Mount Batur: A Spectacular Sunrise View from Bali's Most Popular Volcano
Indonesian Name: Gunung Batur
Mount Batur Volcano, Bali | Image: Nick Wherli
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Visit with a tour
Introduction
Mount Batur is an active volcano located in the center of two concentric calderas in Bali, Indonesia. It is a popular destination for tourists, as it offers breathtaking views of the sunrise from its summit. Mount Batur is also a UNESCO Geopark, recognized for its cultural significance and natural scenery. If you're planning a trip to Bali, make sure to add Mount Batur to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
Address
Mount Batur, Kintamani, Bangli, Bali, Indonesia (See on Google Maps)
Location
Mount Batur is located in the Kintamani district of Bangli, Bali. It is approximately an hour's drive from the popular tourist destination of Ubud.
Address & Phone Number of Nearest Hospital for Emergency
Puskesmas Kintamani, Jl. Raya Kintamani, Kintamani, Bangli, Bali, Indonesia. Phone: +62 366 51126
We think that travel insurance is very important to cover your visit in case of an accident and to cover the high cost of medical treatment in Bali.
Three Key Reasons To Visit
1. Experience the sunrise from the summit of an active volcano by climbing Mount Batur.
2. Explore the UNESCO Geopark and learn about the cultural significance and natural beauty of the area.
3. Discover the region, including Bali Aga traditional villages and coffee plantations.
History, Myths and Legends
Mount Batur has a long and fascinating history. The first caldera was formed 29,300 years ago, and the second caldera was formed 20,150 years ago. The mountain has erupted over 24 times since 1800. It is also a site of cultural significance for the Balinese people, with myths and legends surrounding the mountain and its many eruptions.
What To Expect When Visiting
When visiting Mount Batur, you can expect to experience stunning views of the sunrise from the summit, as well as the opportunity to explore the UNESCO Geopark and learn about the cultural and natural history of the area. You can also participate in the popular activity of climbing the mountain, either on your own or with a guide.
Mount Batur, also known as Gunung Batur, is an active stratovolcano located on the island of Bali, Indonesia. It is part of a UNESCO Geopark, and is a popular destination for climbing and sunrise viewing. The volcano has a history of violent eruptions, with the first recorded eruption occurring in 1804 and 22 eruptions in total.
The most recent eruptions took place in 1926, 1974, and 1994, with the 1926 eruption being the most devastating, causing lava flows that destroyed the village of Batur and Ulun Danu Batur. The volcano stands at a height of approximately 700 meters within the 13 kilometer diameter Batur caldera, which is one of the largest and most impressive in the world. It is important to follow safety guidelines and be aware of the potential dangers when visiting Mount Batur.
Climbing Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active stratovolcano located on the island of Bali, Indonesia. With a height of 1,717 meters (5,633 feet) above sea level, it is considered a relatively easy climb compared to other mountains in the area. However, the trek can still be challenging due to the rocky and slippery terrain. The mountain is known for its beautiful eucalyptus and pine trees, as well as its stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Batur Caldera, Mount Abang, Mount Agung, and even Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok.
Many people opt for a sunrise trek, which involves getting up at 2 am for pickup and starting the climb around 4 am in order to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the top. A local guide is available to lead the way and provide assistance, and a breakfast cooked on lava-heated rocks is typically included. It is important to note that there are no restrooms available during the ascent, so it is recommended to prepare accordingly. Overall, Mount Batur offers a unique and challenging climbing experience with breathtaking views and an opportunity to witness the stunning sunrise in Bali.
Typical Mount Batur Climb Itinerary
The Mount Batur hike involves waking up very early in the morning and being picked up between 1:30 and 2:30 am for the drive to the base of the mountain at Toyabungkah village.
From there, you will begin the climb up the incline of over 700 meters, which takes between one and two hours depending on your fitness level. Tour guides will provide flashlights for the dark trail, and you can enjoy a hot drink before setting off.
At the top of the mountain, you can watch the sunrise and enjoy a breakfast, including the option to boil an egg in the volcanic steam. After spending some time at the top, you can visit the three craters on the way back down, which takes another one to two hours. When you return to Toyabungkah village, you can visit the nearby Batur Natural Hot Springs to relax in the naturally heated and cooled pools with views of the caldera lake.
Other Attractions Nearby to Include in a Day Trip
Lake Batur
Lake Batur is a stunning crater lake located in the Bangli Regency of Bali, Indonesia, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Ubud. It is situated within the caldera of the active volcano, Mount Batur, which is part of the Ring of Fire – a region known for its high levels of volcanic activity. The lake is crescent-shaped and sits at the foot of Mount Abang, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. It has a depth of about 65 meters and is known for its cold waters. The local communities around Lake Batur rely on agriculture, fishing, and tourism for their livelihood. They also consider the lake to be a sacred site.
Batur Hot Springs
Batur Natural Hot Spring, also known as Toya Bungkah Hot Spring, is a geothermally heated spring located on the edge of Lake Batur in Bali. It offers stunning views of the volcano and provides steaming hot springs for visitors to enjoy. The spring water is clear and free of any sulphuric odors, and locals believe it has various healing properties due to its mineral-rich content. The water ranges in temperature from warm to slightly hot, and many believe it has therapeutic benefits such as relieving neuralgia, bruising, and joint pain, as well as aiding in recovery from fatigue and muscle complaints.
