Mount Batur is an active volcano located in central Bali, between two calderas within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the most popular things to do in Bali, Mount Batur sunrise hiking tours attract outdoor enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Are you ready to tick this exciting excursion off your Bali bucket list? Let’s get started! In this informative guide, we’ll answer every question that you may have about Mount Batur sunrise hiking tours so that you are fully prepared for the adventure of a lifetime!
By reading this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to get to Mount Batur from other parts of the island, how to find the ideal tour for you, where to book tours, what you should bring with you and so much more!
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Preparation for the Hike
Is hiking Mount Batur worth it?
While the rocky terrain and steep inclines make for a challenging hike, the views from the top of Mount Batur make it all 100% worth it. if you like hiking, you’ll find the trek up the volcano an enjoyable experience filled with fascinating scenery.
Depending on where you’re staying, pickup times may be as early as 2 AM so it’s important to get to bed early the night before. This early pickup time is what often puts people off, but look at it as an adventure and something different from your usual routine!
Once you’re admiring the breathtaking views of Lake Batur, lush rice fields, Mount Agung and Lombok Island in the distance, you’ll soon forget about the early morning wake-up and the tough trek up the volcano.
How much does a Mount Batur trekking tour cost?
No matter how much you’re looking to spend, there’s a Mount Batur hiking tour to suit your budget. There’s a diverse variety of types of tours to choose from, including group tours, private tours and combination tours.
Shared group experiences begin at just US$30 per person, including breakfast. If you’d also like to visit the nearby hot springs while you’re in the area, you can expect to pay around US$60 for this popular combination tour.
Private tours, which cater solely to you and your travel companions, typically cost anywhere between US$50 and US$150 per person for a customized experience, depending on the tour inclusions and the number of people in your group.
Most Mount Batur sunrise hiking tours are inclusive of hotel transfers, mineral water and breakfast/lunch. Tours are led by professional local guides who are there to lead the way, ensure your safety and answer any questions that you may have.
How to book a Mount Batur trekking tour?
With so many tour operators and travel websites selling Mount Batur sunrise hiking tours, it can often feel overwhelming to find an excursion that aligns with your budget, preferences and schedule.
So what is the solution? How do you go about booking the right Mount Batur trekking tour for you and your travel companions?
Here at TourScanner, our innovative platform makes it easy to compare offers, weigh up prices, read reviews and book your ideal tour with just a few clicks! We present you with a wide range of top-rated tours so that you can plan your Bali itinerary with ease.
Can you climb Mount Batur without a guide?
While it is possible to climb Mount Batur without a guide, we do not recommend it. Many accidents happen every year with tourists who attempt to hike the volcano on their own. You don’t want to be another one of these statistics.
By hiking without a guide, you run the risk of getting lost if you don’t follow the correct path and there is even the chance of you getting injured.
Having an experienced guide leading the way ensures your safety and that you’ll hike up the right trail. A guide will also help you avoid any dangerous areas, which may be caused by recent mudslides and unexpected gas.
Furthermore, a professional guide enhances your experience by taking care of your travel arrangements and providing interesting commentary about Balinese culture, wildlife and heritage along the way.
What should I wear?
If you plan to hike up Mount Batur, it is essential that you wear comfortable and breathable clothing. The most important item is undoubtedly your walking shoes, which should be worn-in and the right size if you want to avoid blisters and sore feet.
Early mornings can be chilly so you may want to wear long pants and a jacket to start with, but you can expect temperatures to rise as the day goes on. Wearing layers will make it easy for you to shed clothing items as you warm up during the hike.
While you don’t need to wear professional fitness gear, you should try to wear clothing that is flexible and that won’t chafe you. Keep in mind that you’ll be wearing this clothing for at least a few hours and you want to prioritize your comfort.
What should I bring?
As most Mount Batur sunrise tours include a dip in the nearby hot springs, you should pack your swimsuit and a towel. You may also want to bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and any other forms of sun protection that may be useful for your hike back down the volcano.
While breakfast and mineral water are typically provided by the tour operator, you may want to bring a few snacks to keep your energy levels up during the trek. A few snack ideas include fruit, energy bars and nuts.
As you’ll enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area, you should bring your camera to make use of the incredible photo opportunities on offer. Some tours are inclusive of professional photographs, but it’s always nice to have your own camera too.
If you’re visiting a temple on the way back to your hotel, you should bring the appropriate clothing along with you. When visiting a temple in Bali, you’ll typically need to cover your legs and shoulders.
Is the Mount Batur sunrise trek difficult?
