Ascension of Mont Batur in Bali: our tips for hiking

Do you want to climb Mount Batur in Bali? Here are our tips to take up this challenge and succeed this exceptional hike!

Bali, the island of the Gods, in Indonesia, fascinates travellers from all over the world in search of discovery and change. Between rice fields, lush forests, beaches and majestic volcanoes, nature is queen there. On this very coveted island, there are several volcanoes including Mont Agung, Bratan and Mont Batur, or Gunung Batur in Indonesian, which is 1717 metres above sea level. If the latter attracts so many adventure enthusiasts on its summit at sunrise, it is that it reserves them a breathtaking spectacle. The ascent of Mont Batur is one of the island’s mythical hikes and promises an unforgettable trip! Ready to go tickle the clouds? Here’s all you need to know about the climb of Mount Batur in Bali.

Mount Batur in Indonesia, volcano land

The Batur is located in the mountainous region of Kintamani, north of the Indonesian island of Bali. It is a stratovolcano consisting of a vast caldeira that overlooks a lake of the same name. Mount Abang (2100 m) faces him. Mount Batur in Bali is an active volcano. Two violent eruptions in 1917 and 1926 cost the lives of thousands of people and led to the destruction of the houses and temples of the village at the bottom of the volcano. His last eruption, much less important, dates back to the year 2000 and was neither ravaged nor lethal. Mount Batur is closely monitored and its access is prohibited to the public as soon as it presents a risk of eruption. So it’s not dangerous to climb it!

Even today, this mountain is considered sacred by Hindus and religious ceremonies are frequently organized. The Balines share it with the many travellers who wish to reach its summit to admire the breathtaking panorama!

Why do you climb Mount Batur in Bali?

Ascension of a volcano is a must in Indonesia, and that of Batur on the island of Gods is simply mythical. Getting into the ascent of Mount Batur in Bali is almost within reach of all. Of course, it is a physical hike since you have to climb but it is not technical. If you travel with children, know that ascent is accessible from the age of 12. In other words, whether you are a great sporting person or not, you can offer you this beautiful adventure!

For the experience to be even more striking, many are the ones and the ones to rise at night. The departure for the hike usually takes place around 3h30 in the morning. This allows you to arrive just in time at the top and admire the sun that rises above a sea of clouds. The program? A magnificent panoramic view of Lake Batur, Mount Abang and the ocean as a backdrop. What more beautiful way to start your day in Bali than taking the height to contemplate its natural landscapes?

Our advice to prepare well for the climb of Mont Batur in Bali

You can count 5 hours for the complete hike. You will need between 1h30 and 2h30 to reach the top, then between 1h30 and 3 hours to descend, depending on your physical form, the weather and the route chosen.

The best period

Although the ascent of Mont Batur in Bali is possible all year round and relatively easy, it is still best to achieve it during the dry season, between April and November . Thus, you limit the risk of hiking under torrential rainfalls, which are very common in this region during the rainy season.

What should I take in my backpack?

The weather can very quickly change on Mount Batur in Bali, especially if you start in this ascent in the rainy season. If you spend your days in Bali in light outfits to withstand the heat, you should know that the temperature in altitude is quite different! Once you're up there, it's better to cover up until the sun reaches the tip of its nose.

We have therefore selected for you some indispensable to have with you on this trek:

• Good footwear
• Water
• Snacks on the way or at the top
• Solar cream
• Sunglasses
• A raincoat
• One or more hot sweater(s)
• A thermal sweater (preferably)
• Eventually a fleece jacket or a doudoune
• A camera
• Anti-moustic spray
• A front lamp (if your guide doesn't lend you)

Good to know.

Before you’re interested in the course, here are some information that might be useful to you:

• One wooden boat is installed at the top of Mount Batur. Hot drinks are available at high prices, but this remains a good solution to warm up while waiting for sunrise.
• A victim of his success, Mont Batur is very frequent by tourists all year round. Don't expect to have the way and the sight for you!

What to see and what to do?

