Within a huge caldera, next to the volcano Gunung Batur, is Bali’s largest lake, Danau Batur. Many tourists primarily head for the volcano. Whether a trip to the lake is also suitable and what you can experience there, is presented in more detail below.
Where is Danau Batur located?
Lake Danau Batur is located in the north of Bali within the large caldera, which also contains the volcano Gunung Batur. As the crow flies, the former capital of Bali, Singaraja, is located about 40 kilometers northwest of Lake Batur. The spiritual center of Ubud is about 30 kilometers south of the lake.
The journey from Singaraja usually takes between one and a half and two hours. The journey from Amed in the northeast of Bali is similarly long. From Ubud it is faster: here you should plan a little more than one hour travel time.
Danau Batur and the landscape
Arriving at Danau Batur, one is greeted by a truly impressive landscape. The lake, which is about 16 square kilometers in size, is harmoniously nestled in the mountainous landscape. To the west of the lake lies the stratovolcano Gunung Batur, while on the eastern side of Danau Batur the steep walls of the caldera rise into the air. The highest point of this caldera is Gunung Abang, the third highest mountain on Bali. Some areas around the lake are partially overgrown with green vegetation, while directly at the volcano there is a large, barren lava field. Danau Batur itself shimmers in blue or green hues. The color of the lake fluctuates every now and then, depending on the sulfur content of the water.
Lake Batur is about 1,000 meters above sea level and occupies about one third of the area of the inner caldera. The crescent-shaped lake is the largest on Bali and is up to 7.5 kilometers long and up to 2.5 kilometers wide. The depth is up to 65 meters.
Due to its high location and the surrounding mountains, Danau Batur has a different climate than other parts of Bali. The average temperatures here during the day are relatively cool 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. At night it can get really cold.
Activities and sights at Danau Batur
Around Danau Batur you will find very contrasting places where you can do a wide variety of activities. While the southern shore of the lake is quite touristy, there are also relaxed and sometimes even sleepy places in other places.
Hot springs of Toya Bungkah
On the western shore of the lake is a small village called Toya Bungkah. In the center of the village on the edge of the lake, sulfurous hot water bubbles out of the earth from several springs. The water is piped into two pools and then into the lake. In the pools you can take an invigorating bath for a small fee. The hot springs are visited by locals mostly early in the morning. The number of tourists visiting the hot springs is still manageable. So you can usually count on a relaxed visit here without much hustle and bustle.
Cemetery in Trunyan
On the eastern shore of Lake Batur is one of Bali’s most pristine and isolated villages. North of the Bali Aga village there is an unusual attraction: a cemetery. What is special about this cemetery is that the dead are neither buried nor cremated here. Instead, the bodies of the deceased are only wrapped in cloths and placed under simple bamboo tents. For adults an exciting excursion, for children rather not suitable. The cemetery is only accessible by boat.
Hikes
The high mountains around the lake naturally invite for hiking. Gunung Batur is often the first choice for many tourists. A description of the usual hike can be found here:
Another – although rarely chosen – destination for hikers is Gunung Abang. Here is usually very little to nothing going on, so the hike is very relaxed. You can start very well at the small temple Pura Bubung Renteng south of Danau Batur. From here, a two-hour trail leads to the summit of Gunung Abang. From the top you have a wonderful view of the lake as well as Gunung Batur.
Conclusion: Is a visit to Danau Batur worthwhile?
Danau Batur as the largest lake in Bali is definitely worth a trip. Whoever finds the heat in other parts of the island too high in the long run, can wonderfully enjoy somewhat cooler temperatures here. Often a visit to the lake is combined with the ascent of the volcano of the same name, which also makes sense. After a hike up Gunung Batur or Gunung Abang, one can wonderfully relax in the hot spring or take boat trips on the lake. The lake is not necessarily suitable for stays of several days. But one or two days you can experience an exciting, varied program here.
