Review Author: Helen Hunt

Review Date: 10 Sep 2024

Review Body: It is hard to know where to start as this experience was absolutely magical. I am reasonably well travelled and it is definitely in my top 3 things i have ever done. I am a 55 year old woman and we were with my young adult children and their friends (6 in total). We were collected by Yosi at 3.10 from our hotel in ubud. He was on time and had communicated with me early that morning so i knew he was on his way. He was a lovely man and drove extremely well (which is absolutely not normal for Bali!). Upon arrival at the lake we met with our guides Wi & Nawa (there was a clean western toilet to use before we started the trek). We then got into the boat and pottered over the lake under the stars. We were able to see the lights on Mount Batur of the jeeps and motorbikes taking people up the mountain for the sunrise. Our ascent was silent (apart from my laboured breathing - it turns out i am not that fit) except when the guides were giving us either encouragement or telling us about the local area. Everyone else climbed quite easily but i did find it hard. The guides were amazing. Nawa took the rest of the party to the top and Wi stayed with me and at times literally pulled me up the mountain whilst never making me feel like an idiot for not finding it easy. Somehow he got me to the top before the sunrise and we were so lucky, clear skies meant the sunrise was spectacular. We had a clear view of 5 volcanos, the lake and the sea. The photos below have no filter but don’t do it justice. It was peaceful and beautiful and we all sat quietly thinking how lucky we were to witness something so astoundingly lovely. Breakfast of fruit, coffee, tea, sandwiches and biscuits were provided as was water (although bring your own too as it is thirsty work climbing up). I honestly can’t find anything even remotely negative to say about either the trek or the guides, who were interesting, kind and funny - and spoke perfect english. We had been so close to booking the standard Mount Batur trek and this was a thousand times better. At twice the price it would have been fantastic value. tips were absolutely not expected but i felt that after hauling me up to the mountain they were deserved!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Judy Kreunen

Review Date: 26 Jun 2026

Review Body: This was one of the highlights of my 14 days in Bali. An older, sole female traveller. A seamless car pick up at 03:20. A friendly, safe & knowledgeable driver - Yosi. The magical dark morning boat ride, walking up the Caldera in the dark -with supplied head torch's. (While a bamboo pole is supplied, I brought & used my own walking poles - being older, with bilateral hip replacements I'm very aware of my limitations.) Quiet, peaceful - away from the hordes tramping on Mt Batur, away from the smell of diesel from the jeeps & fumes from the bikes. Bliss. I had a private local guide assigned to me. Wi was very professional, patient, kind & funny. (& don't let the fact that he's wearing thongs fool you 🤣) He can climb that mountain better than you! Once at the top we had a 360 degree view. We were fortunate to arrive to clear skies. We could see the sun coming out of the barley sea, Lombok & the other mountain...whilst Mt Batur summit was in cloud. 👌 A light breakfast of sandwiches, boiled egg & chocolate bar & banana. Plus a Bali coffee (black) or fresh ginger tea (delicious) was made available - prepared by a local villager who lives on the mountain. A 2nd cup is available - for a very small cost, directly to the lady. Delightful boat ride back to our car - seeing the important shrine on the water. Also the local fish farms. I also booked an "add on" Afterwards, I went to the Hot springs to relax. Gorgeous & warm. Great view & time to chill. Towel supplied & locker for your stuff. Change rooms & shower available. From the outset - Justin's communication was fantastic. Any questions I had were answered. All the staff were vigilant to ensure I was safe & felt comfortable. Wi also had some cool photographic tricks up his sleeve which delighted the other party of 3 guests. Joy, care, local knowledge & local employment & beautiful scenery. Challenge yourself. Yes you'll sweat, It's worth it! If your quads & glutes are feeble - I'd highly recommend bringing walking poles. Saves you from slipping, especially on the way down. (it's a mountain & it does have steep sections).

