tour. If you choose to take a private tour, then you usually have to pay 55 USD per person.

But if you have a limited budget, you can take a group tour for 28 USD per person.

Mount Batur Trekking Itinerary

A driver will pick you up at your hotel. Pick up time will depend on the distance from your hotel to Mount Batur.

The further away your hotel is, the earlier you will be picked up. For example, if you’re staying in Seminyak, you will be picked up at 1:30 AM. But if you’re in the Ubud area, you will be picked up at 2:15 AM.

You will start climbing Mount Batur at 3:30 AM, and reach the top of Mount Batur at 5.30 AM. This is the perfect time to watch the sunrise at the top of Mount Batur.

You can explore the entire crater of Mount Batur until 9 AM. Or you can choose to go down to Lake Batur to enjoy a hot spring.

Many hikers choose to go down to Lake Batur and enjoy the hot springs. Soaking in this hot spring will relieve any fatigue after hiking for 2 hours.

Prepare 10 USD if you want to use the hot spring facilities on this Mount Batur lake.

On the way home you will stop at a restaurant to enjoy lunch and a cup of coffee or tea. After you finish your lunch, the driver will take you back to your hotel.

This is a must-do activity in Bali. There are a lot of tourists who have climbed Mount Batur and think that this is the highlight of their trip to Bali.

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Hiking Mount Batur in Bali – A Guide for First-Timers

By: Author Eva

Posted on Published: October 15, 2019  - Last updated: November 14, 2023

Categories indonesia

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Fun fact: Mount Batur was the FIRST mountain I’ve ever climbed. Now, 11 years later, I went back and fell in love all over again with the mountain.

How could you not fall in love with a sunrise view so surreal when standing at over 1700m elevation overlooking a village covered in morning mist? That feeling of standing at the top of the world witnessing the birth of a new day, a new beginning is what draws me to hiking.

I first climbed Mount Batur in 2008 when I was in my final year of university. Back then, I was still slim and fit, I managed to reach the summit quite early at 5.17am.

Now, the not-so-fit thirty-something me managed to reach the summit at 5.50am, just moments before the actual sunrise at around 6.10am. Guys, if you’re in your twenties, go climb a mountain NOW!

Now that I’ve climbed Mount Batur twice, I wish to offer some advice for first-time hikers through this post.

Me at Mount Batur in 2008 when I was young, slim and fit

Another photo of me in 2008. This one was taken when we were approaching the finish point.

When is the best time to hike Mount Batur?

The best time to hike Mount Batur is during the dry season from March to September.

My first hike in December 2008, a wet season. Meanwhile, my second hike was in September 2019, the shoulder season. Fortunately, it didn’t rain at all both times I hiked Mount Batur.

How difficult is hiking Mount Batur?

If you’re a fit person, exercises frequently and doesn’t have much excess fat, I’d say hiking Mount Batur is quite easy for you.

If you’re a sedentary person who seldom exercises and often pants when climbing a short flight of staircase (like the thirty-something me!), I’d say hiking Mount Batur could be difficult, but it’s doable if you train for it.

Prior to the hike, I knew it would be hard for the not-so-fit me to reach the summit before sunrise, so 2 weeks before the hike, I started to add exercise into my life.

I went for a few 5-km runs, I climbed the staircase of my 17-storey-high apartment 8 times per day. The staircase climbing truly improved my fitness and helped me push through the hike even when I was panting throughout the ascent.

How much does it cost to hike Mount Batur?

It really depends on where you book your package, how big your group is and where you stay at.

Alternatively, if you can’t decide when exactly you want to hike, it is possible to book the package 1 day before the hike, but you need to do it through the travel agencies scattered all around Bali, especially touristy places such as Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud. There’s a possibility that you’ll join other groups if there are only 1 or 2 of you.

The first rays at dawn

How long does it take to hike Mount Batur?

An average person takes 2 hours to ascend the mountain from start point to the summit (about 700m elevation gain). The time you’ll take depends a lot on your fitness level.

Since I am not so fit, I took about 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach the summit. Fortunately, we started the hike early at about 3.35am instead of 4am like other groups. Hubby and I managed to reach summit a 5.50am, just in time for the sunrise!

The duration of the package varies depending on how long you spend at each location. The hiking guide and car driver did not rush us to finish as soon as possible.