We told you above, the Mont Batur hike is accessible to all. Regardless of your level, we still advise you to start your day very early, or in the middle of the night according to the agency and the route chosen. Often, depending on your place of departure, you must count one or two hours of car before starting the climb. Rest assured, however, the game is worth the candle: revive the beautiful star a superb experience!

Key steps to go

The departure of the ascent of Mount Batur in Bali is on the parking lot of the Pura Jati Batur temple or Toya Bungkah. Your driver will drop you off. This is what awaits you:

The first platform The first meters to reach the platform from the parking lot are on bitumen. The slope is only slightly tilted and remains relatively easy to borrow.

The steep slope This is slightly complicated on this second stage because the path, which becomes more and more inclined, is made of volcanic rocks. Do not hesitate to take the time to blow and observe the stars, if by chance the sky is clear!

The last straight line The floor is now covered with ash and it becomes a little more difficult to move without slipping. But no panic, as we say above, this hike remains accessible to as many. Rest assured, the path quickly becomes silly and the summit is no further!

The summit A plaque will tell you that you have arrived. There may even be monkeys here to welcome you! You only have to enjoy this moment and wait for the sun to rise slowly. If the view is clear, then you will see the Batur Lake, the Agung Mountain, the ocean and the volcano crater, all in a color gradient.

The lucky ones can even see Mount Rinjani, on the island of Lombok Far away! In case of cloudy weather, you will have to wait until the descent to be able to contemplate the panorama, below the clouds.

The variants of the return

For the descent, two options are available to you:

• The little tower : you will take the exact same path as you go. If you wish, it is possible from the last platform before the arrival of junction to a paved road in the middle of the forest. This is the best route if you miss time or start to get tired.
• The big tower : you will take the tower of the ridge to take a path on the opposite slope. By choosing this variant a little longer, you will reach the bottom of Mont Batur after about three hours of descent. This is the ideal itinerary to observe new landscapes and walk a little less by hikers.

You can enjoy very nice views throughout the descent. Finally, it is possible to extend the discovery by visiting the craters and the temple of the old village, the only survivor of the last destructive eruptions.

The next steps

Do you want to climb Mount Batur in Bali? It is possible to spend the very short night before the ascension in a Kintamani hotel . However, the rates for these accommodations are often higher than elsewhere. Otherwise, when you get up a little earlier, you can also go directly from Ubud or Amed .

Back at the bottom of the volcano, Toya Bungkah’s hot water sources are ideal for relaxing after climbing. However, you will have to pay for one right of entry of about 12€ per person. Note that some hotels in Kintamani have their own hot water sources!

How much does it cost to climb Mount Batur in Bali?

From one agency to another, the price can vary by a few euros. But usually the rate for hiking is located around 25€ per person. This price generally includes the return-to-return transport between your accommodation and the departure of the hike, at the bottom of Mont Batur, the entrance fees and insurance, a local guide to accompany you throughout the hike, but also the loan of a torch lamp and a basic breakfast at the top (egg and banana bread). That said, as everywhere in Indonesia, it is always possible to negotiate!

Finally, if you decide to take a package with hot water sources or a visit to a coffee plantation, as some agencies suggest, this rate can considerably increase.

How do I book online a guide for climbing Mont Batur in Bali?

The climb of Mont Batur is a hike that is achievable without a guide. Indeed, there is only one way to reach the top and you will never be alone on it. It is therefore difficult to mistake the route and to lose it... But if you present yourself at the beginning without a guide to accompany you, it is very likely that you are denied access by what some call “the mafia of the guides of Mont Batur”.

In order to avoid complications on the parking lot at the bottom of the volcano, we can only recommend you to use a Local guide . The guides usually speak English and adapt to your pace of walking.

• From Bali : it will be very simple to find a local agency in the streets of Ubud, Amed or Kintamani. You can also contact the Association des guides du Mont Batur directly.
• From France : many sites of recognized tour operators or specialized tour guides offer online reservation for the ascent of Mont Batur in Bali.