Mount Batur is one of the two iconic and active volcanoes in Bali, Indonesia, and the Mount Batur Sunrise Hike is one of the best things to do in Bali. It is no less than 1717m high and is located next to Lake Batur, a caldera lake that was formed more than 20,000 years ago.
Because Mount Batur is not as high as Mount Agung (3031m), it is easier and therefore popular to climb, especially at sunrise. The last eruption of this active volcano dates back to 2000. Everything is closely monitored, so you don’t have to worry about an upcoming eruption.
However, there are also many other things to do around Mount Batur. The region is known for its delicious coffee, fun activities around Lake Batur, cooler temperatures, and relaxing natural hot springs. We therefore recommend that you stay here for 2 nights during a tour in Bali.
How to get to Mount Batur?
Mount Batur is located in the north of Bali, in the Kintamani area, above Ubud and to the left of Amed. From Ubud you can expect a drive of about 1 hour, from Sanur or Canggu it will take you about 2 hours to reach Mount Batur.
You can choose to go by private transport, for example, from Sanur or from Amed. If you choose this, you must keep in mind that there is no Grab or Gojek on-site to get around. However, it is usually possible to arrange transport on-site through the hotel or rent a scooter.
An alternative is to drive to Mount Batur yourself by scooter. We drove from Sanur past Ubud by scooter to Mount Batur and Kintamani. Even though it was a long ride, we were happy to have a scooter on site to visit everything.
You can also choose to visit Mount Batur on a day trip. Keep in mind that you will be on the road for 4 hours that day and will have to get up very early if you want to climb the mountain at sunrise (leave around 2 am). Almost every day trip to Mount Batur picks you up at your hotel in Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, Seminyak, or other places (for an additional fee).
How is the weather at Mount Batur
Since the region around Mount Batur is more elevated, it is usually a few degrees colder here than around the coast and in the south of Bali. That makes this region more bearable than the warm, humid temperatures in the rest of Bali.
TIP: Keep in mind that you probably will need a sweater and pants (or even a wind- and waterproof layer) in the morning and evening, definitely for the climb to the top! We were cold a few times (especially on the scooter) and were glad we had several layers with us.
The best time to climb Mount Batur is during the dry season, from April to October. During this time, there is a greater chance of clear weather, which ensures better visibility, a fantastic sunrise, and less risk of slippery paths. We went in early November and although the summit of Mount Batur itself was not surrounded by clouds, we didn’t really have a sunrise due to clouds on the horizon.
Mount Batur sunrise hike (+ jeep tour)
Is it safe to climb Mount Batur?
Although Mount Batur is an active volcano, the trek to the summit of Mount Batur is generally considered safe as long as you stay informed about volcanic activity and weather conditions. It is important to know that the volcano is monitored by seismologists on a continuous basis. Local guides and agencies monitor these updates carefully and cancel tours if there is an increased risk.
In terms of difficulty, the hike to the top of Mount Batur is considered an average hike. The route is well-marked and most people reach the top in 1.5 to 2 hours (if you hike from the bottom). Although you do not need to have any professional experience, a good level of fitness and sturdy shoes are recommended as the path is steep and rocky.
TIP: Do you want to avoid the walk (and any crowds)? Then you can also choose to admire the sunrise from the village of Pinggan. You can go to the more famous Pinggan Sunrise View Pohon Cinta or Sukawana sunrise spot. Or you can choose one of the more local spots where you can enjoy the sunrise behind Mount Batur and Mount Agung for free and without many people around.
Can you climb Mount Batur without a guide?
In theory yes, but actually the answer is no. There are checkpoints everywhere by local “authorities” that ensure that you cannot go up alone.
A guide is also recommended anyway. If you do the climb at sunrise, you will leave early in the dark and you don’t want to get lost on a volcano. Moreover, the paths are also steep and a guide will show you the safest and fastest way up. You will also receive more information about the volcano and the surrounding area along the way.
What are the different options to visit Mount Batur?
Depending on how much you like to hike and how high you want to get on Mount Batur, there are several options for climbing Mount Batur:
- Complete hike on foot: plan 2 hours of climbing to the top from the starting point.
- Single jeep tour: the jeep takes you approximately to the middle of the mountain and then you can watch the sunrise from there.
- Combination of a jeep tour + hike to the top of Mount Batur: the first part takes you up the volcano by jeep and from there, it is about a 1-hour walk to the top (once you click on the tour you can select different options).
Almost all tours will pick you up at your hotel at night and take you to the starting point. If you are staying in Kintamani, you can get up a little later. From Ubud or the south, you have to leave at 2 am. Good to know: you can also climb Mount Batur at a time other than sunrise. However, we would not recommend going during the day due to the heat and increasing risk of clouds. According to our guide, sunset is also very worthwhile, especially in the dry season.
TIP: Most tours combine a climb of Mount Batur with a visit to the hot springs and/or a coffee plantation. If you are here on a day trip, you can definitely consider this. If you are staying here a little longer, it is better (and cheaper) to visit these places on your own (see further in the article).
With the jeep tour on Mount Batur
We chose the option where we did part by jeep and part on foot with this tour organization. You can contact them for a tailor-made tour or click on different options in the tour. Jeep + hike is a fun combination, especially with children. At 3:30 am we were picked up by the jeep at our hotel. We drove about 30 minutes up the mountain to the start of the hike. From there we hiked another 45 min – 1 hour to the top of Mount Batung.