Sunrise is approaching

Here is the itinerary of our experience:

• 2.30am: Pick up from our villa at Ubud
• 3.15am : Arrive at Mount Batur Start point
• 3.15am – 3.35am: Get ready for the hike, went to toilet as we were told that there’s no toilet on the mountain.
• 3.35am: Start trekking
• 5.50am:  Reach the summit
• 6.10am: Sunrise and breakfast
• 6.20am – 7.00am: Explore the summit
• 7.00 am: Start descending
• 8.30am: Reach the carpark
• 8.45am: Depart for hot spring
• 9.00am – 1030am: Decompress at hot spring
• 10.30am: Leave for coffee plantation
• 11.00am: Arrive at coffee plantation
• 12 noon: Depart for Ubud
• 1.00pm: Arrive at our villa at Ubud

Do you need a guide to hike Mount Batur?

Some people have reported that it’s possible to hike Mount Batur without a guide. However, in my opinion, I highly recommend hiking with a guide for several reasons.

1. There are so many different start points, finish points and route combinations, it is possible that you get lost and waste a lot of time trying to find your way when hiking without a guide unless you are familiar with the routes.

2. Hiring a guide is a good way to contribute to the local economy.

3. I notice that all of the guides know each other. And they’re supposed to report to their higher supervisor at certain checkpoints. To me, it looks like a monopoly business. Tripsavvy reported that if you’re hiking on your own, there’s a chance that you’ll get questions (and possibly harassment or bullying) from local guides or touts.

What’s the temperature like at Mount Batur

To be honest, I did not bring any thermometer during my hike so I wasn’t able to tell you the exact temperature. However, I can tell you what it feels like.

At the start point (about 1,000m elevation), it was cold like 16 degrees Celcius. I wore tights, a T-shirt and cotton jacket, and I felt quite comfortable. Meanwhile, hubby, who wore short pants, elephant pants and T-shirt, was shaking due to the cold weather until he put on a windbreaker.

When we were halfway through the climb, I was panting and sweating. I decided to take off my jacket to cool my body temperature.

At the summit, the temperature at around 6am felt like 20 degrees Celcius.

The temperature was cold while we were waiting for sunrise

What to wear and bring for hiking Mount Batur

Wear a good hiking shoes. Hiking shoes are different from running shoes. Hiking shoes have better grip than running shoes, which is very helpful when trekking on uneven terrain and loose gravels.

Wear a lightweight jacket. The only time you’ll wear the jacket is at the beginning of the hike AND at the summit. So, you don’t want to bring thick cotton jacket. I wore my thin cotton jacket and hubby wore lightweight windbreaker that he borrowed from our driver. If you forget to bring a jacket or windbreaker, you can borrow or rent from your driver or guide.

Bring snacks or light food. Before the hike, the guide won’t provide any breakfast. So, if you’re the type of person who needs to eat breakfast before a tough morning workout (like us), do bring snacks. We were so glad that we brought bread and bananas because we got hungry halfway through the hike.

Bring water. Our hiking guide provided 1 bottle of 600ml mineral water for each of us, so we didn’t bring any additional water. For a camel like me, 1 bottle of 600ml water is enough to last me until the finish point. If your package doesn’t include water, do bring one yourself. Alternatively, there are shops selling water and snacks at start point, and there are locals who sell drinks to hikers along the way.

Bring torch or headlamp. Our hiking guide provided 1 torch for each of us, so we didn’t have to worry about this. If your package doesn’t include any torch or headlamp, do bring one yourself.

Bring cash. You’ll need it if you want to buy drinks or food at the summit, as well as to tip your guide.

Wear a lightweight backpack for storing your water, snacks, gadgets and cash.

What’s it like to hike Mount Batur?

The first half an hour of the hike was pretty easy. It was quite flat. Then, slowly, we were on a trail with lots of tree roots. When we climbed in September, the crowd was alright, not too much and not too sparse.

When doing the hike, DO look up to the sky above you! Both times I climbed Batur, the sky was clear and lit with MILLIONS of stars! It was so beautiful! Too bad, I don’t have any astrophotography skill so I did not capture the magnificent sight. But it is something I will always remember in my heart.

