6 Best Ways to See Mount Batur
Hiking and other off-piste ways to see Bali's most iconic volcano
If you are traveling to Bali, no doubt Mount Batur volcano is on the top of your list of places to see. But there are so many ways to see and experience it - what's the best option for you? It will depend on your fitness level, tolerance for crowds and capacity for adventure! We've broken down the various options so that you can make the right choice :)
Update: In June 2023, the Balinese governor announced that the public, including local Balinese communities, may be banned from hiking any of Bali's mountains except in very specific circumstances. This was in response to tourist behaviour perceived to be disrespectful to the Balinese spiritual traditions on the mountains.
As yet, no ban has been put in place and both locals and travellers are still allowed to hike at Bali's mountains. It is expected that stricter protocols will be put in place to protect the mountains, but a ban on hiking is considered to be very unlikely.
Ready to book? Check out all our handpicked Mount Batur trekking & Jeep experiences here!
The Classic: Sunrise Trek to Batur's Summit
This sunrise hike is the most popular way to see Mount Batur. During peak season, up to 600 people hike this each day!
For the sunrise trek you'll normally need to leave your hotel around 3am to travel to the start point of the hike. The hike takes approximately 2 hours each way and is beginner friendly. At the top, you'll get to see epic panoramas of Mt Abang and Mt Agung.
Top tip: We would highly recommend going with a guide who takes a less crowded route up so that you can enjoy the climb in peace!
Batur Trek + Natural Hot Springs
If you're the type of person that likes to make the most of your day, you might like to pair your trek with a visit to the nearby hot springs.
Many of the Batur guides will offer an optional add-on to your sunrise hike to visit the hot springs. The hot springs are heated by Mount Batur's volcano, and is a great way to relax your muscles after the hikes (water gets close to 40°C). At the hot springs you'll also get to enjoy beautiful views of Mount Batur volcano and its surrounding lake!
Fair warning: it can get a bit busy at the hot springs, so if crowds are not your thing you may want to give it a miss.
Off the Beaten Path Batur
Looking for a true adventure? We would highly recommend this off-the-beaten-path Batur experience with one of the best guides in Bali.
This takes you to the rim of Mount Batur instead of the summit. This means the climb is easier (1 hour instead of 2), the views here are just as great (if not better), and it's way less crowded. Our favourite part of this trip is crossing Lake Batur by boat - a serene & magical experience!
Top tip: we would highly recommend adding on a visit to Trunyan village, which is the oldest village in Bali and was featured in the BBC for its unique culture practices.
Mt Batur Jeep Ride
Not into hiking? Skip the trek and jump right into a 4WD Jeep! First your driver will take you to a spot on the caldera for sunrise. Here you will be able to see Mt Agugn, Mt Abang and Mt Batur itself as well as Lake Batur. Afterwards you will head to an extensive black sand lava field for some amazing, otherworldly views (think Iceland but in the tropics)! None of the hike options offer it so this is a great opportunity to see something rather different!
Mt Batur ATV Adventure
Perhaps you are looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping? This ATV adventure skips the sunrise (don't have to wake up too early!) and takes you right to the black sand lava fields where you can explore or loop your best donuts to your hearts content. Along the way you will also get a glimpse of local country life as you pass by villages and farm fields, spotting locals tending to their tomato and onion fields.
See Mount Batur at Sunset (Good for Families!)
Most of the Mount Batur trips are at sunrise. But if you prefer not to wake up at 3am, or would prefer a less crowded trek, you can go at sunset instead!
For the sunset trek, you will start around 3-4PM and reach when the sun is setting over the nearby Mt Agung and Mt Abang volcanoes. Being able to start later is great for families with young kids, and is also a good choice during rainy season. During rainy season it tends to rain in the mornings, so you may not get a great view on a sunrise hike.
For this trek, you'll need to trek down after dark, but your guide will provide you with the right equipment to keep you safe!
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