TIP: If possible, we definitely recommend that you do part of the climb on foot. Friends of ours only did the jeep tour and were a bit disappointed. You don’t go very high up the volcano and the view is therefore less impressive (unless you do this jeep day tour where it is quite an experience). The ride itself is fun, bumpy, and steep, but not very special. Plus, the walk is the most fun and memorable part of the whole experience.
The walk on Mount Batur before sunrise
The hike itself starts in the dark, using your flashlight to illuminate the path. As you ascend the steep volcano with a guide, you get higher and higher and can feel the temperature drop. Once you reach the top it is time for the most beautiful moment of the day, the sunrise at Mount Batur!
We had quite a lot of clouds, but the view was still beautiful. You can see the sun appear behind Mount Agung while the clouds and mist hang over Lake Batur. If you are lucky and the weather is really clear you can sometimes see Mount Rinjani on Lombok. On your other side, you can take a look at the crater. It almost felt like being back in Iceland for a moment.
Usually, the guide will prepare breakfast for you. Don’t expect an extensive breakfast because, after all, you are on top of a volcano! But after the long walk, it tasted fantastic! It usually consists of a hot drink, a boiled egg (sometimes they do this in the steam that comes from the volcano), a banana, and bread. Watch out for the monkeys that like to steal your food. As always, don’t feed them yourself!
Other fun things to do in Batur
Relax in the Mount Batur hot springs
There are several hot springs in the vicinity of Mount Batur and although they are called natural, they are man-made but filled with thermal water that is said to have good properties for the skin.
Many people visit the hot springs after climbing the volcano, as the warm water soothes tired muscles. We stayed at Mount Batur for a full weekend and went to the hot springs the day before.
You can choose between the Batur Natural Hot Springs or the fancier and slightly more expensive Toya Devasya Natural Hot Springs. We chose the Batur Natural Hot Springs (buy your entrance ticket here). It also includes a welcome drink and a towel. Afterward, you can relax in one of the many warm water baths.
Visit the coffee plantations and taste the local coffee
The fertile volcanic soil and cooler temperatures are perfect for growing coffee. There are many coffee plantations in the Mount Batur region. When you take a tour here, you will receive more information about how they grow and produce coffee. And of course, you can also taste their delicious local coffee.
Or you can go to one of the trendy coffee bars, with a view over Lake Batur or the lava fields of Mount Batur. Drink a delicious latte or cup of hot coffee here while enjoying the fantastic view! We went to Akasa Specialty Coffee, but there are also a lot of other nice places.
TIP: Everywhere you see the famous coffee Kopi Luwak, also called civet coffee. This is a coffee consisting of partially digested coffee beans, which have been eaten and partially fermented by the Asian palm civet. Although certainly tasty, it is better not to support these animal-unfriendly practices.
Discover Lake Batur
Mount Batur is surrounded by a crater lake, located in the Batur caldera, formed more than 20,000 years ago. Take your time to enjoy this beautiful setting and the reflections on the lake. Have something to eat or a coffee while you watch the local fishermen at work.
You can also take a boat trip on the lake to visit some sights or go fishing. You can also drive around the lake with a scooter or a driver.
The lesser-known Pura Segara Ulun temple is definitely worth a visit. Normally it is surrounded by water, which gives a beautiful and soothing effect. Unfortunately, when we were there, the water was very low after two bad rainy seasons. The temple itself is still beautiful to see, but not as impressive as when it is surrounded by water.
Tasty restaurants near Mount Batur
Since most people come to this region for a day trip, you will not find as many restaurants here as, for example, in Canggu or Sanur. Still, there are some very nice places. Here are some of our favorites:
- Good Karma: small warung where you can eat delicious fish or chicken. Order the complete package and it will be served with fries, rice, vegetables, and crackers. They can also deliver if you want.
- Rejeng Bali: this small, local restaurant is located on the banks of the lake, just next to the hot springs. Be sure to taste the fish with local herbs here. You can also rent fishing rods and possibly take a boat trip on the lake.
- Paper Hills: This cafe is on the other side of the volcano. From here you have a beautiful view of the black lava fields from the last eruption. You can come here for their delicious coffee, pastries, and tasty dishes.
- AKASA Specialty Coffee: a somewhat wealthy place that can be quite busy. But the view is absolutely fantastic and you should try the Biscoff Latte with a fresh croissant.
Where to stay in Mount Batur (Kintamani)
There are several accommodation options near Mount Batur. Many of them are very pleasant, but several also get really bad reviews. Here are some of our favorites:
- Ayodya Batur Villa: a beautiful villa overlooking Mount Batur, with very comfortable beds and delicious food.
- N’Jung Bali Camp: stay in a tent in the middle of a beautiful green environment with a fantastic view over the lake and the surrounding mountains. A very affordable price for a wonderful experience.
- Toteme Glamping: if you want to stay at Lake Batur in style, this is the place to be. Friends of ours spent the night here and were very enthusiastic. The glamping tents, beautiful swimming pool, friendly staff, and fantastic views ensure that you will have a wonderful stay!
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