There is also a restaurant on site, Resto Desa Sari Ulam, that serves local cuisine and freshwater fish grills. The entry fee for the hot spring is $10 and includes access to drinks, lockers, showers, towels, and unlimited use of the pools. The hot spring is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and is located at Toya Bungkah Kintamani, Desa Pekraman Batur, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80612, Indonesia.
Kintimani Village
Kintamani Village is a traditional Balinese village located in Bangli regency at an altitude of 1500 meters. This village is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. It is believed to have formed between 30,000 and 10,000 years ago due to two massive volcanic eruptions that created a caldera with a diameter of 10 km by 13 km. The active volcano of Mount Batur, which stands at a height of approximately 700 meters, was formed in 1917 and has numerous subsidiary vents around its slopes. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Kintamani Village is also home to Pura Tuluk Biyu, a 1,000-year-old temple with "Rites of Peace" stone tablets.
The Batur Geopark Museum
The Batur Geopark Museum is a must-see attraction located in the Kintamani District of Bangli Regency in Bali. It is the first volcanic museum in Indonesia and offers a wealth of information about volcanoes in the country, specifically the Batur volcano.
The museum features dioramas, maps, samples of volcanic eruption materials, tools used to detect upcoming eruptions, pictures, audio-visual media, and computer-based interfaces. There is a theater that plays movies about volcanic eruptions, and an auditorium that is used by local government or other companies.
The third floor of the museum is dedicated to monitoring and researching the activity of the still active Batur volcano. It has a telescope equipped with aerial photographs, and visitors can see the landscape of the volcano through it. Local citizens are well aware of the potential power of the Batur volcano based on both scientific and religious perspectives, and when signs of an eruption appear, they conduct ceremonies related to the event. The museum explains the details of these phenomena and is a compelling attraction during a trip to Bali.
Coffee Plantations
The Kintamani region in Bali is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, high volcanoes, and orange trees. However, it is also home to specialty coffee made from Arabica beans, which are carefully picked by small family farmers from their long-standing coffee trees.
Kintamani is a major coffee-growing region in Bali, where Arabica is gaining popularity alongside the more common Robusta variety. Arabica has a smooth body and unique taste, with less acid and half the caffeine content of Robusta. The specialty coffee scene in Bali has grown significantly in recent years, with more and more cafes investing in the education of their baristas and the sourcing of high-quality beans. Kintamani coffee is known for its medium to high acidity, intense flavor, and light, bright, fruity aroma. It is a great choice for those who enjoy a clean, light flavor and bright acidity, but may not be suitable for those with low caffeine tolerance.
Kintamani coffee can be blended with other varieties, such as Mandheling or Gayo, to create a unique blend. Overall, Bali's geography and climate make it an ideal location for producing unique and flavorful coffee.
Photo Opportunities and Tips
Mount Batur offers plenty of photo opportunities, including stunning views of the sunrise from the summit and picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Make sure to bring your camera and a tripod to capture the best shots. It is also a good idea to bring a flashlight or headlamp for the early morning climb to the summit.
What Visitors Say They Liked About Visiting
Many visitors to Mount Batur rave about the incredible sunrise views from the summit, as well as the opportunity to explore the UNESCO Geopark and learn about the cultural and natural history of the area. The experience of climbing an active volcano is also a highlight for many visitors.
What Visitors Say They Did Not Like About Visiting
Some visitors have reported that the early morning climb to the summit can be challenging, especially for those who are not in good physical shape. It is important to be prepared for the climb and to listen to the safety instructions of your guide.
How Accessible is it for The Elderly, Children and Those With Mobility Issues?
Mount Batur is not recommended for those with mobility issues, as the climb to the summit can be challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness. The trek involves hiking up steep, rocky trails and can be slippery and treacherous at times, especially in wet weather. Children should also be accompanied by an adult and be in good physical condition, as the climb can be physically demanding.
Safety Tips When Visiting
When visiting Mount Batur, it is important to follow the safety guidelines set by the local authorities and tour operators. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, such as sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and bring warm layers as the temperature can drop significantly at the summit.
2. Bring plenty of water and snacks to fuel your climb, as well as a flashlight or headlamp in case the climb takes longer than expected.
3. Follow the designated trails and do not stray off the path, as this can be dangerous.
4. Respect the local culture and traditions, and do not take any artifacts or objects from the site.
Typical Amount of Time to Allocate for a Visit
The duration of a visit to Mount Batur depends on how long you plan to spend at the summit and how much time you want to spend exploring the surrounding area. A typical visit to the summit takes around 2-3 hours, including the climb and time spent enjoying the views from the top. However, if you want to explore the surrounding area and visit the Batur Geopark Museum, you may want to allocate a full day for your visit.
Food and Drink Options Nearby
There are a number of food and drink options available near the Mount Batur trailhead. There are several local warungs (food stalls) that serve a variety of Indonesian dishes, as well as refreshments such as coffee and tea. There are also several restaurants along the ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding area, which are a popular spot to stop for breakfast or lunch. Be sure to bring enough cash, as many of these establishments do not accept credit cards.
Conclusion
Mount Batur is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty and history of Bali. The stunning views from the summit, combined with the cultural and geological significance of the site, make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Just be sure to follow the safety guidelines and respect the local culture, and you will have an amazing time exploring this incredible location.
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