Mt. Batur (Gunung Batur)

To best appreciate the Mount Batur experience, sign up for an early-morning trek to the summit. Such excursions typically depart from Ubud at 2am or 3am and arrive at the base of the volcano while it’s still dark. Trekkers then make the 2-hour journey to the top of the volcano using headlamps and the light of the moon, an effort rewarded with amazing sunrise views of Mt. Agung and the surrounding mountains. Since Mt. Batur is an active volcano, you’ll likely also get to experience a very unique breakfast of eggs boiled on the lava-heated rocks. After you’ve made the trip, nearby Lake Batur offers hot springs perfect for relaxing tired muscles. It’s also possible to combine your Mt. Batur sunrise trek with whitewater rafting on the Ayung River or a coffee plantation tour.

• Climbing Mt. Batur volcano is a must for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

• Dress in layers; it’s chilly before sunrise but will warm up significantly once the sun comes up.

• Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for the trek down.

While it’s possible to climb Mt. Batur without a tour guide, it’s much more convenient (and safe) to visit as part of a guided tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ubud, as well as breakfast at the top. The starting point for the hike is usually the village of Toya Bungkah, about an hour by bus from Ubud.

Since Mt. Batur remains one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, it’s important to inquire about current activity before making the trek. For the best chance of clear skies and dry weather, plan to visit between April and October. July and August tend to be busiest on the trails.

It takes about two hours to make the ascent to the top of Mt. Batur, and the hike is almost entirely uphill over jagged volcanic rocks. It’s a moderately difficult hike suitable for those with at least an average fitness level.

The most popular Mt. Batur tour is the sunrise hike to the crater rim. The hike takes 1.5–2.5 hours each way depending on your pace, with a further 20–30 minutes if you continue to the summit. Most tours spend 4-6 hours on the mountain, including a stop for breakfast.

Yes, you need a tour guide for Mt. Batur. Even though it’s hard to lose your way, you still need to hike with a registered guide. Guides typically provide headlamps, help you climb safely, cook breakfast in volcanic steam, and ensure everyone treats the sacred mountain respectfully.

There’s a 100,000 rupiah (US$6) entrance fee for Mt. Batur plus a smaller charge to enter Kintamani. Mt. Batur trekking packages cost around US$30 and generally include a guide, headlamps, breakfast, and round-trip transfers. Some also add stops at a hot spring, coffee plantation, or a waterfall.

Yes, the Mt. Batur sunrise trek is worth it, but it is generally more crowded than sunset or daytime hikes. The Mt. Batur sunrise climb offers spectacular views across Bali to Lombok on a clear day, but it does mean getting up in the middle of the night—most travelers start the hike around 3am.

Yes, it can be cold on Mt. Batur. During the sunrise hike, Mt. Batur can be surprisingly chilly, with temperatures as low as 41°F (5°C) on the crater rim. Plus, there’s sometimes wind and rain. Temperatures warm up rapidly as the day progresses though, so wear layers that are easy to remove.

There are many ways to do Mt. Batur, including camping tours, Jeep tours, helicopter tours, and downhill cycling tours from the lower slopes. But hiking is still the best way to scale this volcano: Sunrise is crowded but generally offers the best views, while sunset is a much less hectic alternative.