About 45 minutes after the hike, we arrived at a checkpoint, which is a small hut where there were some locals trying to sell drinks and snacks to hikers. Here, there is a sign with two arrows. To the left is the easy path and to the right is the hard path.

Our guide explained to us that the easy path on the left is a paved path where hikers share the lane with motorcycles. Meanwhile, the hard path on the right is for hikers-only, no motorcycles. Our guide let us make the call.

I was pretty beaten up by the time we reached that crossroad. I plead to hubby to take the easy path, otherwise, we won’t make it to the top in time for sunrise. Hubby felt that it was unhealthy to hike while absorbing motorcycle exhaust. I relented and we chose the hard path.

The climb at the hard path was really tough for me! My breaths were getting shorter and shorter the higher we climbed. Our strategy was to take short breaks (1-2 mins) every time we ran out of breath. This strategy worked great!

In addition, our guide was super helpful. He offered to take my hands to pull me at difficult terrains. Suddenly, I was walking faster than I would ever do on my own. Hubby was doing great hiking without help.

I should add that our guide was too kind, he offered to carry our 2x600ml water bottles! I know, we’re too pampered!

Finally, we arrived at the point where our path merges with the easy path. Here, the motorcycles’ paved road ends.  From here, it’s about 10 to 20 more mins to the summit. our guide said. At this time, it was already 5.30am and we could see some rays peeking out behind the clouds.

We pushed through and eventually arrived at the summit at 5.50am! There were so many benches that were already taken by people who arrived earlier than us. Our guide went to prepare our breakfast while we took hundreds of photos of the dawn.

Finally.. sunrise!!!

How cool is that orange sun peeking behind the clouds?

What if I can’t continue halfway up or halfway down?

Fret not. You can pay for the local “ojek” (motorcycle riders) to bring you up or down the mountain. However, do note that the motorcycle can’t go all the way to the summit, you still have to do 10-20 mins of hiking to the summit.

Going down by ojek is similar to going up. You need to walk down from summit to the start of the paved path in order to ride an ojek down.

If you foresee that you might not have the capability to climb all the way up to summit, and you’re willing to take the “motor taxi,” do prepare cash because you will need to pay by cash.

According to The Crowded Planet , it costs around IDR 600,000 for the return trip by motorcycle.

What to expect at the summit of Mount Batur?

Plenty of AMAZING sights, for sure. If there is a hotel at the summit, I might want to stay there just to be in paradise for one more day!

First, you’ll get to see the incredible Mount Agung, the tallest mountain in Bali at 3031m high. As the fog began to lift, you’ll see the Lake Batur and the village around it.

Sunrise at Mount Batur, with Mount Agung behind us

Then, there’s this caldera, the huge crater at the center of the volcano. There is a spot where steams are coming out from within the mountain, through cracks. Obviously, it became a spot to take photos. Many people joined the queue in order to take photos with the steam, us included.

Mount Batur caldera

Like this photo and want to use it as your desktop/laptop wallpaper? Get it here .

The steam from the volcano!!

As we walked to the other end of the summit, we met so many great places to take photos. Hence, I’m going to bombard you with our photos at the summit.

See that fog!

The peak at the front was the place we watched sunrise. The peak behind it is Mount Agung. Like this photo and want to use it as your desktop/laptop wallpaper? Get it here .

Isn’t the view amazing?

That steam on the left was where we took photos earlier. Like this photo and want to use it as your desktop/laptop wallpaper? Get it here .

Our guide suggested we took photo here

We’re on top of the world!

What’s it like to hike down Mount Batur?

After spending 40 minutes at the summit having breakfast and taking hundreds of photos, it was finally time to descend. Our guide let us make the call whether to go down the easy path or difficult path.

The easy path is the same path that we took to come up to the summit. The difficult path is an entirely different route with lots of loose gravels. Again, my highly curious adventurous husband suggested that we take the difficult path.

The gravel terrain was really slippery and demanding. Our guide and us slipped a couple of times but didn’t fall (thankfully). There were a couple of bottlenecks at certain sections of the route because the trail was so narrow and steep that hikers had to descend really carefully.

After 1.5 grueling hours, we finally arrived at carpark, which is the end of the trail, but not the finish point yet. Our guide said that we could choose to continue going down the pavement to the finish point, or he could call our driver to pick us up at the carpark. Since we were not fond of pounding pavement after a rigorous morning, we decided to let our driver pick us up at the carpark.

