The Iconic Mount Batur: All You Need to Know
It is often said Bali is a paradise. And very rightly so.
Bali has something for every kind of traveller, from pristine beaches to rolling hills to active and dead volcanoes.
And the jewel in the crown is the splendid Mount Batur, the most active volcano that last erupted in 2000.
Standing 1717 metres above sea level, Mount Batur is a treat to the eye and the soul.
You can see some of the best sunrises from here, and in the monsoon, the top seems to be floating in a sea of clouds.
It is also one of the most important geological formations in the world, with the Caldera (collapsed section on the top) being a part of UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network Program.
If you are an activity lover, adventurer, or nature lover, Mount Batur has to be featured on your Bali itinerary.
With many things to do, we guarantee you will have a memorable time here.
How to Get There?
Okay, let's start at the very beginning. Reaching Mount Batur is not difficult at all.
To reach Mount Batur, you'll have first to reach Kintamani, a village on the western edge of the Caldera wall of the mountain.
From there, you can hike to the top of the mountain or choose other activities, which will be discussed later in this article.
You can hire a car and drive there from Kuta (driving time: 2 hours) or Ubud (driving time: 1 hour 19 mins). It's always good to check out a variety of car hire options.
Another great option is renting a car and driving it yourself. You can select from a variety of vehicle options and packages - choose the best vehicle for you today.
Regular buses and minibuses also run from Ubud to Kintamani. A bus ride costs around IDR 320,000 and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The first bus service from Ubud is at 11.30am.
If you plan to see the sunrise, the best option is to travel the previous night and stay at Kintamani.
However, if you plan to drive from Kuta or Ubud and then hike Mount Batur to see the sunrise, you must start around 2am.
Where to Stay?
A range of stay options are available at Kintamani so that you can book one based on your budget and liking.
Luxury hotels: Several luxury stay options are available at Kintamani, many offering spectacular views of the peak.
The Ayu Kintamani Villa at Toya Devasya, Volcano Terrace Bali and Kintamani Hotel are some of Kintamani's most popular luxury hotels.
A luxury stay will cost approximately SGD 93 to SGD 213 per night.
Budget hotels: A wide range of options are available at different budgets ranging approximately from SGD 30 to SGD 81 per night.
Bobocabin Kintamani, Latengaya Mount Batur View Bungalow, Bintang House and the Breezy Volcano are some of the popular ones.
If you are looking for something cheaper, you can also book a bed at the Black Lava Hostel at a much cheaper price (around SGD 10 per night)
Camping experience: If you are up for a fun Mount Batur camping experience, these are some of the options available.
Hiker's Camp at Toya Devasya and Segara Camp Kintamani are some of the popular choices.
A stay will cost around SGD 51 per night, but cheaper options may also be available.
Things to See at Mount Batur
Okay, now you got there and are already staying there. What next?
Let's start with the things to see here. Mount Batur is all about natural beauty and breathtaking scenery.
Mount Batur Sunrise
The sunrise from Mount Batur is surreal and a view you will remember for the rest of your life. You can reach the top by a two-hour hike from the base to the summit. The view from atop will be worth the hike.
Mount Batur Lake
Between the volcanic slabs of Mount Batur and Mount Abang is Lake Batur, the crater lake of Mount Batur considered sacred by the Balinese.
This lake is visible from the entire Kintamani village. Some other villages are also located on the banks of this vast lake.
You can also get a panoramic view of Mount Batur Lake from the top of the mountain.
Batur Hot Springs
A collection of hot springs around the active volcano offers surreal sights and blissful dips.
These warm water hot springs in the shadows of the peak are the perfect way to relax and wash away your fatigue.
Waterfalls near Mount Batur
There's an array of waterfalls around Mount Batur, providing breathtaking sights.
While the best way to see these is during the sunrise or sunset trek to Mount Batur, you can also go for a trek exclusively to all the waterfalls near Mount Batur.
Things to Do in Mount Batur
Now, let's get to the exciting part - what to do at Mount Batur!
Mount Batur presents many experiences to satisfy your traveller's soul.
Trekking Up the Mountain
Although the trek is easy-to-moderate, doing it with a Mount Batur local guide is advisable.
Hence, booking a Mount Batur sunrise trekking tour is the best way to ensure an easy and hassle-free trek.
You can enjoy breakfast at the summit and visit a natural hot spring and a Balinese coffee plantation on your way back.
Oh, and you can also top up your sunrise trek by combining it with a hidden waterfall trail, too.
Timing: Daily, 1.30am to 1pm
Camp Overnight and Experience the Village life
Use the opportunity of your overnight stay at Kintamani by combining it with a Mount Batur camping experience at a Balinese village. End the trek day with a campfire and some authentic Balinese barbecue fish.
Catch the Beautiful Sunset
Not a morning person? Don't worry! The sunset from Mount Batur is equally impressive. So hike during sunset and revel at the breathtaking site of the lush landscape. The sunset trek is also the best way to avoid the sunrise trekking crowd.
Timing: Daily, 1.30pm to 10pm
4-wheel drive Jeep Ride
Yes, not all of us are hikers. So, should you miss the Mount Batur tour and the view from atop?
Of course not! You can opt for a Mount Batur jeep tour and have a different experience.
Mount Batur 4WD will take you to a viewpoint, navigating through the dirt roads from where the view is surreal.
You can go for the sunrise or sunset Black Lava jeep tour or any time during the day.
Timing: Daily, 3am to 7pm
Cycling at Mount Batur
If you're not a hiker but need a fun way to explore this volcano, what better way than on a jeep?
Opt for a Mount Batur cycling tour and go off the beaten track.
Cycle through the black lava fields and manoeuvre black lava stones while you cycle past villages and a magnificent Balinese temple.
Well, adventure can't get better than this!
Timing: Daily, 7am to 3pm
Quad Biking
Enjoy the adrenaline rush on a quad biking tour of the Mount Batur area. And explore surreal sights, too! The easy-to-handle vehicles are a great way to enjoy this black lava area.
Timing: Daily, 6am to 4.30pm
Stay Connected at Mount Batur
Purchase a 4G/3G sim card and stay connected with your loved ones from anywhere in Bali. And oh! Don't forget to upload your travel adventures with superspeed internet connectivity.
A Lava-ish Experience at Mount Batur
Mount Batur offers views and experiences like no other place in the world. Very rarely will you see an active volcano up close and so safely.
Concluding your journey here ensures memories that will forever linger, leaving you with an indelible connection to the awe-inspiring beauty and unique moments this remarkable destination offers.
Commonly Asked Questions
Why is Mount Batur famous?
Mount Batur is the most active volcano in Bali. It is also considered to be a sacred mountain by the Balinese.
Where is Mount Batur located?
Mount Batur is about 2 hours drive away from Kuta and 1 hour 19 minutes drive away from Ubud.
Is the Mount Batur hike difficult?
The Mount Batur hike is of easy to moderate difficulty.
Which month is best to hike Mount Batur?
April to October are the best months to hike Mount Batur.
Can kids do the Mount Batur Trek?
Mount Batur Trek is ideal for teenagers and older kids.