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rachel W

Review Date: 20 Sep 2025

Review Body: Grateful is the only word we have to describe our experience. If you are looking to visit Mount Batur - look no further, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect experience. This trek was made so special by our wonderful drive Yosi and our guide Wi. We genuinely had a blast with them. They are both welcoming, caring and funny and we shared so many laughs. Connecting with the two of them made our day. We also learned so much from both of them and want to thank them for being so knowledgeable. The boat ride to the lake was extraordinary. To be under the stars was magical. And, on the way back we got to see more of the lake including the beautiful temple and statues. The trek itself was ~45 minutes, mostly uphill, but certainly doable. We were alone on our trek and it was incredibly peaceful to experience nature in that solitude. We got very lucky with the weather and experienced a beautiful sunrise as well as a view of all five mountains. It was breathtaking. We were above the clouds. We saw a “circular rainbow” and could see our reflections!? I’ve never heard of that let alone seen anything like that. The photos don’t do it justice but between the mountains and the birdsong, the experience exceeded every expectation. Genuinely, there were 3 other people who came up during sunrise. That’s all. Compared to the hundreds that go up Batur, we couldn’t believe how lucky we were to experience this in such a private and unique way. Learning about the community who lives on the mountain was incredible and we were so grateful to see a glimpse of it. The breakfast was delightful and brought to us by a very kind local woman who lives on the mountain. After the trek we visited Goa Raja waterfall (Justin’s recommendation) and it was breathtaking. Again, there weren’t more than 2-3 other people visiting so it felt very private. Justin was great to communicate with and we thank him for organizing this. We wish you and your team every success - good people with good hearts sharing these beautiful experiences with us. Thank you. Lots of love! 🫶

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Melissa Lottering

Review Date: 25 Sep 2026

Review Body: We absolutely loved this experience from beginning to end! Everything went smoothly exactly as described, from the early-morning pick-up to making it up the mountain in time for sunrise. From our wonderful driver, Yoshi, to our knowledgeable hiking guide, Wi, we felt very well looked after throughout the entire experience. The hike is definitely steep in places for unfit legs (like ours, haha!), but all the effort is forgotten the moment you reach the top. We were VERY glad we brought our windbreaker jackets because it was surprisingly cold up there! The views were absolutely stunning, and we certainly didn't feel disappointed about not climbing the actual volcano. The view from the caldera was perfect, with the volcano on one side, the ocean on the other, and the lake below. It was also fascinating to learn about the lives of the people who live on the slopes of the volcano. We felt especially honoured that Wi shared the cemetery with us afterwards. It was a really special experience, and we appreciated how generously the Balinese people share their culture and traditions with visitors. We also got to see the fish farms, including Wi's own section, which was really interesting. We HIGHLY recommend adding the hot springs afterwards. What an incredible way to warm your bones and relax your muscles after the hike! We had more than enough time to enjoy the hot water and unwind before our transfer to Amed. I've been on many tours and travelled extensively around Southeast Asia, but this experience was particularly lovely. At no point did we feel pressured to pay for extras or do additional activities. It also felt like they genuinely cared whether we were enjoying ourselves. If you have a wonderful experience like we did, I definitely encourage you to tip. It's such a meaningful way to support small local businesses and give something back to the people who call these beautiful places home, even as they welcome so many visitors from around the world. A truly wonderful experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Krupa Sagar