Before the descent, our guide suggested a few incredible photo spots.

We improvised and requested him to take from the side!

We didn’t want to descend

Let us stay here for a longer time pleasee..

Finally it’s time to descend. Our guide was standing on the loose gravels on the way down, waiting for us to catch up with him.

Even the descent view is so wonderful

Batur Hot Spring

As mentioned earlier, our package include entrance to hot spring. The journey from Batur to hot spring was roughly 30 minutes.

We spent about 1.5 hours at Batur Natural Hot Spring. Free lockers, towels and welcome drinks were included in our package. There were four or five pools in the development. We started with the coldest pool at the bottom and slowly made our way up.

Even though we enjoyed the warm hot springs, we felt that it was not hot enough compared to other hot springs I went before, such as Medan’s Berastagi Hot Spring or Taipei’s Beitou Hot Spring .

Still, the view at Batur Hot Spring was so nice that makes it worth visiting after hiking.

If you’re considering to add hot spring to your hiking package, I just want to warn you this. Don’t expect a highly luxurious hot spring. Everything is very basic here.

Also, do consider the fact that you might feel hungry after the hike, so you might have to eat at the hot spring or wait until you’re back to your hotel to eat a proper meal.

Mount Batur Natural Hot Spring, located by the side of Lake Batur

Amazing view

The restaurant at the hot spring

Where to stay if you want to climb Mount Batur

If you stay at Nusa Dua or Kuta (both are at the south of Bali), the driver will pick you up at around 1.15am. That means, you need to wake up really early. But of course you can sleep in the car during the 2-hour journey to Batur start point.

If you stay at Ubud, the pick up point is 2.30am. That means, you get to sleep slightly longer than people who stay at Kuta or Nusa Dua.

If you want to sleep even longer, you can stay at Kintamani.

For us, we had a long list of things to do near Ubud, so we decided to stay at Ubud.

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Guide to Hiking Bali’s Active Volcano at Dawn

Mount Batur Guide : I’ve climbed the ever-active volcanic peak as a kid. But next time I visit Bali, I wouldn’t mind another ascend, it’s quite something. The sunrise, the smoke from the crater at the top, the feeling of being above clouds, and the exhilirating trek itself. Here goes my Mount Batur trekking guide .

We woke up at 3 in the morning to start early for the trek. The main feature of this trip is to breathe in the morning’s beauty at the top – the sunrise.

The hike isn’t difficult as long as we’re able and fit. For amateurs, it’s best to get a guide along for safety. Not many speak English (most speak broken English in my experience), but the Indonesian language isn’t that tough. Learn some basic phrases before you leave.

But lets get into this Mount Batur guide first:

Table of Contents

Mount Batur Guide: The Itinerary

Climbing Mount Batur should absolutely be on your Bali Itinerary . However, it takes a whole morning and a good rest after the trip.

Mount Batur is around 40 km from Ubud, the popular hub among tourists for traditional crafts and dances. It’s a 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Ubud. For the early sunrise trek, it’s best to leave for the trek’s starting point around 2:00 – 2:30 a.m. Most visitors begin their trek around 3:30 to 4:00 am.

It’s more or less a 2 hour 30 minutes hike up to the peak. Getting tiny eateries are optional but I’d recommend getting water bottles along – it gets tiring as the trail becomes steeper.

Beginning a trek before dawn makes it necessary to get your own light source, so keep a torch handy when climbing.

There are 2 area points on the trek where one can choose to stop. While both points let you peek into the live crater and also let you experience the mesmerizing sunrise, the second point is significantly at higher altitude. There’s a coffee shop with limited supplies at the top here.

Some of us were exhausted at point 1, so they stayed back while we continued ascending to the peak edge of the crater.

Key Points for Itinerary:

• Trek duration: 2.5-3 hours
• 40 km or so from Ubud, Bali (1.5 hour drive)
• For sunrise trek, begin trek at 3:30 to 4:00 am.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Guide Packages (Klook)

The entry fee to Mount Batur costs Rp. 100,000/person (SGD $9). But with the hike that lasts 3 hours with steep edges along the way, there are many locals that facilitate as guides till the top.

