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.
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!
Tip: Watch out for the cheeky wild monkeys looking to steal your breakfast.
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.
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.
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!
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).
Everything about Batur Natural Hot Spring in 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.
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.
Opening Hours & Entry Fee: Open daily from 7 AM-7 PM. 190,000 IDR (12.69 USD)
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).
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.
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.
Did you know? This peaceful Hindu temple is similar to Ulun Danu Bratan on your way to Munduk, but without the crowds! The price is free, but we recommend giving a donation. You can rent a sarong (10,000 IDR / 0.67 USD) if you need to cover up your shoulders and knees.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Instead, choose to do a tour at an organic, family-owned plantation like Bali Beans.
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
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.
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).
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.
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)
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.
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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