If there is one epic thing to do in Bali, it must be the hike to Mount Batur for the sunrise. It’s something that is still on my mind from the last years living in Bali. There is just something so exhilarating about hiking through the night, with stars above you and slowly seeing the world (and the volcanos in the distance) awake.
(Updated November 2024)
Mount Batur Volcano Sunrise Hike – Info
This post gives you an overview of what to expect, why you should do it and what you should consider bringing! You can also find notes on my camera settings to see how I captured the scenery.
Mount Batur is an active volcano, located in the north of Bali. The sunrise hike up to Mount Batur is the most popular hike in Bali. In case you wonder, yes – hiking up the volcano is safe. In the past, there were over 200 people hiking it each day, so it pays off to go early!
The level of difficulty is easy to moderate. You can ask the guide to either take you up the easy or the difficult route. In total, you will cover 1,717 metres and roughly 10.000 steps (up and down). Depending on your level of fitness the ascent takes you between 1h 30 min to 2 hours.
Tips on an example itinerary
To have the most relaxing experience and see more of Bali, try to plan a short stay in Ubud. A trip of 3 days and 2 nights would be sufficient to make the most out of the hike and see wonderful places near Ubud.
BOOK YOUR PRE MOUNT BATUR HIKE HOTEL IN UBUD
- First day: Drive to Ubud & visit a waterfall
- Second day: Go to a yoga class at the Yoga Barn, eat healthy foods & explore a temple + start the hike at 2.30 am
- Third day: Hike the volcano at 4 am, have a stop at one of Kintamani’s cafés & return to West Coast in the afternoon
Why You Should Do The Mount Batur Sunrise Hike:
- You will have the most epic views
- It’s one of the few active volcanoes you can safely hike
- Seeing a sunrise from the top of a volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
- It’s a great workout
- If you are unsure whether you can do it – see it as a challenge that you can overcome! Stretching yourself is always worth the effort!
- The pictures will be fantastic!
- It’s one of the easier hikes that allow you such a view!
What’s the Hike to Mount Batur Volcano like?
The trip usually starts at 2.30 am from Ubud (or 1.30 am from Canggu/Seminyak/Kuta). For the ultimate adventure day, book this jam-packed Mt Batur Sunrise Hike & Culture Tour. Most tour companies and drivers pick you up from wherever you stay but for the sake of another hour of sleep, plan on staying in Ubud overnight.
From there you will drive roughly one hour to the foot of the Batur volcano. This is where you will meet your guide at around 4 am.
It was pitch-black, and you could only make out that we parked at a dirt patch just off the road. Temperatures hover at around 14 degrees, that’s why you need to make sure to dress for the cold!
We picked a clear night, the moon shining bright. Hiking under the starry sky made the ascent so much more beautiful!
Night photography settings: ISO 26.600, 24 mm, f/2.8, 1.6 sec
The path up firstly leads through a thick forest, covering you from the wind and the cold. The ascent includes regular stops at little huts. This is also where you can find simple toilets and shops to fuel up with snacks and refreshments on the way down.
The terrain became more open and you could spot Lake Batur in the distance. The view opened up to see Mount Agung in the far distance.
The last part of the hike was the trickiest. The dirt path became rockier and harder to ascent. However, if you are working out regularly the hike will be easily doable for you!
What awaits you at the top of Mount Batur Volcano
We reached the top at around 5.45 am. We picked a spot close to the edge with a perfect view of the sunrise and Mount Agung. Wet from sweating, we rented a blanket from one of the women (50K IDR 2,50$). One of the best decisions you will make in your life!
Our guide brought us hot drinks from a shop nearby, either tea or coffee. This was the game-changer! Sitting up there, waiting for the sunrise was the most beautiful but also the coldest part of the journey. The winds were brutal, my fingers tingling from the cold and I wish I had proper hiking clothes.
The visibility was just perfect and contributed to the experience. In the distance, you can spot Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, located in Lombok
By the minute we could see the scenery changing, how some clouds appeared in the valley but passed by. Mist arose over the surrounding villages and the ocean started shimmering in the distance
Once it hit 7 am it finally began to warm up, hence the layered look is so effective! Meanwhile, a bunch of monkeys came to say hello or better, came to steal some of our cookies. They aren’t shy at all, therefore make sure to keep your valuables on you and hide any food!
I suggest you go for a little wander around the ridge in order to see the surrounding villages and a different angle of the volcano!
The tours often include a hot drink (tea or coffee), breakfast (instant noodles w/ egg), entrance fee and transportation.
Tips for a great Hike to Mount Batur Volcano Bali:
- Arrive in Ubud the day before, as it shortens the pick-up time to 2.30 am (instead of 1.30 from West Bali)
- Pack warm clothes (a windbreaker would be your best bet!)
- Snacks (nut mix, granola bars or bliss balls are perfect!)
- Don’t forget to drink enough water!
- Wear sneakers (they will do just fine)
- Check the weather apps for a clear night AND a clear morning
- Take your rubbish with you and decline the plastic water bottle they offer you
Have you read my other articles on what to do in Bali?
One of the best trips for divers to take from Bali : Budget Scuba Diving in Komodo – What You Need To Know
My favorite beaches to visit in Uluwatu: Bali Uluwatu – Whats The Best Beach To Visit
The top things to photograph in Amed: Amed Bali – 3 Day Photography Trip
When in Bali you should also visit its neighboring island Sumba: Sumba, The 20 Most Amazing Places to See
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