Mount Batur Sunrise Hike – A Refreshing Start to the Day

Situated in the Bangli region on the island of Bali, Indonesia, Mount Batur volcano is a splendid spot to watch the sunrise. For many years, tourists have been hiking up this volcano for sunrise views overlooking Mount Agung and Mount Agang volcanoes, and it’s not hard to see why. The hike itself is not very tough, but you need to be prepared to get up early for the drive to Mount Batur. I stayed in Seminyak, and the driver picked me up at 2am. If you’re staying in Ubud, the pick-up will most probably be between 3.15am and 3.30am.

It’s the first time I hiked a volcano for the sunrise and not knowing what to expect, I was totally unprepared. In this article, you’ll find useful tips to help you plan for the sunrise hike, including what to bring and how to prepare.

What to Wear

I recommend wearing comfortable leggings, shorts, or something you would typically wear to work out for the hike. Wearing proper trainers or hiking shoes is a must, because the rocks and gravel are loose at the final part of the hike, and it will be hard to move around if you’re wearing stylish-looking but non-practical shoes. It is very chilly at the beginning of the hike and at the summit, so you should bring a sweater or hoodie along. You can also consider bringing a waterproof jacket in case you are hiking in wet season.

What to Bring

Besides waterproof gear, you should pack water and snacks. Although small bottled water will be provided by the guides, it’s usually not enough. Your guides will also provide you with flashlights but if you prefer keeping your hands free, you can also bring along a headlamp. You shouldn’t forget your cameras, tripod, and drones. Although the heavy equipment might weigh you down, you’ll be thankful you brought them along when you reach the summit and are greeted by the captivating sunrise view.

How to Prepare

Ascending the volcano which is 1,717 metres, or 5,633 feet, above sea level takes two hours for most people, but it also depends on how many breaks you need to take along the way. If you are normally active and have a decent level of cardio, you shouldn’t find the hike to be too difficult. To be honest, the level of difficulty really depends on your own personal fitness level. You definitely do not need to be training beforehand (it’s a leisure hike, not a competition) and as long as you take breaks when you need them, it’s not hard to get to the top.

I reached the peak around 5.30am and spent an hour just taking in the sunrise. You can keep going up to wander around the crater of the volcano, see some monkeys playing at the temple on top and find some areas where hot smoke is creeping out of the volcano. After you’re done exploring, inform your guide and you can begin your descent.