Review Date: 01 Jul 2024

Review Body: This is not a Mount Batur trek, and we were aware of this when booking, as it was clearly stated. Justin did an excellent job ensuring we understood the activity beforehand. It was a nearby mountain where we could see the peaks of Mount Batur and Mount Agung. The experience with Justin, Wi, and Nawa was truly amazing. Justin personally picked us up at 3:10 am from our location near Ubud. We arrived at the starting point around 4:30 am and were introduced to our guides. Since there were only two groups, our guide was Nawa, an amazing person who made sure we were comfortable and helped us take many photos. We took a canoe across Lake Batur in the middle of the night and reached the trek's starting point around 5 am. Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach the summit due to health issues, and it was a cloudy day, so the sunrise wasn’t visible. Instead, we enjoyed a serene view at the lake's edge. Another group returned around 7:30 am, and we crossed the lake again, enjoying the beautiful view and weather. Wi shared the history of Batur, the Caldera, and stories about the King and Dewi Danu. Wi’s authentic knowledge and experience of the Caldera region were evident. Next, we headed to Toya Devasya. Despite some bad reviews about bugs, we were lucky as it was the dry season in late June, and there were almost no bugs. Arriving early at 9 am, it was less crowded, and we enjoyed the stunning view while Justin took great photos. He patiently waited for us to enjoy the hot springs before heading to the waterfall. Although we initially chose Kanto Lampo waterfall, Justin suggested an alternative, Goa Raja, which was beautiful and less crowded. On the journey, we had an enlightening conversation about Balinese culture, their hospitality, community dependence, and humility taught from a young age. It was a great insight into Balinese life. Overall, we had an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend this offbeat route and the wonderful people involved. Thank you, Justin, for making this trip worthwhile.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Andres Pantoja

Review Date: 27 Aug 2025

Review Body: This was an absolutely spectacular tour from start to finish! From the moment I was picked up, every detail of the day was perfectly arranged to create an unforgettable adventure. The main event, the Mount Batur sunrise trek, was truly magical. A quick boat ride across the lake brought us to the trailhead, where my fantastic guide, Wi, led the way. Thanks to his expertise, we made the exhilarating ascent in just 30-35 minutes! Reaching the summit was rewarded with the most breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views that words simply can't describe. Enjoying a simple breakfast of coffee, an egg, banana, and more while watching the world wake up from that vantage point was a moment I will never forget. The day was packed with more amazing experiences. After the trek, we enjoyed a boat tour on the lake, seeing the majestic Patung Dewi Danu statue. The visit to the natural hot springs was a unique and relaxing experience. However, a major highlight was lunch at Paper Hills—this restaurant is an absolute must-visit! The views are jaw-dropping, the food is incredible, and it's all surprisingly affordable. We capped off the perfect day at a coffee plantation, where I sampled 14 varieties of delicious coffee and tea and even tried the famous wild Kopi Luwak all with amazing views as well. It was a privilege to pack so many incredible memories into a single day. A huge and special thanks to my driver, Yoshi, for his safe and friendly service, and especially to my trekking guide, Wi, for an out-of-this-world tour. Thank you, Seek Sophie, for this flawless experience. If you are considering this tour, do it! You will be completely satisfied. If you get lucky enough to get Yoshi as a driver, please tell him hello from Andres for me. **SPOILER ALERT** DONT LOOK AT THE PHOTOS if you want this to be a surprise!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Anne (U.S.A.)

Review Date: 01 Jun 2025

Review Body: The experience was great. I appreciated receiving good communication prior to the tour explaining to me that this was a different kind of trek on a different part of the mountain - on the other side of the caldera, actually. My pleasant driver arrived early at my Ubud homestay early and waited until I was ready to go at the appointed time then we drove 1-1/2 hours in the early morning darkness to the lake at Mt Batur where I met my guide, Wi. Wi took me across the lake in his boat to the foot of the path. The hike took about an hour and was technically easy (in climbing terms). The path through forest and farms was narrow, somewhat steep and rocky but the ground was, for the most part, stable and not loose. I had the path to myself, with my guide! Wi was very helpful, lending me a hand when I needed it. The weather was great. It was at the end of May and not cold or too rainy. A yummy breakfast of banana, orange, snack bar and jelly sandwiches was provided at the top, made by a the local farmers wife. The sky was clear at sunrise, and I got a wonderful view of at least 3 mountain peaks and the ocean. We hiked down after about an hour and boarded Wi’s boat for a trip back to the starting point. Wi showed me Paying Dewi Dani and the local fish farms. I met my driver and, on the way back to Ubud, because I had nothing planned for the rest of the day and was in no rush, I asked the driver to stop at a restaurant for smoothie and he also suggested stopping at a coffee plantation for a coffee & tea tasting (which was much more enjoyable than expected). There’s a hot spring, farmers market and a few other interesting spots that I could have probably asked my driver to stop at. It was a good experience, different from the other very crowded Mt Batur trek and I’m glad I found this one!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Effie

