Mount Batur: The Ultimate Sunrise Trek
Have you ever dreamt of standing atop an active volcano, watching the sun rise and painting the sky in fiery colours? The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek in Bali, Indonesia, offers just that. Located near Ubud, this 1,700m-high volcano boasts stunning views of Mount Agung, Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island, and the enchanting landscape below.
Booking the Trek: Because Who Wouldn’t Want to Climb an Active Volcano at Night?
In October 2022, we decided to embrace our inner adventurers and take on the Mount Batur sunrise trek. We’re glad we booked a tour guide due to the challenging nature of the trek and, you know, the whole climbing-in-complete-darkness thing. Many companies offer combined treks with visits to hot springs and coffee plantations. We booked a private trek with Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking company through Viator which included the hot springs and the coffee plantation, and it was absolutely worth it. Plus, who wouldn’t want a personal motivator as you embark on this adventure?
Journey to the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
The trek starts in Kintamani, about an hour’s drive from Ubud. Our tour company arranged a driver who picked us up at 2:30am. Yes, you read that right, 2:30am! We were very lucky as the weather on the days before and after our trip was pretty bad with heavy rain and thick cloud. Thankfully, we found a break in the weather, which can be quite unpredictable in October. The weather a lot better earlier in the year although you have to weigh up the fact that it would likely be a lot more crowded up the volcano.
The Trekking Experience: A Little Sweat, A Lot of Adventure
We began our ascent at 3:30am, equipped with head torches, water, and walking poles provided by our guide Made (pronounced Maddie). It felt like a secret mission, minus the cool spy gadgets. Sturdy footwear is essential, as the terrain can be challenging. We saw some brave (or crazy) souls wearing sandals! We have some Salomon shoes that are perfect for everyday travelling and also for hiking like this. We will go into more detail about our equipment etc in a later post.
The private trek allowed us to set our own pace and take breaks when needed – or when we just wanted to catch our breath and grumble about the steep incline. Made was like our own personal cheerleader, encouraging us to push through the difficult sections. A complete legend.
The climb was definitely demanding, but we eventually found our rhythm. As we approached the summit, the ground became increasingly challenging, with volcanic rocks and slippery sand. It felt like we could be walking on an alien planet, which only added to the excitement.
The Stunning Sunrise: Nature’s Ultimate Reward
We reached the summit at 5:30am, just in time for the sunrise at 6:00am. The vibrant colours of the sky left us speechless, and we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness such a breathtaking sight. Made prepared us a delicious energy-restoring breakfast of; hot banana sandwiches, boiled eggs, snake fruit (with a skin that resembles snake skin, the inside is closer to lychee and citrus, very tasty) and a chocolate bar. All that washed down with the most welcome cup of tea! Made also showed us the best spots for photos – he was like our personal paparazzo.
The Descent and Beyond
Descending from the summit was easier but still required caution – no one wants a twisted ankle to ruin their adventure. Afterwards, we visited the Batur Natural Hot Springs, where we soaked our sore muscles and relaxed our aching bodies. The weather held out and it was complete sunshine. It was pure bliss.
We also visited a local coffee plantation, which, while interesting, turned out to be a bit of a tourist trap. The coffee and tea tasting was great, but beware of the hard sell and high prices. Pro tip: you can find the same products elsewhere at a fraction of the cost.
In Conclusion: Adventure, Laughter and Unforgettable Memories
The Mount Batur sunrise trek was an unforgettable experience, pushing us out of our comfort zone and rewarding us with awe-inspiring views. Our guide Made and driver Agus ensured we felt supported and looked after from start to finish. With their help, we navigated the challenges, shared laughs and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Although the coffee plantation visit had its downsides, it didn’t dampen our spirits or the overall experience. We paid around $70 each for the entire package (hotel pick-up, transportation, climbing equipment, private tour, breakfast, and hot springs access) and we felt it was well worth the investment. If you want to take a look at this trek yourself then check it out here!
If you’re seeking adventure, a chance to connect with nature, and the opportunity to watch a sunrise like no other, Mount Batur should definitely be on your bucket list. Just be prepared to lose some sleep – but trust us, the view is more than worth it.
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