The Mount Batur sunrise hike in Bali, Indonesia is a rewarding and magical way to start the day. Plus, sunrises in Bali don’t get better than this. In this blog post you will get all the details you need and my experience before deciding whether this will be added to your itinerary during your Bali trip.
Mount Batur.
Mount Batur, an active volcano is one of the sacred mountains, standing at 1717 above sea levels and offers breathtaking views of Lake Batur. It is located in Batur village in the Kintamani region. If you opt for the sunrise trek (which is a popular option), you have to get up at the ungodly hour of 2 am to get picked up, and then you start the trek around 4 am. It should take about 2 hours to go up and 2 hours to get down. You may not be the happiest waking up that early, but it's worthwhile once you accomplish the trek. I think this was the most productive day I had on my Bali trip because a few hours later we went to visit Tegenungan Waterfall. If you want to read more on my adventures in Ubud (click here). If you have ever been to Tegenungan Waterfall, then you know theres a flight of steep stairs you need to go down and up when seeing the waterfalls. Let's just say my legs were feeling like jello by the end of the day.
This activity wasn't high on my list of priorities when I was coming to Bali to be honest. My friend is the one who added this to our itinerary since she's a California girl who loves to hike. As a New Yorker, I'm not much of a hiking kind of girl so I was pretty worried about this activity. I've done a volcano hike in Greece a year before (click here) but this trek seemed more strenuous. Don't get me wrong I can walk for miles with no problem and I also made sure to workout on the stair-master before the trip to work on my incline fitness but I was still a bit worried. Not even close to the half-way mark I wanted to quit so many times. If it wasn't for the group of girls I was with, I would have stayed behind. They encouraged me to keep going and didn't mind stopping for multiple breaks with me.
As we got to the half way mark, we had the chance to catch our breath and were able to see the sun trying to make it's appearance. Our guide wanted us see the sunrise from the top so our break was over and thought of continuing up the volcano was making me anxious. I wasn't the only one struggling, another girl in our group was having a hard time breathing because of the altitude. Thank god for our tour guide, I honestly don't think I could've made it to the top without him. He literally was holding my hand up the volcano so I could make it to the top in time. I can proudly say I MADE IT to the top, second volcano hike checked off! Watching the sunrise was breathtaking and was worth all the complaining, sweat and tears. I highly recommend doing this even if you're not much of a hiker, getting out of your comfort zone is the best thing to do while traveling! When in your life can you say, you trekked up a volcano and saw a sunrise in Bali? Just do it and thank me later :)
Tips for climbing Mount Batur.
Dress in layers- The temperatures can change quite drastically from the base of the volcano to the summit. While you may be okay in shorts and a t-shirt when you first start the climb, you’ll find that it’s very windy once you reach the top and have to wait for the sun to come up. Bring a hoodie or a windbreaker just in case, you don't want to be regret it later.
Wear the right shoes- I hiked in running shoes and I was fine, but if you have a pair of hiking boots, that might be a better option. You’ll be climbing over sharp volcanic rock and there will also be sections with loose gravel to watch out for. You want to wear a shoe that has a good grip.
Bring water- The climb is quite steep so you’ll get tired a lot quicker than you’d think. Pack a drink so that you can stay hydrated. Some tours provide water for you before and after your hike.
Consider your fitness level- 1,717 meters may not sound like a lot, but keep in mind that the incline is steep! I met a few people along the trail that were just hating the experience (I was one of them) so think about whether or not you have what it takes to reach the top and then come back down. It should be a total of 3.5-4 hours of hiking (up and down) if you’re able to keep a steady pace.
Bring Snacks- Pack some snacks with you because you will need fuel for your body. I know for myself I need something in my system before doing an strenuous activity. Good thing I did pack a few extra snacks because a girl in our group has diabetes and her insulin was low during the trek and she needed the snacks more than I did. There is also small wooden shack at the sunrise point on the volcano where you can order a little breakfast. The menu includes hot drinks and things like toast, boiled eggs, and ramen noodles. It’s a simple fare, but you’ll probably be hungry after the 2 hour climb. Most items cost anywhere between 20,000 to 25,000 rupiah (around $2 USD).
Tours Packages- The sunrise climb up to Mount Batur can easily be arranged once you’re on the island or you can book online before your trip. There are many companies that offer sunrise and sunset tours for this volcano, so it's up to you which one you choose. My friend booked our tour through this company (click here) and this packaged includes transportation to and from your hotel, an experienced guide, water, flashlights, and breakfast.
Beware of Wild Monkeys- At the top of summit, there are wild monkeys roaming everywhere! I would be careful with your belongings and also refrain from feeding them. I witnessed a couple people who got bitten by them.
Be mindful of nature’s ways; Mount Batur is still an active volcano- The last serious eruption was in 1968 when the lava field tragically covered an entire village. The volcano was active again from 1997 to 2000, and in 2000 it shot 300 meters of ash above the crater. The hiking trail was also temporarily closed down in 2009 after some activity was detected. Keep informed before you decide on the hike.