Review Date: 13 May 2025

Review Body: This excursion was really magical. We got picked up by car and we transferred to a traditional boat on the volcanic lake, with stunning views of the craters and the full moon and blinking lights from nearby villages. The boat took us to the starting point and we hiked up the rim of the crater through lush forest. We saw the sunrise from the top, full view of all volcanoes including the nearby islands. It was majestic. We were alone almost the whole time, met only a couple of hikers on our way back, very peaceful and quiet. The hike is not very easy but we were carrying our toddler on our back (and he loved the experience too). Can't thank enough our excellent guide, our friendly driver and the local lady who prepared breakfast for us! They were so helpful and kind and professional. We continued our lake tour visiting the traditional burial site by the tree, impressive, and we also saw fishing nurseries and a water temple on the way. Wonderful. After the excursion we had booked the optional visit to the Toya Devasha hotsprings and a waterfall on the way to the airport. Note for future travellers, the excursion to the summit+ lake tour finishes around 8am and the experience lasts until 1-2pm regardless how many optional activities you book, so it's better to choose just one and have time to enjoy it. The hotsprings are wonderful and there are a lot of pools and water play and recreation areas. The waterfalls are beautiful and you can swim in the small pool at the foot of the smaller waterfall. You can easily spend three happy hours for each of them! We enjoyed them even though we didn't have that much time. Overall, we are so grateful for having this experience. A bliss!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Grace

Review Date: 17 Jun 2026

Review Body: Such an amazing trip, couldn't be happier! I did the tour solo - Justin my driver was excellent company all day, took the most amazing photos, made me feel super comfortable to everything at my own pace. The sunrise hike was unreal - so grateful to be away from the crowds, with just me and one other group at the top, stunning views, freshly made coffee and a delicious small breakfast. We had plenty of time and great visibility. The guides again took amazing photos at all the right times, were so helpful during the hike, always offering a hand or their stick when needed, clearly knew the mountain back to front so felt super safe. They were friendly, knowledgeable and good humoured. They carried water for me and provided a head torch and a bamboo stick to help with the hike. The lake crossing was magical in the dark and beautiful on the way back in the light. Both our guides had fish farms on the lake and it was really special to be guided by people who are part of the local community. As per other advice definitely bring a few layers as it's chilly at the top waiting for sunrise, especially as you'll get sweaty going up. The hike itself was around 40 minutes, it's steep at points and you need to watch your step but the guides are there to help. I booked a trip to Paperhills cafe and Goa Raja waterfalls afterwards, which were both also fabulous - Justin even let me borrow his flip flops for the waterfall as I'd forgotten to bring mine! It was clear the operator is dedicated to their guests having the best experience and I'll be using them at every opportunity for the rest of my trip. I was back at my hotel in Ubud glowing by 1pm - amazing start to finish.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Abby Goodrum

