6 Best Things to do in Batur, Bali 6 Best Things to do in Batur, Bali

6 Best Things to do in Batur, Bali

The beautiful area around the Mount Batur volcano, one of the four sacred mountains in Bali, is home to stunning sunrises, black lava fields, natural hot springs, and delicious coffee. Come for a day or two, so you can make the famous trek up to the volcano’s summit at sunrise. There you’ll be met by panoramic golden views over the whole of Bali! Best of all, you’ll still have time to rest, recover, and discover the magic and serenity of this healing landscape. Don’t miss out on all the best things to do in Batur, Bali, with our complete guide.

Things to do in Batur, Kintamani

Located in the Kintamani region of Bali, the main attraction of this area is, of course, the beautiful Mount Batur. People come here to hike up the mountain for the spectacular sunrise views.

trekking mount batur bali sunrise

However, there are lots more things to do in the Batur area! For example, you can’t miss a visit to Lake Batur, which lies at the base of the volcano. Here you can soak in warm hot springs, visit sacred water temples, and gaze out over mirror-like water and majestic mountain surroundings.

mount batur bali things to do

The cooler volcanic landscape, which has been named a global geopark by UNESCO, is also a coffee-growing haven. So, sit back and relax with a hot cup while you take in the breathtaking views. 

1. Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

The active volcano Mount Batur, also known as Gunung Batur, was formed over 25,000 years ago and rises high above the surrounding landscapes, reaching 1717 m. The best time to appreciate the stunning views is at sunrise, when a sea of pink and orange clouds can be seen floating far below.

things to do mount batur bali view sunrise

When the clouds clear, you can also see endless valleys carpeted in lush green jungle dotted with tiny villages and the beautiful Lake Batur. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Lombok Island out in the Bali Sea. It’s worth every yawn of that early morning start!

mount batur trekking bali tour sunrise

Other interesting things to look out for from the mountain are the black lava fields far below (created by the 1968 eruption of the volcano). As you reach the summit, you may also notice the crater rim has small crevices with rising hot steam. Some of the locals use these to cook eggs as a mid-trek snack!

mount batur bali village sunrise

Guided Tour

It is required to hire a local guide or book a tour to take you up the mountain. Although Mount Batur sunrise trekking is fairly easy, a tour takes all the hassle out of the experience. Your guide will collect you from your accommodation, provide useful equipment, and tell you their expert local knowledge. You’ll also get breakfast and a cup of hot coffee at the top of the mountain.

Book a local driver or tour Contact our friend Yande with his Bali Friend Tour team. We've done countless incredible trips with him in the last 6 years!
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The trek is generally very safe, with well-used paths and continuous monitoring of volcanic activity (the last eruption was over 20 years ago). This makes it a very popular hike with tourists who choose it over the much longer and more strenuous trek at Mount Agung.

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guided tour mount batur bali

The best time to hike Mount Batur is in April-October, when there is the best visibility. You will need a warm jacket, good hiking shoes, plenty of water and snacks, and your camera! Bringing your own headlamp is useful if you have one, but your guide should provide one. 

How Long Does it Take to Climb Mount Batur?

It takes two hours to reach the summit, depending on your fitness level, making it roughly four hours in total. Leave some extra time at the top to enjoy the views and catch your breath. Most tour companies will pick you up at around 2 AM, leaving plenty of time to drive to the start point and trek up the mountain in time for sunrise.

If you are staying in Kintamani village, you can walk to the volcano. This is a great option if you want a slightly later start!

mountains bali

2. Batur Natural Hot Spring

The Batur Natural Hot Spring is a series of man-made pools that are heated geothermally by underground magma. The volcanic minerals in the natural spring water are great for your skin and relaxing your muscles – making it the perfect place to soak after your early morning hike. The water cools as it comes to the surface, so it is the perfect temperature for bathing (40°C / 105°F). 

things to do batur hot spring bali

Come to Batur Natural Hot Springs to relax outside in the crystal-clear infinity pools; it’s one of the top things to do in Batur! As you sink deep into relaxation, you’ll have gorgeous panoramic views of Mount Batur and the surrounding mountain ranges. Beautiful Balinese sculptures line the natural baths, and tinkling fountains complete the spa-like atmosphere.

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Bali Batur Natural Hot Spring fountains

There are also lots of facilities included with your entrance. For example, a restaurant, showers, lockers, free towels, free wifi, and free juice. If you visit during the week, it will be slightly quieter, too.

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6 Best Things to do in Batur, Bali

Tip: This is one of several hot spring pools in the area. Alternatively, if you want a slightly more luxurious option, head to Toya Devasya Natural Hot Spring next door. This resort also offers spa treatments (300k IDR / 20 USD entry).

Bali Batur Natural Hot Spring

3. Pura Segara Ulun 

Pura Segara Ulun is a beautiful floating temple on Lake Batur, accessed by a small bridge that crosses the water. Bali has many water temples, but this is one of the hidden gems! The authentic Hindu shrine is a very peaceful place to visit after a hectic morning of trekking. It also has a view of the volcano, so you can fully take in how far you’ve climbed. 

things to do batur bali Pura Segara Ulun

Impressive at any time of day, it is particularly serene at sunrise, when the water is calm, and there is a stunning reflection of the temple on the golden lake. Come and breathe in the cool mountain air, marvel at the beautiful fountain statues, and listen to the soft calls of the swans swimming close by. 

