Mount Batur is one of Bali’s most iconic volcanic mountains — and it's a must-visit for travellers who love the outdoors. Sitting in the Kintamani region, it’s known for its epic sunrise views, rugged black lava fields, and peaceful lake at the base. Many travellers hike to the summit in the early hours to catch a sunrise that lights up the whole valley — it’s easily one of the most rewarding ways to start your day in Bali. If you're up for a bit of a challenge and love a good sunrise moment, this is definitely a bucket-list activity. Plus, how often do you get to say you hiked an actual volcano before breakfast? But if hiking’s not your thing, no worries — there are jeep tours that’ll get you up there without the legwork, so you can still soak in the sunrise and volcanic landscape in total comfort.

ABOUT MOUNT BATUR

Mount Batur is located in Kintamani, in the northeast part of Bali. It’s an active volcano, with its last major eruption in 2000 — though don’t worry, it’s closely monitored and safe for visitors. The mountain stands at 1,717 metres above sea level, making it a moderately high but very do-able climb for most folks. The classic sunrise trek usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top, depending on your pace. It’s considered a moderate hike — there are some steep, rocky sections, but no special skills needed. If you’re reasonably fit and up for a bit of adventure in the dark (with a headlamp and guide), you’ll do just fine. If you'd rather skip the climb, there’s a sunrise jeep tour option that brings you to one of the best viewpoints — no trekking needed, just comfy seats and amazing scenery.

8 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GO

1. Download WhatsApp app - Make sure to download the WhatsApp app, as this is one of the main ways your local tour guide Mount Batur will get in touch with you before the trip. Once downloaded, just set it up with your phone number — your guide will likely message you there with timing and meeting details.

2. Have enough sleep - Get a good night’s sleep the night before — sunrise tours start super early, often around 4:00am. You’ll be hiking in the dark for about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top of Mount Batur just in time for sunrise at around 6:00am. It’s definitely worth the early wake-up, but trust us, it feels way better if you’re well rested. So head to bed early and get those zzz's in!

3. It’s super cold - It gets seriously chilly up there — we’re not kidding! Especially before sunrise, the wind and elevation can make it feel even colder. Make sure to bring a jacket or warm layers that are thick enough to keep you cosy, but light and comfy enough to hike in. You’ll definitely thank yourself for dressing smart when you’re waiting for the sunrise at the summit.

4.Use comfortable shoes with a good grip - Wear comfy shoes with a solid grip — trust us, it makes a big difference. Parts of the trail, especially near the top, are covered in soft volcanic sand that can get quite slippery. Good footwear will help you keep your balance and avoid any surprise slides. We've seen plenty of people slip on the way up, so save yourself the trouble and lace up properly!

5. It is really dark - It’s pitch dark during the early part of the hike, so while most tours do provide basic flashlights, they’re not always the brightest. It’s a good idea to bring your own torch or headlamp so you can see the trail clearly — especially on rocky or sandy bits. A hands-free headlamp is ideal if you want to keep your hands free for balance.

6. No toilet in the middle - there are no toilets along the hike. This is nature, after all, and there’s not much privacy on the trail either. So it’s best to use a toilet before you start the climb. Plan ahead and go easy on the water right before the hike if that helps!

7. Beware of monkeys at the top - Watch out for the cheeky monkeys at the summit! Once the crowd starts to gather, they tend to show up looking for food — and they’re not shy about snatching it right out of your hands (or bag). Keep your belongings close and your snacks hidden unless you’re ready to share breakfast with the locals. They've definitely stolen more than a few people's meals — including ours!

8. Motorbike service availabe - Not feeling super fit? No worries — motorbike taxis are available for part of the way up the mountain, for an extra fee. If you find yourself mid-hike and struggling to continue, just let your guide know. They can call for a bike to help you get most of the rest of the way up. Just be prepared for a bumpy (and steep!) ride — hang on tight. Do note: the final climb to the summit still needs to be done on foot, but it's a short stretch and totally manageable.

MOUNT BATUR SUNRISE HIKE PRICE

There are plenty of tour companies offering Mount Batur sunrise treks, so you’ll find a wide range of prices depending on what’s included. In general, prices start from around IDR 350,000 (USD 25) for a basic group tour with a guide and can go up to IDR 900,000 (USD 60) or more for private tours with hotel transfers, breakfast, and extras like hot springs or coffee farm visits. With so many options, it’s worth comparing what’s actually included — some tours might look cheaper up front but add on costs for things like entrance fees or transport. Going with a trusted local guide is always a good shout — they know the mountain best and can make your experience a lot more personal and enjoyable.