Mount Batur (Gunung Batur) is an active volcano of about 1,717 metres in the Kintamani highlands, north of Ubud. It sits inside a huge older caldera that also holds Lake Batur, and the sunrise from its rim is one of the great Bali experiences.
Treks are timed for dawn. Pickups from Ubud are usually around 2–3 a.m.; you drive about an hour to the trailhead, then climb for roughly two hours by torchlight on a path that gets steeper and looser near the top. At the summit, guides serve a simple breakfast while the sky lightens.
On a clear morning you see Lake Batur below, Mount Agung to the east and sometimes Lombok’s Rinjani. Cloud is common, especially in the wet season, so treat a perfect view as a bonus.
Top things to do at Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Climb for sunrise
The standard route takes about two hours up and one and a half down. It is a real hike, but no technical skill is needed.
Visit the steam vents
Near the summit, steam rises from the ground; some guides cook eggs in the heat for breakfast.
Soak in a hot spring
Several hot-spring pools by Lake Batur make a perfect finish to the hike.
Take the jeep instead
If you do not want to hike, 4WD sunrise tours drive to a viewpoint on the old lava fields.
How to get to Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
- The trailheads are in the villages around the base of the volcano, roughly an hour’s drive north of Ubud.
- Almost everyone goes on an organised trek with hotel pickup; a licensed local guide is required on the mountain.
- Self-drive by scooter in the dark is not recommended.
- Wear proper shoes and bring a warm layer: it can be cold and windy at the top before sunrise.
- Bring a head torch (often provided), water and some cash.
- The descent on loose volcanic gravel is harder on the knees than the ascent.
- Check current volcanic activity status before you go; trekking can be suspended.
Best tours & tickets for Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Mount Batur Sunrise Trek and make the most of the day:
Sunrise hike from US$27 Bali: Sunrise Mount Batur Guided Hike with Breakfast
Bali’s most-booked experience: a pre-dawn pickup, a guided climb in the dark and sunrise from the summit of Mount Batur, with a light breakfast at the top before you walk down. More than 11,000 reviews.
- Summit for sunrise over the volcanic landscape
- Light breakfast at the top
- Local guide, pre-dawn pickup
Jeep tour From Ubud: Mount Batur Shared Jeep Sunrise & Hot Spring Tour
The Mount Batur sunrise with no hiking: a shared 4WD jeep takes you up to a viewpoint for dawn, and the morning ends with a soak in a natural hot spring.
- Sunrise without the climb
- Shared 4WD jeep on the volcano
- Natural hot spring afterwards
Sunrise hike from US$36 From Ubud: Mount Batur Hiking With Hotspring
A sunrise climb of Mount Batur designed around Ubud: pickup in the small hours, a guided hike to the top and a hot spring to ease your legs afterwards. Over 2,500 reviews.
- Pickup from the Ubud area
- Guided climb to the top of Mount Batur
- Hot-spring soak afterwards
Bike tour from US$40 From Ubud: Downhill Bike Tour with Rice Terraces and Meal
Ride downhill from the volcanic highlands of Kintamani through mountains and forests, stopping at famous rice terraces, for big views with minimal effort. A meal is included.
- Start on the slopes of the Kintamani volcano
- Mostly downhill, with a stop at rice terraces
- Meal included