Review Date: 17 Mar 2026

Review Body: I am a 65 year old woman travelling to Bali alone. I’m moderately fit but really had no idea if I would be able to complete the 2 hour hike to the top of Mt. Batur. So the shorter hike to the caldera rim seemed like a good choice. I am so grateful to my guide Wi for helping me and encouraging me up the steep climb. There were many challenging points in this climb where I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep going. But Wi was patient and knew the trail well and he helped me to get up it. The entire experience from start to finish was amazing. Justin reached out to communicate clearly about the excursion details. My driver Arsa was very good at navigating twisty mountain roads and he even stopped along the way to allow me to take photos, and he also was quite talented in taking photos and videos as well. And my guide Wi was so knowledgeable and patient. The pre-dawn boat trip across lake Batur was magical as we could see the stars so clearly. And the sunrise from the top of the climb was stunning. After the climb, I was taken to a natural hot springs to soak my muscles and it was a bit kitschy but bliss! Maybe because I did this trip at the end of the rainy season, but I was the only person on the boat and the on the trail. No one else at the top either. The only advice I can offer is to dress in layers. I’m from Canada so I found it quite hot and humid. I brought along a long sleeved top and jacket but didn’t need them. Oh, and I brought along my own headlamp and was super glad that I did. I’m so glad that I picked this excursion through Seek Sophie. It was life changing and I recommend it 100%.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: christina

Review Date: 15 Jul 2023

Review Body: My husband and I did the Sunrise Hike with View of Mt Batur, Agung, and Abang. The fun started in the middle of the night with a remarkable van ride from our Ubud hotel by Justin (the best driver) who navigated the narrow windy Bali roads like a pro in the foggy pitch darkness. We met our guide Wi and the boat captain at the lake to get to another side to the trailhead. This is not a hike for those scared of the dark or those with overactive imaginations/bug-phobias. However, my husband is all those things and was able to face his fears and power through. Wi helped clear/hold back some encroaching plants and branches to help with my husband's fears. There are also some high steps, and Wi was able to help short little me with those. The reward at the top is amazing! I've done the group hike up Mt. Batur, and I will say this private experience up a jungle is even better. The sunrise is more spectacular from this vantage point and so peaceful without the crowds. Simply idyllic <3 Plus, the dance of the clouds is magical. Bottled water, headlamp, and hiking stick are provided. The hike up is only 1 hr uphill, shorter downhill. Once at the top, there is a small village, and the host there has a simple breakfast with tea/coffee. Word to the wise - there are no toilets except nature. We also visited a few temples and Hindu statues along the lake after hiking back down. We got back to our hotel in Ubud at 10am and still had a full day from there. A really enjoyable experience. I would highly, highly recommend! Thank you, Justin, Wi, boat captain, and Bali Yok!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ash

Review Date: 13 Jul 2026

Review Body: We booked Bali's Best Kept Secret: Unique Mt Batur Trek and Lake Batur Boat Ride, hosted by Bali Yok. We had 2 adults and 2 kids around 10 years old. The service felt very personalised, and Justin clearly put a lot of thought into curating this particular experience. He picked us up right on time for the early pickup, and the rear seats were already reclined so everyone could go back to sleep on the drive. His driving was smooth throughout. We met Ni at the start of the trek, who took us across the lake by boat - a really cool way to begin the morning. From there we hiked up to the caldera rim. Worth noting: this route doesn't go to the Mt Batur summit itself, but instead takes you to the top of the caldera facing the ocean. Ni was fantastic throughout, lending a hand where needed and letting us rest along the way. The climb took just over an hour, and when we reached the top there were only two other climbers up there with us. We settled in for breakfast and drinks while waiting for sunrise, and the views were incredible - Mt Agung, Mt Batur, and even Mt Rinjani on Lombok were all visible. There was quite a bit of cloud cover over Mt Batur itself, which would have really limited visibility for anyone who'd trekked the full two hours to reach that summit. We also booked the hot springs and arranged a visit to Penglipuran Village for an extra charge, and Justin was very accommodating with all of it. Overall, the whole experience felt smooth, exclusive, and private - memorable without the crowds, and not too challenging or overwhelming for the kids.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jan

