For as long as tourists have been coming to Bali, it has been the sunsets that have been iconic. Today, though, sunrises are becoming more and more appreciated, and there is no better place to take in an Indonesian sunrise than the summit of Mount Batur. The best way to do that, is on the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek.
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Table of Contents
- Where is Mount Batur?
- The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
- The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Climb
- The Top of Mount Batur
- Frequently asked Questions
- Where to stay to climb Mount Batur
- Final Tips
Where is Mount Batur?
Mount Batur is located in Kintamani. It is about an hour north of Ubud, and about a 2 and a half hour drive from most of the southern tourist areas. For the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, however, you will be traveling in the very early hours of the morning, so the trip is usually a bit faster depending upon how busy it is.
The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
You don’t have to search very far to find a tour company that offers the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek. Each day a couple of hundred tourists will make the climb, each one of them accompanied by a guide. These guides climb the mountain every single day and know every single rock and blade of grass along the trail.
Your day will start at your hotel, generally just after midnight, depending on your pick up location. Your driver will start with the pickups from further afield. So if you are in Canggu or Nusa Dua, you can expect something like a 1am start! The Ubud pickups will be last, so those climbers get a bit more sleep.
The driver will take you up to Kintamani, and generally be dropping you at the starting point for the hike at about 3.30am. There are several different starting points, depending upon what company you have chosen to go with for the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek. Personally, I have done the climb from 3 different points, and it doesn’t matter. They all end up on the same trail, and arrive at the peak at the same time.
The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Climb
The climb starts of fairly easy in the carpark. You will follow the guide out of the village, and begin a moderate uphill walk. Eventually, the village gives way to a few crops and a couple of temples. Once you pass these, you will find yourself entering the forest at the base of the mountain, and the climb really begins.
Now, this is not a really hard climb if you are moderately fit. I have seen some people struggle, but really, if you exercise regularly, you should not have a problem. The guides are great though, and will only really go as fast as the slowest member of the group.
One note to make here. I wrote a whole article about this point HERE. Make certain to go with a good, reputable company. I have linked to one in this article. A good guide makes all the difference, and I know from personal experience. This is because I have have good and bad guides. At the end of the day though, the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek is about the amazing views and sunrise, and nothing can spoil it!
You will come across several checkpoints on the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek. The first will be a small warung in the forest. There will be some of the local Pecalang waiting here, checking that you have a guide and tickets. IF you don’t have a guide, you will find trouble getting past them. It IS possible, however, as having a guide is not a steadfast rule.
Personally, I think you should have a guide. I know that many can’t afford tour prices, but there are plenty of good guides that are looking for work and charge a lot less. Check on Instagram where you are sure to find some if you have problems.
A guide is great not only for your own safety, and to make sure you don’t get lost. But the money you pay will go toward the maintenance of the trail, and upkeep of facilities. Supporting the locals that run this amazing trek is what it is all about, after all.
Once you are past the first checkpoint, you continue through the forest. The trail will begin to climb steadily up hill, and traverse back and forth like a mountain road to make the incline easier. Along the way you will come upon several more spots to stop and rest, and take in the beautiful night time views across Danau Batur.
It should only take a couple of hours to reach the summit. You will know you are close, as the final stage involves a bit more climbing over rocks and the trail is a bit steeper. Not to worry, because what’s up ahead will make it all worth it!
The Top of Mount Batur
The summit, when it comes, is a welcome relief to most. Batur is not the tallest volcano on Bali, topping out at 1717m. It is dwarfed by the nearby peak of Mount Agung, however that mountain, when it isn’t erupting, is reserved for serious hikers only!
The sunrise from the top of Mount Batur is incredible. The early wake up for the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, and the climb, are definitely worth it. The golden rays of sunshine that arrive from behind Mount Rinjani on distant Lombok are a sight to behold, and as the time slowly passes the hues and colors of distant mountains and foliage around the crater of Batur change with it. The lake in the crater is like a mirror, calm and spectacular in it’s silence.
There is no hurry to get back down the mountain. Most will linger as long as possible, and most of the best tour groups will offer breakfast at the summit, which usually includes eggs freshly cooked in the steam of the volcano. If you are lucky, and you usually are, you will be able to enjoy the company of a troop of monkeys while you relax and eat breakfast. Although these little guys will steal anything that is not nailed down, so don’t let go of your backpack!
On my last climb, a tourist found her small bag snatched up by a troublesome monkey. As a result, her passport, money and credit cards all ended up in the crater of Mount Batur. Fortunately, she had a great guide, and he climbed down INTO the crater and retrieved nearly everything for her. It took over an hour though!
The trip back down the mountain is nowhere near as hard as the climb up. It takes nowhere near as long and before you know it you will be back in the forest at the base heading along the trail to the carpark. Take note though, that on the way down the rocks and scree underfoot are loose and slippery. Wear good shoes and take your time.
The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek might not be at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in Bali, but it certainly should at least be on it. It is worth every cent, and the experience, the view, and the self satisfaction that one gets to summit a volcano are priceless.
Frequently asked Questions
How long does the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek take?
Climbing Mount Batur generally takes just over 2 hours. By the time you start out it will be just shy of 4am, with the aim to be on the summit ready for the sunrise at 6am. This will usually be plenty of time for most people to get to the top with time to spare.
The entire day will take much longer though. Expect to start just after midnight, and to get home again around lunchtime. Some tours will include a stop on the way home too, so be ready for a potentially long day.
What to take when I climb Mount Batur?
Most of what you need will be provided if you book through a good tour company. They will provide you breakfast, water and torches.
That being said, it is always advisable to take along an extra bottle of water and some health bars or something to snack on during the hike. Remember, breakfast isn’t until you get to the summit, and you were picked up hours earlier than that!
Also, bring along a headlamp to make the going easier and free up your hands for the climb. Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential, and warm clothes for the chilly morning start.
How much does climbing Mount Batur cost?
The price is very reasonable actually. Most treks will only be about $60 to $80 range, depending on what you want included. Obviously the less you pay the smaller the amount of inclusions. Most companies will also include options to combine the climb with other activities such as a visit to the hot springs nearby, which is very welcome after a tough trek. Other options are white water rafting, Bali Swing or visiting nearby temples.
How fit do I have to be to climb Mount Batur?
Generally, nearly anyone can do the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek. The climb is by no means easy, but there is plenty of time and if you pace yourself, and no matter the level of your fitness, you will make it.
Do I have to do the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, or can I climb anytime?
The mountain is open all day. Most people will choose to do the Mount Batur sunrise trek due to the fact they get to experience the sunrise. Most companies, however, will offer treks at any time of the day. Keep in mind that the weather could get nasty later on in the day. This IS the mountains, after all. The temperature also really starts to ramp up mid morning, so keep that in mind.
Do I have to get a guide to climb Mount Batur?
Technically, no. But like anything it is a lot better to get one anyway. If you don’t, you will find access a lot more difficult and you will have to do a lot of bartering at the base in order to get past the local “rangers”.
Where to stay to climb Mount Batur
You can literally stay anywhere, as most tour companies will pick you up from your accommodation. The closest place to stay, ensuring more of a sleep in before your trek would be Ubud. You can’t go wrong in the cultural capital of Bali!
There are also a couple of good places to stay in the Kintamani area. This could be a good idea if you are planning on exploring more of the region.
Final Tips
Enjoy yourself! Be prepared, wear the right shoes, take your extra water and most of all, don’t forget your camera!!
Recommended Tour Company Operator – Getyourguide
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