With the language being a barrier when speaking to locals, many agencies offer the whole Mount Batur Sunrise trek as a package. Klook is one of the most trusted sites in Indonesia (and most of SE Asia) for its travel facilities.

Skimming through, I found this custom package to Mount Batur with their trusted guides. It even offers a pick-up and drop facility from your stay! There are some considerable add-ons along with the trek (like breakfast) for no more than SGD $48.

Check out your preferred deal at Klook.com below!

What to Wear/Pack for Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

I did witness few trekkers climbing with agility with no more than flip-flops. But for amateurs, I’d highly recommend wearing sports shoes. The ascend begins with just inclined walking and ends up with jumping sharp rocks and avoiding slippery soil.

Stretchable pants or shorts will do for the trail. As for the early morning, keeping a jacket helps you keep warm while ascending. Most begin the climb with jackets zipped up and later tied around their waist while descending. Speaking of descending, begin alighting early as it gets hot quick after sunrise.

And of course, beginning the trek before dawn will need torches to light up the trail before you.

Some people brought climbing sticks along for stable grip. Get one (or better yet, find one) for yourself if you need it. I carried one only to realize later I held it to look – aesthetic as a trekker.

What to wear/pack for Mount Batur Trek:

• Sports shoes
• Jacket/Sweater
• Comfortable pants or shorts
• Water bottle(s)
• Climbing stick (optional)

Sure there are big steps while hopping up rocks. But you don’t need special hiking gear to climb Mount Batur . Rigid sports shoes, a torch, and a jacket (if you feel too chilly) are sufficient if your body is in good shape. The locals who guided us up the mountain barely wore shoes.

A small backpack with a water bottle, torch and a camera should do!

Sunrise Hike: Accommodation nearby Mount Batur

When visiting Bali, you have two options when it comes to accommodation:

• Reside at one resort for your whole vacation and travel during the day . For a short duration holiday, staying at one place is cheaper.
• Change stays every time you’re visiting a new spot . Accommodations in Bali are abundant. For the Mount Batur sunrise hike, it’s closest place to reside is Kintamani, Bali. For lengthy stays in Bali, check out different stays as different resorts offer different luxuries.

However, Ubud being a tourist capital of sorts, it offers a variety of stays. Based on my experience of Bali, here are some stays I handpicked in Ubud, Bali on Booking.com. Go check them out!

Mount Batur Guide: Stays in Ubud, Bali:

• Arimba at Bisma
• Desak Putu Putera Cottages
• The Runik Ubud
• Outpost Ubud Coliving Suites
• Saren Indah Hotel
• Jati 3 Bungalows

Kintamani is 11 kilometers away from the active volcano – get there by minibus (it’s cheap). With accommodation there, leave at 3 am to begin your hike. Here are various accommodations from Booking.com for stays around Mount Batur – Kintamani:

How about staying with Mount Batur itself at its backdrop? I’ve loved HostelWorld.com for their stay management any place you go to. All stays here are focused on solo-travelers and budget backpackers while keeping their accommodation top-notch.

That brings me to tell about the Latengaya Bungalow property located in Kintamani. The stay being offbeat to most travelers make it the best part, not many are aware of the treasure yet. The pricing is pretty reasonable too!

I have yet to plan my next Bali trip but I urge you to check out the property if you’re leaving!

Mount Batur Trekking Guide: Common FAQs

Many aware of the active volcano trekking in Bali, some commonly researched phrases are bali volcano trekking and volcano ubud sunrise .

I hope mentioning them here lets people find this post. Here are some FAQs about Mount Batur:

How high/tall is Mount Batur?

Mount Batur is 1717 meters (5633 ft.) from the sea level. You don’t need any equipment for breathing at this altitude.

Age restriction to climbing Mount Batur

There’s no rule as such for children. As long as they’re able to climb, they can join. A child over 8 years of age should be eligible to come along.

Are there many trekkers climbing Mount Batur in the morning?

Beginning before dawn, you’ll see dozens of other tourists along with their guides also climb at the same time. You’ll see torch lighting up the trail ahead from other groups going up.

Conclusion: Hopping all the way down

This brings us to the end of this Mount Batur trekking guide . After the whole scenic view with the sunrise, it was time to finally come down. While coming down, the guide wasn’t around anymore. We didn’t need guides by then. The sun was out and we made our way down.