Review Date: 17 Dec 2025

Review Body: It was the most fabulous experience. From start to finish. The taxi driver Yosi walked to meet me as I was staying down a dark and unlit alley in Ubud at the 2.50am start. The journey was comfortable to the starting point where we met with the incredible guide by the name of Wi. Wi bought head torches for our use and carefully guided me towards the boat. Staring up at the stars was inspiring. After tying to boat up we started the steady but uphill ascent of the mountain. WI was always there to lend a hand and advise which parts of the path needed careful navigating. Reaching the summit I was treated to lovely ginger tea, fruit, a chocolate bar and Nutella sandwiches. I really needed these! The clouds magically started to disappear and as the sun rose I got some amazing photos and Wi proved a master at photography! The descent was slower as slippery due to the rain...but I had brought my walking pole ( a stick will suffice) and this helped tremendously. With an ever helpful hand from Wi I was led safely down the path learning about some of the fauna on the way. Back on the boat I was shown the Lady of the Lake goddess and the fish farm then proceeded back towards the shore and the taxi waiting patiently to take me back into Ubud. Friends and relatives all were amazed at the photos and I will have some printed on canvas as a lasting memory. It is rare to find a trip where one feels so very welcome..not just a paying tourist. I wish all concerned the very best for 2026 and thank you all for really making the experience one to cherish.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jessica

Review Date: 29 Jul 2024

Review Body: This is not one of the typical Batur sunrise tours but we are so glad to have signed up for the experience, which allowed us to view 4 peaks (Batur, Agung, Abang and Rinjani) from the summit of the northeast caldera rim of Mt Batur in one trip. We were first picked up from our accommodation in Ubud by our driver, Yosi, who drove skilfully and made sure the car ride was comfortable for us as much as possible. On the way, he shared his own unique experience of the jungle trek, which somehow became a topic of interest for us throughout the trek. After meeting our guide, Wi, we took a boat ride across the caldera lake to the trailhead, under the moonlit, starry night sky. Although it was dark and the trail was narrow, Wi took great care of us and made sure we were kept safe throughout the trek. Wi is also very knowledgeable about the mountains and surrounding villages as he grew up in the area. On the way up, the clouds gathered and we were slightly worried if it would be too cloudy to see the sunrise or mountains that day but Wi assured us that the clouds would soon clear up. Indeed, views on the summit were spectacular, with no crowds at all! As we waited eagerly for the sunrise, a villager who lives on the mountaintop prepared a sumptuous breakfast for us. Towards the end of the tour, we were treated to a bonus tour to the fish farms on the lake to experience how the locals lived. This tour was certainly one of the highlights of our Bali trip. Thank you for the wonderful memories! Wishing the team all the best!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Shah

Review Date: 11 May 2026

Review Body: We had an amazing Ubud Sunrise Hike with SeekSophie, guided by Wi and driven by Yosi. Justin was very clear before the activity that this was not the main Mt Batur trek, but a caldera hike around Mt Batur with a shorter route and beautiful 360° sunrise views. Yosi picked us up from our villa in Ubud at 3am and was very communicative from the day before. He arrived on time, and the 1.5-hour drive to Kintamani was smooth and comfortable enough for us to sleep most of the way. Wi (our guide for the hike) met us at the lake and took us across by boat in the dark, where we could see the stars before sunrise. He provided bamboo walking sticks and headlights, then guided us safely up the straightforward but moderately tiring early morning hike. At the summit, we had breakfast with banana, toast, hard-boiled egg, snack bar, and hot tea or coffee while waiting for sunrise. The best part was how quiet it was, with only us, Wi and a local grandma there, while Mt Batur looked very crowded from afar (through the number of headlights). Wi took many beautiful photos and videos for us, both at the summit and during the hike down. The boat ride back was stunning in the morning light, and Wi also explained the lake temple, goddess statue and fish farms. Yosi then drove us back to Ubud safely while sharing stories and recommendations about Kintamani and other places to explore in Bali. We reached our villa around 10am feeling tired but refreshed, and this was truly a peaceful, local and memorable experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Josette

