Mount Batur: Your Essential Guide & Beat the Crowds [2025]

Yes it's worth it! It’s Bali’s most popular hike for a reason—you get stunning views, and it’s beginner-friendly. Plus, you get to say you hiked an active volcano that has UNESCO status!

Just know that it's pretty touristed, so expect crowds (600 hikers a day!) We would recommend picking a trekking guide who takes a less touristed-trail.

In June 2023, there was talk of banning hiking on Bali's mountains to protect their sacredness. Don't worry, no ban is in place yet! You can still hit those trails, but expect stricter rules to respect Balinese traditions. A complete ban is unlikely.

It depends on your fitness, but most reasonably fit people find it manageable – summit in about 2 hours! Descent can be trickier on the knees, so save some energy. Want an easier option? Consider the Caldera Trek, which takes under an hour. You can also do a jeep ride!

The views from the top of Mount Batur are worth the early wake-up call! As the sun breaks, it'll light up neighboring volcanoes like Mount Abang, Agung, and Rinjani. A volcanic lake shimmers below, and you'll also get panoramic views of nearby towns and villages.

The Mount Batur sunrise hike means a midnight hotel pickup, returning around noon. For a later start, consider the sunrise Jeep trip (pickup around 3 am) or a Sunset hike/jeep ride (starting early-mid afternoon, ending around 8-9 pm). This may work better for families with children!

Expect a mix of terrain on your Mount Batur hike: dirt roads, jungle paths, rocky sections, and even slippery volcanic sand on the descent (take it slow). Don't stress about the dark – your guide will provide flashlights!

Dress in layers for Mount Batur! It's chilly at the top (14-18°C) but warms up later. Pack a jacket, long pants, and a short-sleeved shirt. Rain gear is wise, especially during the rainy season (Dec-Mar). No need for hiking boots – running shoes are fine.

Essentials are: plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and your camera or phone (and a drone if you're feeling fancy!). Most guides include a unique breakfast experience, even cooking eggs in volcanic steam, but bring some snacks if you get peckish. Also, have a bit of cash on hand in case you want to grab a treat from locals at the summit.

Travel time to the start point depends where you're staying. Expect about an hour from Ubud (faster at night!), up to two hours from South Bali (Kuta/Seminyak/Canggu), and only 10-15 minutes if you're near Kintamani.

The best time to go depends on if you prioritize clear sunrises or smaller crowds. Dry season (June-Sept) offers the best chance for epic sunrises, but it's also peak season (600 climbers a day!). For fewer people, try the shoulder seasons (Oct-Nov, April-May), knowing rain is more likely. Rainy season? A sunset trek might offer clearer skies.

Technically, you can hike Mount Batur without a guide, but it's strongly discouraged. Local guides tightly control access to the mountain, and solo hikers may face hassle. This system ensures safety and supports the local community. Check out our favourite Mount Batur guides here!

After your Batur trek, ease those tired muscles at the natural hot springs (touristy though). Interested in coffee? Explore a sustainable plantation in Kintamani, Bali's coffee heartland (and please, avoid ones that exploit luwaks!). For cultural immersion, there's Besakih Temple, Bali's most important, or seek out hidden waterfalls like Kato Lampo.

If you want a truly unique experience, visit Trunyan Village (our fave!) Bali's oldest village known for its magical tree and fascinating traditions.

Yes! For fewer crowds, choose a guide that takes a less-travelled route to summit. The summit itself might still be busy, but you'll avoid the massive crowds of 600 people during the climb itself.

For a truly unique and uncrowded experience, try the Batur Caldera hike. This sunrise trek offers stunning views of the volcano's rim and includes a boat ride on Lake Batur for a real adventure!

Yep! Skip the hike with a 4WD Jeep adventure. See Mount Batur and explore black sand lava fields - perfect if you're short on time or not a hiker!

Batur is one of the easier volcano hikes, so it could work for your kids if they're up for a 2-hour hike each way. Since sunrise hikes start at midnight, consider a sunset hike or a jeep trip with a later start – those might be more kid-friendly. You can also ride an ATV at Batur!