Mount Batur - Kintamani Volcano: Day Trips and Tours from Bali

Transition your body from beach-lazy mode to an adventurous mindset and hike Mount Batur. Most excursions from Bali to Mount Batur will include a hotel pickup at 1 or 2 in the morning!

It may seem like an ungodly hour, but once intrepid-minded trekkers reach the summit of the active volcano, while the sun lights the sky with cotton candy hues, all woes about waking up early will fade.

The rocky terrain paired with a steep incline may challenge some hikers, but the golden light sprinkling over the faint-dark sky will undoubtedly empower climbers to reach the top before the sun emerges.

However, there’s more to the volcano and the surrounding region than a stunning sunrise view atop a summit.

Here's all you need to know about Mount Batur, one of the most famous destinations for day trips in Bali.

What will you see during your Mount Batur day trip?

From mesmerizing sunrise views to comforting hot springs to a sparkling lakeside nestled between lofty tree-covered hills, Mount Batur is on the best day trips in Bali, and makes for the perfect escapade for lovers of nature and admirers of the uncanny beauty spanning Bali’s backyard.

What can you see in Mount Batur? Let’s take a look:

• Stunning sunset views atop the summit of Mount Batur
• A stark blue lake surrounded by beautiful hills
• A refreshing, natural hot spring
• Black lava sand blanketing some areas
• One of the most ancient temples in Bali: Hulundanu Temple in Songan
• A traditional-looking restaurant floating on Lake Batur
• The hidden gem tucked inside Batur’s nature-scape: Kanto waterfall
• A charming coffee plantation

Four villages surround the caldera—the bowl-like top of the volcano—Kedisan, Trunyan, Songan and Toya Bungkah. However, numerous other villages span across the area. Both tourism and agriculture help the surrounding villages make a living!

Some tourists may opt to visit Kintamani, a large village nearby, which offers remarkable views of Mount Batur. What can you see you in Kintamani and the areas surrounding the village?

• Vast rice terraces
• Monkeys thriving in their natural habitat at Sacred Monkey Forest
• Traditional crafts from a collection of villages
• Views of Mount Batur

What can you do around Mount Batur?

Tourists visiting Mount Batur more often than not go to the active volcano for an early-morning trek. However, not only will the sunrise views help to eliminate all sense of exhaustion after a steep hike, but the other views and activities will also instill a calm state of mind.

Some day excursions include a visit to a secret waterfall on your way down from the summit. Listen to the whispers of nature while you take a refreshing dip in Kanto waterfall! While some jaunts to Mount Batur may take you to natural hot springs, where you can also swim and bask in the peace that often accompanies nature.

Some travelers may opt for a scenic but less-active tour and travel to and around the village, Kintamani. These tours involve a pleasant mixture of relaxed walks amidst local villages, rice fields, monkeys, and coffee plantations! Open your eyes to the authentic cultures coloring local villages on a day excursion to central Bali.

How much does an excursion to Mount Batur from Bali cost?

It depends on which tour you decide to take! Most jaunts to the summit of Mount Batur cost between USD 50 (EUR 45) to USD 70 (EUR 63). While excursions from Bali to Kintamani (and surrounding attractions) can cost anywhere between USD 60 (EUR 54) and USD 90 (EUR 81).

Most jaunts—to either destination—include hotel pick-up and drop-off, insurance, entrance fees, a private guide, and breakfast! While some tours also include bottled water and tea or coffee. Some tours don’t cover entrance fees. For example, if your tour takes you to a temple or the monkey forest, you may have to pay to enter.

How to get to Mount Batur?

Luckily, most tours include picking you up from these areas in Bali: Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Uluwatu, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. If you aren’t within these areas, your driver will likely drop you off at a designated drop-off zone.

Almost all excursions to the active volcano will take you to and from your destination via a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

How long does it take to get to Mount Batur?

It depends on your hotel location! The drive from Ubud may take around 1.5 hours, while it may take 2 hours to travel from Canggu and Seminyak to Mount Batur. The drive back may take longer than the early-morning ride due to increased traffic.

When is the best time to climb Mount Batur?

You can enjoy the splendid views blanketing Mount Batur at any time of the year; the sun always lights the sky between 6 to 6:30 every morning, whether you visit in July or December. However, most travelers enjoy visiting the area between May and July. Try to make sure that you climb the volcano when it’s not raining—a downpour will mask the sunrise. It’s most likely to rain between December and March!

Travel Tips

• Don’t attempt this hike without a guide! Mudslides and unexpectant gas and rocks coming out through vents injure—and sometimes kill—tourists every year, but a guide will help you avoid dangerous areas. You can also support local business by investing in a guide, and you’ll likely make it to the top faster!
• If you’re embarking on a Mount Batur trekking tour, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit! Most excursions include a refreshing dip in either the natural hot springs or the pool below the secret waterfall.
• Most day trips include breakfast, but not snacks or lunch. If you believe that breakfast won’t be enough after a morning trek, bring your own food. The area has some restaurants, but your tour may not include a lunch stop.
• Most fitness-levels can complete the trek to the summit of Mount Batur, but the path is quite technical. You’ll have to pay attention to where you’re walking! Going down the volcano can also be difficult—don’t expect an easy, leisurely hike.
• Since the hike begins super early in the morning, you won’t be able to see your surroundings, so bring a flashlight or ensure that your tour guide provides torches.
• If you’re visiting a temple, remember to bring appropriate clothing!