Review Date: 19 Sep 2026

Review Body: This was a great trip on so many levels. Justin was super quick to communicate with. He was punctual, clear and reliable. I booked the sort of alternative tour to see Mount Batur with him and I couldn't have been happier. The driver he organized took such good care of me. He was on time (in the middle of the night as I was staying quite far away). The driver drove carefully, making sure I wouldn't get carsick on the windy roads. Yosi was super polite. He also knew a lot about the country, the fruits, the plants and was great to chat to on the way back. The waterfall that we visited was a nice extra. My guide to hike up the mountain was excellent. Although Nawa was only doing this for a few years and in his early twenties, he was forthcoming, a good guide and made sure the pace was ok. I struggled sometimes with going down (it was slippery) and he helped me down and always reached out before I had to ask if he could help me. He even immediately concluded when I started coughing that it was from a bug. Which was true. I'm so happy I took this tour instead of the busier one at mount Batur itself. We still had a beautiful view, although we were a bit lower, much more personal and intimate experience. There were only about 8 other people at the top..if you are after a more personal experience, I highly recommend this tour. Take good walking shoes (preferably instead of running shoes, although Nawa wore his crocs with ease of course :-)), and some bug spray. Highly recommend this trip!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Janice

Review Date: 06 May 2025

Review Body: Oh wow where do I begin! The experience has been nothing short of amazing. From the get go, communication with Justin was seamless and he was able to answer any question that I may have about the trip. Timely reminders were also given over WhatsApp as we got nearer to the trip - really appreciated the comprehensive information about the trip and place of visit. The boat ride over to the trekking starting point was beautiful! Don’t think I’ve ever seen that many stars in my life. We even saw a shooting star pass by which was awesome! The actual trekking took about 45mins to reach the top. As it was my first time trekking, it proved to be quite a challenge, especially since the trek was early in the morning 😂 that said, with the help of my guide, I managed to reach the top in time to see the sunrise. I do recommend wearing proper hiking shoes for this as terrain can be rocky. We could see all 5 mountains from the top and weather conditions were good. Made some memorable memories alongside my new found friends as well. From the driver who brought me around to the trekking guides, everyone was so kind and friendly. Also, did I mention that we had the whole mountain to ourselves? So happy that I chose to trek this mountain instead of Mt Batur which can be super crowded. Made a trip to Goa Raja waterfall afterwards, that was pretty cool as well. I can’t recommend this tour enough, absolutely worth every penny. A must try if you’re ever in Bali ❤️

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Stephen O

Review Date: 22 Oct 2025

Review Body: An all round well planned and executed trip. This trek was recommended to us by friends as a great alternative to hiking up the busier and longer climb of Mount Batur. The communication once booked is via WhatsApp and is excellent. We were picked up by a private car from our hotel in Ubud at 3am and taken to the boat launch on Lake Batur. The drive was around 1.5 hours, the driver was Yosi and the ride was smooth. We met our guide, Wi, at the boat and he took us to the base of the climb. We were given headlamps and a bamboo walking stick to help with the climb. Hiking in the dark was an experience, I'd say the climb was medium difficulty, it was my wife and I and our 2 11 year old children. We paused once or twice on the way up for a water break and to take off a layer. We started the climb all in long sleeves and light rain jackets but by half way up we were all just in our short sleeve t shirts. The climb took between 45 mins and 1 hour, we all had trainers on (not hiking boots) and they were fine but make sure yours have good grips as there are some bits where you can slip. The views from the top are spectacular and well worth the climb. We were given a simple breakfast to refuel as we watched the sun rise and the clouds move below the peaks. Our guide Wi was great, he chatted with us and our children and took some great photos for us. We finished off with a small bout tour on the lake. I would really recommend this tour

