Gunung Batukaru is an inactive volcano on Bali. At 2,276 metres, it is the second highest mountain on the island and is significant from both a tourist and spiritual point of view. You can climb to the top of the mountain through inviting landscapes. In the following article, you will learn exactly what makes Batukaru special and where it is geographically.
Where is Gunung Batukaru located?
Gunung Batukaru is located in the centre of Bali, just south of the twin lakes Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan. As the crow flies, it is about 35 kilometres north of the popular coastal town of Canggu and about 25 kilometres south of the former island capital Singaraja.
You should plan about an hour and a half for the journey from Singaraja on the north coast of Bali to the foot of Gunung Batukaru. The journey from Canggu to Batukaru takes about the same time. And the journey time from Ubud is also about the same. Depending on which side you want to approach Batukaru from, the journey time can of course be a little longer or shorter.
The landscape at Gunung Batukaru
The region around Gunung Batukaru is characterised by dense forests and many rice terraces. The mountain Batukaru itself is covered with beautiful jungle, where you can immerse yourself in a very special world. You can climb to the summit on easy little trails and enjoy the lush green rainforest. It is not uncommon for Batukaru to be shrouded in clouds or fog. This creates a very special, mystical atmosphere when hiking up the mountain.
The mountain top is still covered, but no longer with dense forest, but rather with shrubs and scattered trees. This ensures that from the summit you have a very impressive view of the dreamlike forest and mountain landscape of Central Bali.
Tip: You can take guided tours up Gunung Batukaru and even camp there. This offers the opportunity to experience picturesque sunsets and sunrises.
A mountain with spiritual significance
Mount Batukaru is not only an important mountain for hiking. For the Balinese people, Gunung Batukaru is sacred. That is why there is a temple at the summit, Pura Pucak Kedaton, which is also a place of pilgrimage for devout Balinese Hindus.
In addition, one of the most important temples in Bali is located on a spur of the mountain: the Pura Luhur Batukaru. This sacred site was originally built in the 11th century and is therefore a historically significant place.
Conclusion: is Gunung Batukaru worth visiting?
A trip to Gunung Batukaru is always worthwhile – especially if you love nature and hiking. The dense, green rainforest immerses visitors in a beautiful world where you can find plenty of peace and quiet. But even if you don’t want to climb to the summit, a visit to Batukaru is worthwhile. Here you will find the important temple Pura Luhur Batukaru and at the foot of the mountain lie the Jatiluwih rice terraces. So there is plenty to see and do in addition to potential hikes.