Comment below,
Where was your hardest hike/trek you have ever done?
Until the next post!
-WanderlustBeautyDreams ♡
That sunrise on Mount Batur was mesmerizing. Wish I could get up early and do a hike like this.
ReplyDeleteYes it was, I highly recommend doing it someday :)
DeleteI am not a morning person at all, but for this view and sunrise I would drag my body out of bed at 2am. What a wonderful experience in a beautiful location. Glad you did it and got those pictures and memories.
ReplyDeleteIt was a struggle but well worth it haha!
DeleteI haven't tried hiking adventure, but I love catching the sunrise in the beach :D
ReplyDeleteYou capture this beautiful moment and I admire your dedication.
Thank you so much, your words mean a lot!
DeleteI visited Mt. Batur last year and it was really nice. A bit too crowded for my taste but the view was absolutely worth it.
ReplyDeleteI've heard it's been getting more and more crowded over the years but the views were so worth it!
DeleteI struggle to wake up early (even when I travel) but this sunrise may be an exception! The tip about monkeys made me laugh, but I know it's a serious thing!
ReplyDeleteBali monkeys are not the friendliest haha
DeleteI'm not an outdoor person - bu that Bali sunrise would be enough to motivate me to go outdoors.
ReplyDeleteNeither was I haha, I'm glad I tried something new and made it to the top!
DeleteAh my hiking loving soul is fluttering - what an epic adventure! :) Thanks for sharing. Totally adding it to my list!
ReplyDeleteYou will love it!
DeleteWow, this place is amazingly beautiful. I am not a morning person but will definitely wake up just to see this beautiful view and sunrise.
ReplyDeleteIt was so spectacular, highly recommend it!
DeleteWe love hiking so much! We go every fall. Cant wait for this year!
ReplyDeleteThat's so amazing, enjoy your time!
DeleteThis is such a beautiful hike, Stephanie! The colors and the views opening from that mountain are spectacular and mind-blowing.
ReplyDeleteIt was honestly worth waking up at 2am to get to see views like this!
DeleteThere is nothing more uplifting to the soul than witnessing the glorious beauty of a sunrise and you have captured the essence of it. Now I want to visit Mt Batur too!
ReplyDeleteYou will have to, Mt Batur is a must for sure!
DeleteSuch a great video and beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteWow what a beautiful view. I enjoyed watching the video.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteWhat an amazing hike! That is definitely a rewarding sunrise. Indonesia would be an awesome destination to explore.
ReplyDeleteIndonesia is a great destination, so much to see and explore!
DeleteAmazing photos! I can't wait until we can travel again.
ReplyDeleteThank you and same here!
DeleteThose colors... What a memorable trip that must have been!
ReplyDeleteThe sunrise was so magical that day!
DeleteSuch a beauty. We have a trip a trip internationally scheduled this year but husband cancelled it because of the pressing situation we are all in.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you can reschedule your trip when all this is over.
DeleteI have never been to Bali, but would love to visit soon.
ReplyDeleteYou have to visit someday, Bali is such a beautiful destination!
DeleteStunning view. This is where people say nothing worth having comes easy. I'm sure the trek wasn't that easy but this view made it worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteThe view was so worth it, highly recommend it!
DeleteThe place looks so great. Such great captures I must say that and your description is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much :)
DeleteThis looks like an amazing place to visit ! I am adding this to my list!
ReplyDeleteYou will love the views here!
DeleteSuch gorgeous photos! Looks like a fantastic hike.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! The views were just so stunning, I couldn't resist snapping away a few phtoos.
DeleteGREAT ARTICL
ReplyDeleteHey i too love trekking 🤩
ReplyDeleteYou should try this one some day!
DeleteThis place looks so amazing! I would love to go to Bali so badly right now!!
ReplyDeleteBali is just so stunning! I want to go back ASAP.
DeleteThis is such an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing this! I went there some years ago and I also love the view
ReplyDeleteThe view was amazing! Did you struggle to get to the top?
DeleteThis looks like such a spectacular experience - even if it did make your legs feel like jello! I'm sure it was 110% worth it! I was laughing so hard reading what to expect because I *DIDN'T* expect you to say there were wild monkeys haha! That's so interesting!
ReplyDeletehaha there was wild monkeys all over Ubud. There's actually a monkey forest you can visit and you'll see them everywhere!
DeleteOnce everything passes that's happening in the world right now I'll be ready to get back out there! I've heard lots about Bali and seeing those views at sunrise would be amazing!
ReplyDeleteBali is an amazing destination to visit! There's so much to and do. The sunrise and sunsets are just stunning!
DeleteI loved reading this piece! It was a great distraction to live vicariously through you while reading this. I hope to one day travel to Bali and other parts of the world.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed this post! Hoping this pandemic ends soon, stay safe.
DeleteStunning view. This place has a amazing view.
ReplyDeleteThe views for sure were stunning!
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