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Annie

Review Date: 30 Jun 2025

Review Body: My partner and I had an unforgettable experience doing this alternative trek to Mount Batur. Fortunately the skies were clear and we enjoyed stargazing as we crossed Lake Batur in the boat early in the morning. What followed was a somewhat challenging trek, (we don’t do much hiking), with powerful head torches, but only took around 40minutes to reach the top for an incredible view of the mountains, Lake Batur and the coast as the sun rose. It was so beautiful and absolutely worth the hike! We could see Mount Batur lit up and the many tourists that journey there, so we felt lucky to only be around a few other people and locals who helped with breakfast. It was also dark, which meant we had a wonderful view of the stars and landscape around us. The top of Mount Batur also became obscured by clouds soon after sunrise, whereas it stayed clear where we were at a lower altitude, which might be another benefit of this tour. Breakfast served on the top was lovely and everyone we met was very friendly. We felt very cared for by our guides Wi and Nawa - thank you both so much! Nawa helped us to the top, talking to us about the local area and taking my regular breaks. He was also a fantastic photographer and has become very good at long exposure photos! I was nervous about slipping coming down, but Wi was brilliant helping every step of the way. I wouldn’t hesitate to go again, albeit with grippier shoes! Highly recommend this trip.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sharon & Darrian

Review Date: 03 Sep 2026

Review Body: What a fantastic experience! Possibly the best thing we did on Bali. We decided that climbing Mount Batur with up to 700 others wasn’t what we wanted and when we found this private alternative we thought we’d try it. This trip takes you up the Caldera which surrounds the area rather than up Mount Batur. Wow! We were picked up by our driver, Arsa, and taken down to the lake where we met our guide, Wi and he took us across the lake on a boat. Pitch black apart from the stars - very surreal - and then we arrived at a beach and up the mountain we climbed. 45 minutes uphill - strenuous but not impossible with a reasonable degree of fitness. At the top we had a 360 degree view over 5 volcanoes and were given a simple breakfast by a local lady and her son. The sunrise was absolutely spectacular. Wi was brilliant and should be a photographer as he loved doing arty photos - brilliant to look back on. We had as long as wanted watching the sun come up and then we made our way down to the boat. Back in the boat and a detour via the temple and statue over looking the lake. The whole trip was fantastic, 10/10 and if you want to escape the crowds and do something different then definitely choose this. We were lucky to have the tour for just the 4 of us - sometimes I believe there are a few others at the top but less than 10. Cannot recommend highly enough. Wi and Arsa were fantastic and the communication beforehand was excellent.

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: We’ll hike the local trekking route of Batur only known to locals. We also contribute to the village around by donating some of your spendings to local people there. So indirectly, you contribute to the local economy of the villages and the lives of the people around there. :)

Itinerary Description: 2 AM-3 AM: Pick-up from your hotel (exact time depends on the hotel location). 4 AM: Arrival at the trekking starting point. A short walk through local farms to reach the lakeside, where a boat will be waiting to take you across Batur Lake to the Caldera hillside*. Begin hiking through the jungle hills to reach the Batur Caldera Summit. [*Note: You may be sharing the boat transfer across the lake to the foot of the hike with other guests as the local community endeavours to protect the environment as much as we can by minimizing the number of boats used. You may meet other guests at the summit depending on the crowd that day, but we keep our guests no more than 15 people during peak season. Rest assured, your tour will still be a private tour - with private car transfer and private guide to the summit.] Around 5 AM-6 AM: Reaching the summit after trekking for around an hour and settling in for the amazing sunrise views. Enjoying a fresh breakfast with hot drinks provided by your guide. 8 AM: Climbing down from the hill to the lakeside, where the boat will be ready to bring you back across Batur Lake while you enjoy the magnificent view. Optional add-on: Visit to Trunyan cemetery with a short detour via boat to get there. Disembarking and having your guide lead you to the ancient magical Trunyan tree and surrounding cemetery to see how the locals bury their dead. Optional add-on: Visit to the coziest hot spring in the Kintamani area, the perfect place to spend the rest of the morning easing the muscles after trekking. 2 PM: Drop-off at your hotel with plenty of memories that will last you a lifetime (exact time depends on the location of your hotel)