This active volcano is the second most sacred mountain in Balinese Hinduism. The mountain's beauty and uniqueness earned it a place on UNESCO's Global Geopark register in 2012 and draws thousands of tourists each year to catch a glimpse up close.
Dedicated hikers climb the 1,700-meter-high peak for sunrise. The reward for an early morning vigil is twinkling rainbow hues shining on the distant sea that wraps Bali in a warm glow. The climb to the summit takes 1.5 hours from the mountain base and is relatively easy for most ages. Less-energetic travelers can jump on the back of a scooter for a for a guided zip up the mountain or peer inside the volcano’s vent from a helicopter tour.
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Hours
24 hours7 days
Look Around
Approaching Mount Batur
Field surrounded by volcanic rock from last eruption
Crater at peak of volcano
Balinese Hindu temple - Pura Pasar Agung
Vents on southern slope of volcano
Remnants of lava flow from last eruption
Village on western slope of mountain
Local farms using the rich volcanic soil
Southern end of Lake BaturWho Will Like Mount Batur
Nature Lover
Wander along a low ridge near the mountain’s base to admire the rocky terrain and mirror-like Lake Batur beside the mountain.
Outdoor Trailblazer
Take the “hard” trail to reach the mountain peak in time for sunrise. If you’re eager, add another 1-2 hour hike around the crater’s rim.
Bucketlist Bandit
Take the “easy” trail up the mountain for a sky-high selfie on Bali’s most accessible volcano.
Photography Whiz
Start early in the morning to climb the mountain and set up your tripod in time for one of the most mesmerizing sunrises you’ll ever see.
Insider Tips For Mount Batur
- The best time to climb is during dry season, April to September. It's not unusual for 200 or more climbers to ascent every morning during peak season, so don't be surprised if it's busy.
- Tourists should not climb without a local guide present out of respect for the mountain's religious significance. Guides can be booked for official tours or found at the mountain base or via Klook, Viator or GetYourGuide. Typically the ratio for guides to tourists is 1:3.
- Arrive at the base on the southern slope of Mount Batur between 3.30am and 4am to reach the peak for sunrise. Expect to start in the dark with only flashlights to guide the way.
- Be prepared for some difficult moments during the otherwise easy climb. Know your fitness levels, wear appropriate clothing, and bring trekking poles if required.
- Halfway up the mountain, the trail divides in two - an "easy" and a "hard" trail to the top. Locals appear at various stages along the trail offering drinks and snacks and cheeky monkeys may accompany you part of the way.
- Turn your visit into a day-tour by also visiting the nearby Lake Batur, hot springs, and waterfalls.
- The best view is from a helicopter. Tours are available on Voyagin or GetYourGuide.
Video
How To Get There
Motorbike
Ample free motorbike parking in large carpark at the base of the mountain.
Car
Self-driving is not recommended on the narrow and winding roads to the mountain. Hire a private driver to wait by the car while you climb.
Free
Rideshare
1-way taxi and rideshare is not recommended as return journeys from the remote location are difficult to find. Rent a driver for 4-6 hours through rideshare app Grab and the driver will wait while you climb.
What To Bring
- Camera and photography gear like lens filters for the best sunrise shots.
- Comfortable walking shoes and clothing including extra layers as the peak gets cold early in the morning.
- Large water bottle. Make sure you have plenty of drinking water.
- Snack or energy bar to save money on the food stalls.
- Flashlight or headlamp if starting the hike before sunrise.
- Trekking poles if you have an injury or low fitness level.
- Unnecessary belongings that add extra weight to your climb.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Yes
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Sunrise
Tips: Use a neutral density filter to more evenly distribute the lighting during sunrise and avoid over exposing the shot. Try to keep equipment to a minimum to make your climb easier. Be aware that weather conditions may not always be favorable for photography. If clouds block the view once you reach the peak, try waiting for a little while to see if they pass.
Drones
Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
A few food vendors can be found at the base of the mountain selling drinks and snacks like fried banana and fresh fruit and vegetables. Other drink and snack vendors are positioned along the hiking trail and at the summit.
Dozens of restaurants serving Indonesian and international meals are located near the southern entrance to Mount Batur, along Penelokan Main Road. Several have outdoor terraces with scenic views of the mountain and lake.
Backstory
Mount Batur is part of a chain of mountains in the Kintamani highlands that includes Bali’s highest peak, Mount Agung. Mount Batur can be identified by its collapsed cone called a "caldera" - the result of two massive eruptions around 23,000 BC and 10,500 BC - that left behind Mount Batur and its two sister mountains, and created Bali’s largest lake, Lake Batur.
The first documented eruption of Mount Batur was in 1804 and the latest eruption was in 2000. Volcanologists say the strength of the eruptions are mild-to-moderate and sometimes accompanied by lava emission. The caldera hosts 15 villages, whose inhabitants rely on agriculture and tourism.
Etiquette
- Hire a local guide out of respect to the mountain’s religious significance.
- Walk carefully as the trail is narrow and rocky and can be slippery.
- Be respectful of local’s belief the mountain is sacred.
- Secure your belongings to prevent curious monkey snatches.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Hike up the mountain in bad weather conditions.
- Shout or make loud noises.
- Wander off the trail especially around the rim.
Scorecard
- Undisturbed nature and peaceful atmosphere.
- Easy access to an active volcano.
- Colorful sunrise. A fitting reward for an early morning climb.
- Lack of signage in area.
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