While the hike up Mount Batur is often characterized by its rocky terrain and steep inclines, the trek is considered easy to moderate overall. Most fitness levels can complete the hike with ease, but it’s important to pace yourself and pay attention to where you are placing your feet.
If you are not used to hiking, you may find the hike quite challenging but just remember that the view from the top of the volcano makes it all worth it! You’ll definitely feel a sense of pride when you reach the summit.
Hiking in the dark can create an extra level of difficulty, so if you are doing a sunrise hike you should bring a torch along with you or ensure that the tour operator provides torches for its participants.
Can kids climb Mount Batur?
So long as your children are healthy and have a moderate level of physical fitness, they should not have a problem completing the climb up Mount Batur. However, most tour operators require children to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Certain tour operators may also require children to be at least 10 years old should they want to participate in a Mount Batur sunrise hike. If you want to hike the volcano with your kids, there are plenty of family-friendly excursions to choose from.
What is the best time to climb Mount Batur?
While the volcano can be hiked at any time of day, sunrise is the most popular choice thanks to the cooler temperatures and magnificent sunrise views that are characterized by puffy clouds and a painter’s palette of beautiful colors.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit Mount Batur, sunrise takes place between 6 AM and 6:30 AM. Enjoying sunrise from Mount Batur’s summit offers you incredible views of the surrounding area, which includes rice fields, Lake Batur and even Lombok Island.
You should avoid climbing the volcano on a rainy day as the clouds will obscure the sunrise and the visibility of nearby natural attractions. Bali’s dry season, which is the most popular period for Mount Batur hikes, takes place between April and October each year.
The Hike Up
How long does it take to reach Mount Batur?
Mount Batur is located in Bali’s Kintamani district, between two concentric calderas. The time it takes to reach Mount Batur depends on where you are staying in Bali. As most tour operators depart early in the morning, you should miss traffic which makes the trip shorter than usual.
From the Bukit Peninsula, including places like Jimbaran and Nusa Dua, it typically takes around 3 hours to reach Mount Batur.
If you are staying in the Kuta/Seminyak area, you can expect the 70-kilometer journey to take roughly 2.5 hours. From Canggu, the trip to Mount Batur should take just under 2.5 hours as it’s slightly closer than Kuta.
For those staying in Sanur, the trip should take approximately 2 hours, while the journey from Ubud to Mount Batur only lasts around 90 minutes.
Keep in mind that the trip from Mount Batur back to your hotel will take slightly longer than the trip there as you’ll encounter mid-morning/afternoon traffic.
How long does it take to climb Mount Batur?
Once you have arrived at the base of Mount Batur, it should take between 2 and 3 hours to reach its summit on foot. The exact timeframe of the trek will depend on your level of physical fitness, the conditions on the day and the fitness levels of others in your group.
It’s important to pace yourself and not start too quickly as you’ll be walking for between 1.5 and 2.5 kilometers, depending on your exact starting point. While the distance may not sound very challenging, keep in mind that you’ll be reaching an elevation of 1,717 meters.
The Sunrise at the Summit
What will I see?
Bali’s Kintamani district is known for its incredible natural beauty, which is best viewed from Mount Batur’s summit at sunrise. The sunrises from the volcano’s summit are said to be some of the most magnificent on the entire island!
From the summit, you’ll enjoy views of the lake below as well as the nearby Mount Agung, rice fields and small traditional villages. On clear days, you can see all the way to Lombok Island in the distance.
As you hike up the volcano, you’ll see black lava from the volcano’s previous eruptions and you’ll also get up close and personal with some of the region’s fauna and flora, which may include both monkeys and dogs.
The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so this should speak to its incredible geology and natural beauty. Remember not to litter and treat the area with the respect it deserves.
Is it possible to hike the caldera?
Yes, it is possible to hike along the edge of the caldera. Walking along the caldera’s edge makes for relatively easy hiking and it allows you to enjoy views of the surrounding area from a variety of different angles.
A caldera is a large depression in the earth that is created from a volcano that’s erupted. Hiking along a caldera is an interesting experience and makes for amazing photo opportunities.
Batur caldera hikes usually start from the Hulun Danu Batur Temple in Songan Village. It only takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to summit the caldera, making it a great alternative for those who feel like a Mount Batur hike is too challenging.
Descending and Exploring the Area
How long does it take to descend Mount Batur?
While it depends on individual fitness levels, most people descend Mount Batur within 2 hours. Descending is usually slightly easier than hiking up the volcano, although some people may find it more technical.
