Mt Batur Volcano Trek
When I travelled to Bali we really wanted to climb the active Kintamani volcano, Mt Batur. However we couldn’t justify waking up super early to watch the sunset as we knew this would mess up our sleep pattern for the rest of the trip. So we did something unconventional. We climbed it for sunset.
Contents
Getting to Mt Batur
3 Options
- Gojek
- Taxi
- Personal Driver
You can take a Gojek/Taxi/Personal Driver to the guide house. From the guide, house another driver will then take you through Kintamani and to the halfway point on the volcano where you’ll meet the guide who will trek with you up the mountain.
I recommend using a driver if you’re not staying near Kintamani. My personal recommendation is Bali The Best I Nyonman Edi Suryawan.
He’s a very friendly driver and will talk to you all day about Bali and it’s history. We mentioned we wanted to see more local places and he made sure that on his trips he drove us through local towns and markets rather than past the big tourist spots!
For a more indepth guide to getting around in Bali checkout this guide: https://worldadventuredivers.com/how-to-get-around-bali
If you were doing a sunrise trek you would need to walk from the guide house to the summit. While the shorter walk up Mt Batur made me think I was cheating, once I started walking I was glad that we’d only started halfway. I love bushwalking but this was a much harder walk than I’d expected. From the humid air to the slippery rocks underfoot we had to take very frequent breaks up to the first checkpoint on the mountain.
Hike Overview
Your guide will be the one who shows you the way up the volcano. While you could technically do it without a guide I wouldn’t recommend that as the guide will take you on the safest route up Mt Batur. They also offer to take photos of you in key locations!
The walk takes around 2 hours not including the time we spent at the rest stops and at the summit. We started the walk at 3:30pm and made it back down at 7:30pm. So we spent 4 hours on Mt Batur.
Check out my Strava walk here: https://strava.app.link/Jnfe5ugxENb
There’s a main rest stop halfway up the mountain but you’ll definitely be making impromptu stops as you scale the steep volcano. Beware there are no bathrooms on the volcano and because it is considered sacred check with your guide if the bushes you’ve chosen are ok to pee in!
There’s also signs in english at the first rest stop which gives you a bit of history and geological information amount Mt Batur if that’s something you’re interested in! (When I was a child it took us hours to get through museums or Blue Mountain walks because I was determined to read every sign)
At the top of the volcano there are hundreds of benches to sit and observe the view.
They’ll bring bananas, bread, and eggs. They’ll cook the bananas and eggs in the hot steam at the top of the mountain to make banana sandwiches and boiled eggs for you to eat after the long hike.
The Best Time To Climb Mt Batur
So you don’t like crowds or early mornings? Then climbing Mt Batur at sunset is perfect for you. You still get to have the beautiful daytime view of the lake as you’re walking up the mountain but once you get to the top you get to experience the sunset almost alone! When we were there only 2 other small groups of 2-6 people were there too.
We were able to take photos anywhere we wanted without having to think about who was around us.
The best time to start trekking Mt Batur would depend on the time the sun sets. We started early with the sun only setting at 6:20pm. So be sure to check when the sunsets and start climbing 1.5 hours before to ensure plenty of time.
However, don’t make the same mistakes we did ⤵️
What To Bring On The Trek
1. Flashlights! 🔦
We didn’t bring torches on our Mt Batur journey and we’re climbing down the mountain with only 2 terrible phone torches between 4 people! The rocks on the mountain are very loose so climbing down in the darkness meant we were sliding around with barely any view. Needless to say we all left the mountain with some scrapes and bruises. Except for our guide! Their expert knowledge of the route and footing meant they were the only one who got out unscathed.
While we were told the guide would bring torches I’ve found out that’s not always the case so make sure to pack your own!
2. A light jumper 🧥
Once the sun sets and the wind picks up around the mountain it starts to get a little chilly.
I’d brought a rain jacket with me in case of bad weather (I have friends who have descended the volcano in pouring rain) and this was enough to make sure I wasn’t too cold as we descended.
3. Water 🔫
While the guide house will give you a small bottle of water I recommend packing extra. This is a hard walk in a humid environment. Make sure to stay hydrated so you don’t wake up the next day dehydrated and unwell
4. Snacks 🥨
You can’t go on an adventure without snacks.
We stopped up on muesli bars and protein balls from the Bintang supermarket before leaving for the hike. They were definitely necessary as our next full meal after lunch wasn’t until we got back to Seminyak at 11pm.
Our guide definitely appreciated them as well as they joined in on our snack feast!
5. Good walking shoes 👟
Grippy shoes are essential as the rocks on the path are very loose.
Make sure you’re crab walking on the way down for maximum stability!
Conclusion
In conclusion, sunset is the best time to hike Mt. Batur. There are no crowds and beautiful views of the surrounding area from any of the viewpoints you desire. Watch the sun set over the mountains in the distance while eating your eggs and banana sandwiches cooked in the steam from the active volcano!