Pura Segara Ulun temple bali mount batur
Pura Segara Ulun bali

4. Pinggan Sunrise

Pinggan is a rural farming village on a mountain ridge that overlooks Mount Batur, offering spectacular views of the mountain at sunrise. Seeing the Pinggan Sunrise is a relaxed early morning alternative to the two-hour hike up Mount Batur. From the ridge, which faces east, there are countless places to catch the sun coming up behind the volcano. You’ll see the valley below covered in a sea of magical clouds, and access to the viewpoints is free! 

sunrise hike mount batur bali

Try the popular Sukawana Sunrise Spot or the Pinggan Sunrise View. Alternatively, there are plenty of natural viewpoints or bamboo platforms where you can take in the spectacular natural scenery with no one else around.

mount batur bali view platform Pinggan Sunrise

Pinngan Sunrise or Mount Batur?

With its panoramic views, Pinggan is a great place to watch either the sunset or sunrise. However, if you can, do both! It’s possible to hike Mount Batur for sunrise and also head to the ridge at Pinggan village for sunset. If you only have the option to do one, choose Pinggan. The ridge is arguably the most beautiful sunrise spot in Bali, together with Lanhangan Sweet, close to Amed

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5. Cafes with a View

There are plenty of cute cafes on the mountain ridges that have incredible views of Mount Batur and the black lava savanna below. Sip on a cup of locally-grown coffee, grab a freshly-made pastry, and look out over one of the best views in Bali! 

batur bali restaurant view

Our favorite cafe was Paperhills which has great food and even better drinks, with fantastic coffee and juice options. On the same street, there are loads of lovely cafes where you can buy coffee and pastries. Alternatively, head for one of the restaurants for something more filling, all with spectacular views of the volcano. Other nice spots we also enjoyed were El Lago and Kintamani Coffee

best cafe mount batur bali

6. Visit a Coffee Plantation

Visiting a coffee plantation is one of the top things to do in Batur, Kintamani! The fertile grounds beneath the volcano (due to volcanic ash) and cooler mountain climate has made the area around Batur the perfect place to grow coffee. Spend a few hours learning about the coffee-making process and tasting delicious local brews at one of the many plantations close to the mountain. 

coffee

Coffee Tours in Batur

You can have amazing tasting experiences, however, we recommend to skip the notorious Luwak coffee. Kopi Luwak is made from coffee beans that have been partially digested by civets (a nocturnal mammal). It is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, mainly because it takes time and labor to scavenge for the limited supply of wild civet poop. For this reason, some coffee farms have started caging animals to enable mass production. Also, be aware of the trick that Luwak coffee sold are mixed with regular coffee beans.

mount batur bali coffee plantation

Furthermore, an estimated 80% of Luwak coffee is actually fake and made from normal blends. However, you are still charged crazy prices! We think that the usual kind of Balinese coffee (that hasn’t passed through an animal) is just as delicious, so don’t waste your money on Kopi Luwak.

Best Cafes & Restaurants in Batur

There are loads of cozy cafe options in Batur, most of which have their own roastery and offer locally grown coffee with fantastic views of the volcano and the lake. There are also lots of warungs (small family-owned restaurants) that offer traditional Balinese food for very reasonable prices. Most food places can be found on Penelokan Main Road.

  • Warung Good Karma
  • El Lago
  • Kintamani Coffee
  • Paperhills
  • Volcano Restoran
  • Shallot’s warung makan
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best cafe restaurant mount batur bali

Where to Stay in Batur

We’d recommend staying at least one night in the Batur area so that you can recover from the sunrise hike and fully relax in the wonderful natural surroundings. There are plenty of accommodation options around the lake, depending on your budget and taste, from hotels and villas to glamping. You’ll find most in the district of Kintamani.

Tip: Remember, it can be challenging to get around if you don’t have transportation, as the mountainous terrain is not that walkable. However, if you book a trekking tour of Mount Batur, most companies will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation. 

best place to stay mount batur bali
Taken at Cliff Panorama

How to Visit Batur

Batur can be visited on a day trip from Ubud, Canggu, or Amed (1.5 hours) and Seminyak (2.5 hours). 

Find flights to Batur ✈️

By Tour

There are various trekking tours of Mount Batur. Depending on the company, your tour may also include extras like a visit to the hot springs or a coffee plantation. Have a look on GetYourGuide or Viator, or contact our local friend below.

Book a local driver or tour Contact our friend Yande with his Bali Friend Tour team. We've done countless incredible trips with him in the last 6 years!
Contact on Whatsapp
yande bali friend tour
bali dog

By Car

Alternatively, hire a private driver in Bali for one or multiple days. This could be a very affordable option, especially when split between multiple people. (Learn more here)

Getting Around

The easiest option is to rent a scooter or a car. This will give you much more freedom and flexibility, particularly if you want to stay for a night or two. Scooters can be rented daily for as little as 50,000 IDR (3.30 USD). 

things to do mount batur bali volcano

How Much Does Batur Cost?

Like the rest of Bali, prices are reasonable here, so you won’t break the bank exploring this beautiful area.

Costs of Traveling in Batur

Travel on a budget in Batur, from $150 − $330 USD weekly per person, mid-range $460 − $600 USD, and high-end from $660 − $960 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

Best Time to Visit Batur

The best time to visit Batur is during the dry season from April-October, when you have a better chance of getting the best views at the summit of Mount Batur. This mountainous area of Bali is much colder, especially at night, so remember to bring warm layers and a jacket for those cool early mornings. The cooler climate does, however, make it a refreshing place to escape the heat on the coast!

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Also see: Best Time to visit Bali
15/05/2023 https://www.saltinourhair.com/bali/batur-kintamani/
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