Your guide leads the way at a leisurely pace and there is no rush to make it down, so stop and take breaks when you need to.It is very important that you watch your step while descending Mount Batur as the steep incline can make it easy to stumble if you aren’t paying attention.
It will also be warmer during your descent than it would have been during your ascent, so make sure you’re prepared for the rise in temperature and drink enough water to keep you hydrated.
Are there other activities to experience after the hike?
Yes, there are several exciting combo tours available. Combo tours provide you with the opportunity to see more of central Bali and save you money while doing so. Since you’re already in the Mount Batur area, why not take the time to see some of the other natural attractions on offer?
- Mount Batur sunrise hike + hot springs
The unique geology of the Mount Batur area has resulted in numerous natural hot springs that offer warm, healing waters and lakeside views. Choosing a combo tour that includes a visit to the region’s famous hot springs is the best way to soak your muscles after a long hike.
Relax in the warm water as you admire stunning views of Lake Batur and the volcano before making your way back to your hotel. Mount Batur and hot springs excursions are one of the most popular combo tours available.
- Mount Batur sunrise hike + rafting
If you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, there is no better combo tour for you than one that includes a sunrise hike up Mount Batur as well as a white water rafting adventure on the Ayung River.
These full-day excursions are led by experienced guides who ensure that you see some of the most breathtaking natural beauty that Bali has to offer. From volcanos to flowing rivers and everything in between, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the island’s diverse landscapes.
Read more: White Water Rafting in Bali – All you Need to Know
- Mount Batur sunrise hike + rice terraces
Bali’s sprawling rice terraces are not only an essential part of the island’s agriculture, but their lush green fields also make a fantastic backdrop for photographs.
When you choose a Mount Batur sunrise hike and rice terraces tour, you’ll get to visit nearby rice fields after your trek up the volcano. You’ll get the opportunity to chat with local farmers and learn more about the rice-growing process as you stroll through the picturesque terraces.
- Mount Batur sunrise hike + Jeep tour
Mount Batur Jeep tours offer an exciting option for those interested in visiting the volcano. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in a classic open-air Jeep, which allows you to take in the island’s sights, sounds and smells as you make your way to the Kintamani district.
The 4×4 vehicle handles the rough terrain with ease and allows you to get to a higher altitude than a regular vehicle would. After an exciting offroad ride, you’ll hike the rest of the way to the summit of the volcano and enjoy magnificent sunrise views.
- Mount Batur sunrise hike + coffee plantation
The region surrounding Mount Batur is filled with coffee plantations, some of which specialize in the world-famous ‘luwak’ coffee. There is no better way to end your hiking excursion than with a visit to a local coffee plantation.
You’ll learn more about the coffee-making process and be treated to delicious tasting platter of coffee and tea.
- Mount Batur sunrise hike + waterfalls
Cool off after your hike up Mount Batur with a visit to one of the region’s many waterfalls. Get stunning photographs of you and your travel companions, with the waterfall serving as the backdrop before taking a dip in its cool, fresh water.
Some of the most common waterfalls that are visited include Gigit Waterfall, Aling-Aling Waterfall and Banyumala Waterfall.
Hot tip: Discover the ultimate adventure in our list of the 10 best Mount Batur Tours, which includes breathtaking sunrise trekking tours, delving into the allure of rice fields, and rejuvenating in natural hot springs.
Mount Batur hiking tips
- If you want to hike Mount Batur, it is best to do so with a professional tour guide leading the way. Attempting to trek the volcano without a guide can be very dangerous and there have been countless accidents over the years. It’s not worth the risk!
- Go to bed at a decent time the night before your hike as tour pickups usually take place early in the morning and you want to have good energy levels for your hike. You may want to set an alarm if you are a heavy sleeper.
- Check the weather ahead of time and try to choose a day when no rain is predicted if you want to enjoy optimal views from the volcano’s summit. April to October is the best time of year for the hike.
- Make sure that you wear comfortable walking shoes that fit you properly if you want to avoid sore feet and blisters. Wear layers so that you can easily remove clothing items as temperatures rise throughout the day.
- Read tour inclusions carefully so that you know what to expect. Each tour operator is slightly different and it is important to be as prepared as possible.
- If your tour includes a visit to the natural hot springs or one of the nearby waterfalls, make sure that you bring a bathing suit and a towel along with you.
- If you’re looking for a similar hike, you may be interested in booking a Mount Agung sunrise trek. You’ll enjoy a challenging hike and the opportunity to see incredible views at Mount Agung’s summit.