What is probably the best place in Bali to watch the sunrise? Exactly: the top of a volcano!
There is a lot to experience on Bali. But if you want to see something other than beaches, rice paddies and waterfalls for a change, and you’re up for an adventure, you can climb one of the active volcanoes in the middle of the night, for example. Sounds adventurous and exhausting? Yes! But it is worth it.
On Bali there are two active volcanoes, on whose summit you can hike. Mount Batur, with its 1,717 meters, is the smaller version. Mount Agung is 3,142 meters high and thus the highest elevation of Bali. But where exactly are these volcanoes, how do you get to the top and what can you expect from a volcano tour on Bali?
Volcano tour on Mount Batur
Mount Batur, which is sacred according to Hindu beliefs, is located in the north of the island of Bali. Also called Gunung Batur, it is the smaller of the two volcanoes on Bali. But it was not always so. Originally, the “Batur” was larger, but during a huge eruption 30,000 years ago, the top was removed and since then the Gunung Agung towers over him and represents the highest point of the island instead of him.
The stratovolcano is lined by a 10 by 13.5 kilometer crater and at the foot of the volcano is the idyllic crater lake Lake Batur. Here you can also find hot springs, which offer a welcome rest after the hike.
Well organized tours
On Mount Batur you should and may officially only hike with a guide. This is also quite advisable, since you usually start the ascent in the middle of the night in the dark, in order to be on the summit in time for sunrise. There are numerous providers who offer complete packages. Included is usually the journey, a small snack before the ascent, the guide up with tour guide, a small breakfast at the summit and of course the descent and the return trip. Sometimes a visit to the hot springs in the valley is also included, which is a relief after the exertions of the hike.
Many paths lead to the summit and so there are five different starting points for the hike. Depending on where you start from, the duration of the ascent varies. What all the starting points have in common is the goal of being at the top by daybreak around 6:30 a.m. to admire the breathtaking sunrise. One of the most popular starting points is in Kintamani, from where the climb takes four hours. From Toya Bunkah and Pura Juti Batur temple, the hike to the top takes only three hours, and from Songan even only one and a half hours.
The volcano tour is a very popular tourist activity and you can expect a lot of “traffic” on the way up. The climb from Songan is less frequented and recommended if you just want to do a short hike and have a bit more peace and quiet.
Start in the dark night
In the middle of the night we start in the dark. Armed with flashlights, you hike under a clear sky and a beautiful starry sky over hill and dale up to the summit. The lava scree and partly sandy ground can make the ascent a bit difficult and slippery, which is why you should wear sturdy shoes. Even though many a Balinese may well successfully complete the hike in flip-flops. In addition, warm clothing in the onion principle is recommended, as the temperatures continue to drop with increasing altitude.
Grandiose view from the summit
After one and a half to four hours, depending on the starting point, you reach the summit and may warm yourself with a cup of hot tea or coffee and enjoy the mystical silence. In the valley above the crater lake, fog rises and the sun conjures its first rays on the horizon. Nature slowly awakens and the outlines of the magical surrounding landscape become visible. The peak of Mount Rinjani (the volcano of the neighboring island of Lombok) emerges from the darkness, as does the 2,000 meter high Mount Abang as well as the over 3,000 meter high Gunung Agung. The rising sun gradually bathes the landscape in its golden light, the volcano is enveloped in hot steam and the exertions of the climb are quickly forgotten.
Breakfast at the summit is usually eggs cooked in the hot volcanic soil, bananas, bread and coffee or tea plus an insane view that is ideal for a fancy vacation photo.
Descent through the volcanic landscape
After a short hike around the crater, we head back down into the valley. Now the extraordinary, sparse vegetation becomes visible, which remained hidden in the dark during the ascent. Burned down trees and bushes testify to a past volcanic eruption. The great view distracts from the tired legs, which are a bit exhausted from the ascent and are looking forward to a break.