I had a thick jacket on when I began up Mount Batur. I was sweating and had my jacket tied around my waist when coming down.

And that’s a wrap for this hiking experience. I hope you enjoy your sunrise hike up Mount Batur !

We visited many other places in Bali, check out my Bali Travel Blog here .

Other blogs to check out:

• A local guide to Batam Riau Islands, Indonesia
• India(from my native) to Indonesia: A 23-hour journey

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  * This post contains affiliate link(s) where I earn a small commission at no additional cost of the products to you. I only recommend products I trust.

Manas Patil

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Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Guide

About mount batur sunrise trek.

When planning to visit this majestic natural marvel, you must not forget to hire a Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Guide. Your sunrise trek to the top of Mount Batur offers you a chance to admire and witness the volcanic beauty of this region. The trek in itself is quite exhilarating and adventurous, and traverses through varied terrains, from spectacular hills, to lush green forests. In addition to watching quaint hilly villages and more, it also lets you see the clouds right underneath your feet.

A trained guide, with years of experience, will offer you the required information and everything you need to know about Mount Batur Trek. The trek in itself is quite moderate in difficulty, and you can capture stunning views of the sunrise as you reach the summit. The trek also includes a delicious healthy breakfast at the top of Mount Batur, in addition to giving you a chance to go around the caldera or crater of the mountain.

Explore Mount Batur

Also known as Gunung Batur, Mount Batur is a sacred stratovolcano situated towards the northwest of Mount Agun, in the Kintamani district of Bali. Mount Batur is also one of the most popular trekking sites in the region, in addition to being amongst the very few active volcanoes in Bali. With an elevation of 1717 metres or 5633 feet above the sea level, Mount Batur is considered to be over 50,000 years old.

The Caldera of this mountain, which is the collapsed section at its peak, is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network Program and is preserved and protected by them. Upon trekking all the way to the top of Mount Batur, you can witness some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. In addition to the spectacular view from this active volcano, get a chance to admire the small crater here. During the monsoon months, the top of Mount Batur appears to be floating in a sea of clouds, making for a very magical sight. With so much magnificence, read on below to find out everything you need to know about Mount Batur Trek.

What to Expect at Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

Get a chance to trek to the top of the second largest active volcano in Bali, which is considered to be the highest volcano hike accessible to the public in the entire region. Witness exotic flora and the lush natural landscapes formed due to seismic activities over many decades during your hike. You can also get to choose between the easier and more difficult trail to the top and soak in the panoramic aerial views of Bali and its natural wonders. Get to the top of Mount Batur and soak in the spectacular sunrise, along with the incredible 360-degree views from the top. You can also get a chance to see the crater during the hike, in addition to views looking out to Mount Agang.

Key Facts Before Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

One of the most important facts in the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Guide is that there are two different routes to the top. One that is a longer but less steep route, and the other, which is a shorter but much steeper route. While the longer route is 11 kilometres out and back and takes 1.5 to 2 hours in total, the shorter route is just 7 kilometres out and back and takes only 45 minutes to an hour. The longer route of the trek begins at a low altitude and takes you through the dense forests on the mountain, while the shorter route begins from a height of almost 1250 metres at Pura Pasar Agung. The longer route of the trek has an incline of around 700 metres, while the shorter route has 500 metres of incline, both of which makes this trek moderate, with certain areas that are rather difficult

Plan your Visit

Car : You can drive a car to Mount Batur is a 2 hour drive from Kuta

Bus : Take a bus from Ubud to Kintamani which is the fastest way to reach here. You can also take a minibus which is the cheapest way to reach the location.

The best way to get to the starting point of the Mount Batur Trek is by booking a tour online from us which includes a pick up and drop off from your hotel.

Location Mount Batur is located in the Kintamani district in Bali, around 2 hours from Seminyak/ Canggu and an hour away from Ubud.

Best Time to Trek According to the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Guide, the best time to trek this mountain is in the dry season in the region, which is between May to October.

A light and warm jacket

Good hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers

Band-Aids and emergency first aid kit as well as medicines

Headlamp and/or torch

Dry snacks and water

Camera and lens

Extra battery for camera

Portable power bank for phone

Things to Do Near Mount Batur:

When going on a trek to Mount Batur, one of the best things you can do after that is to visit the Besakih Great Temple. Also known as Bali’s Mother Temple, the Besakih Great Temple is amongst the oldest and most important temples in the region. It is dedicated to the three creators of the universe, lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. It dates back to more than 1000 years, and is home to 86 smaller temples.

Another one of the top things to do near Mount Batur is to explore Pura Ulun Danu Batur. Dedicated to the prime source of water, this temple is amongst the most significant temples in all of Bali. A prime example of the traditional Balinese style of architecture, this temple dates back to the 17th century, and has a total of 9 different temples in its premises. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Dewi Danu, the goddess of Lake Batur.

Commonly known as Lake Batur, Danau Batur is located on the south-eastern side of Mount Batur. This is a crescent shaped volcanic lake, which is also the widest in all of Bali, and has tranquil blue waters, with the Batur and Abang ranges surrounding it. The lake lies in the caldera of the Batur volcano, and is said to have been formed due to an eruption in the year 1971. Situated at an elevation of more than 1000 metres above the sea level, directly on top of the volcano’s collapsed topside, Lake Batur is great for boating, canoeing, swimming and even for picnics.

After a trek to Mount Batur, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Tirta Empul Temple, located in the village of Manukaya which dates back to the 10th century. Surrounded by hills and verdant forests, this temple complex is considered to be an important symbol of the Balinese culture and also regarded as a natural cultural heritage site. You can also find a hot spring pool here, which is used for many rituals and purification baths in the region.

Considered to be one of the most famous and beautiful rice terraces in the world, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tegallalang rice terraces are amongst the best places to visit near Mount Batur. Managed by the local rice farmers, these rice paddy fields are a sight for sore eyes, and serve as a popular spot for photography. In addition to taking a stroll amidst the lush green fields, you can also have a picnic here.

One of the best things to do after a sunrise trek to Mount Batur is to visit Toya Bungkah, a natural hot spring located in the Batur Village. As opposed to the typically chilly and cool temperatures of the region, the waters of Toya Bungkah generally range between 37 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius. Therefore, taking a dip here is sure to relax and calm your mind and body unlike anything else, especially after a long trek to the top of the mountain.

How difficult is Mt Batur Trek?

The difficulty levels of Mount Batur trek completely depends on the fitness level and experience of the trekkers. The Mount Batur trek is a moderate trek and doable for everyone, even those who have little to no experience in trekking. Additionally, since it is an active volcano, you may feel a little hot and humid as you go your ascent, with the trek becoming more difficult.

How long does it take to hike Mount Batur?

The total duration of the hike to Mount Batur depends on the route you take. Generally, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete the entire trek, up and down.

Do you need a guide to climb Mount Batur?

Yes, you definitely need a guide to climb Mount Batur. Since the sunrise trek is mostly done in the middle of the night, in a mountainous terrain, with loose rocks and gravel, it is best to avail the services of a guide to climb up to the top.

Why is Mount Batur famous?

Mount Batur is famous for being the most active volcano in Bali, with its last eruption being recorded in the year 2000. The summit of the mountain is at an elevation of 1717 metres from the sea level, from where you can enjoy some of the most breath-taking views of Lake Batur, and the surrounding natural landscapes. It is also one of the best places in Bali to catch the sunrise.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Batur?

The cost of climbing Mount Batur ranges between IDR 377,775 to IDR 755,549.

How many km is Mount Batur Trek Route?

There are two main routes of the Mount Batur trek. While the longer route is a total 11 kilometres up and down, the shorter route is 7 kilometres long up and down.

How many times has Mount Batur erupted?

Between 1821 and 2000, Mount Batur has had a recorded eruption for around 26 times.

How cold is the top of Mount Batur?

The top of Mount Batur remains quite chilly all year round, with cold winds and low recorded temperatures, regardless of the season you do the trek. Typically, between the months of December to early April, the top of Mount Batur has a temperature between 14 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Is Mount Batur Active?

Yes, Mount Batur is an active volcano.

When did Mt Batur last erupt?

Mount Batur last erupted in the year 2000, the evidence of which can be seen in the wide lava fields that were created by the eruption and surround the mountain.

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