The difficulty of the descent varies depending on the route. The less frequented trails are sometimes quite a slide, as you have to pass some scree slopes. The more popular routes, on the other hand, offer pleasant trails that pass green vegetable fields.
At the bottom, the hot springs invite you to take a relaxing bath, which is well deserved after the volcano climb. In the warm water, the stressed muscles relax particularly well.
Volcano tour on Mount Agung
The volcano Gunung Agung is with its 3.142 meters the biggest mountain of Bali. It is located in the north-east of the island and is the holiest mountain in Bali. For the inhabitants it is considered the center of the universe. According to Balinese belief, the gods and the spirits of their deceased ancestors live here. Because it can be seen from many regions of Bali, it is also often used as a point of orientation and serves to determine the direction of the compass. On the slopes of Gunung Agung is Bali’s holiest temple, Pura Besakih. Because it is so important, it is also called the Mother Temple.
The volcano has an immense influence on the Balinese people and their everyday life: they bed their head in its direction when sleeping and even houses and streets are aligned according to it. The active stratovolcano still erupts occasionally and spews ash. In such a case, surrounding villages have to be evacuated and, in some cases, air traffic has to be stopped. The last time this happened was in 2019.
The highest mountain in Bali
If you fancy an even bigger challenge than climbing Batur and want to watch the sunrise from Bali’s highest point, you can climb Bali’s largest mountain and volcano in a similar fashion.
Provided the volcano has no noticeable activity and the weather cooperates, the “Agung” is just like Mount Batur perfect for a night hike. Also on the Agung you are officially only allowed to hike with a guide, which is also very advisable to follow.
If you want to be at the top in time for the first rays of sunshine, you have to get up early, because the hike to the top is long.
The short route
Two different routes lead to the top. The shorter one, called the southern route, takes about three and a half to four hours, but only takes you to the bottom of the crater. Nevertheless, the view from here is fantastic and impressive. The path leads first through a forest and later over lava rocks. At the top you have an amazing view over the east of Bali, the sea and the neighboring island of Lombok. For this climb you have to start at 2 o’clock at night to be on top in time for daybreak.
The long way to the top
The alternative south-west route is with about seven hours ascent twice as long as the southern route, but leads to the top of the crater, from where you have a magnificent view. The starting point is Pura Penataran Agung, one of the highest temples of the Pura Besakih temple complex. To make it to the top in time for first light, you have to leave before midnight and hike through a forest, over lava scree and past a rock wall. Once at the top, a breathtaking view of eastern Bali, Lombok and a view of the 200 meter deep caldera awaits.
The reward of the volcano tour
Just like on Mount Batur, a small warming breakfast with bomb panorama and impressive sunrise awaits the hiker at the top. So the hardships of the ascent are definitely rewarded. Then it’s back down to the valley, this time in broad daylight, which allows you to enjoy the great views and scenery.
This intense hike, which takes a total of 14 hours, has to be done in one day, as there are no accommodations at the high altitudes.
Conclusion – For whom is a volcano tour on Bali worthwhile?
A hike up one of Bali’s volcanoes is definitely an exciting adventure and the view is worth the effort of the climb. Fortunately, you can choose to hike for a total of 14 hours or just three hours to gaze at the sunrise from one of the peaks. In both cases, a medium to good basic fitness and condition are required. Appropriate, sturdy footwear should also be worn. If you don’t have hiking boots with you, you can also hike in sports shoes with a good tread.
It is also advisable to wear warm and weatherproof clothing, preferably with the onion principle. This way you can dress or undress according to the temperature and exertion along the way. The ideal time to climb both Mount Batur and Mount Agung is the dry season from May to September. During this time, the chance of hiking under a starry sky with a view of the Milky Way is highest. Also, hiking is more fun without precipitation, and during the rainy season the trail can become slippery, making the climb even more difficult.
You should also take enough provisions, water, possibly a flashlight and band-aids for scratches in case you slip.
Complete packages from various providers usually include the journey, the guide up with an experienced tour guide, a small breakfast at the summit and of course the descent and the return trip.
