Gunung Batur: how to get to the main volcano in Bali

Climbing Mount Batur at sunrise is one of the many activities worth adding to your Bali to-do list. If you enjoy a relaxing beach holiday, reading your favorite novel and sipping cocktails, check out our page about Bali's beaches. This page is perfect for those who aren't afraid of physical activity and, most importantly, are looking for stunning views. Seeing them, as is often the case, requires some effort. But it's worth it.

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All about Mount Batur

• Gunung Batur or Mount Batur is a volcano in northeastern Bali.
• Caldera height. volcanism. It is more than 1700 meters, and it extends 13 kilometers in length and 10 kilometers in width.!
• Inside the Gunung Batur caldera, which over 20,000 years, The lake of the same name and several craters were formed.
• Batur volcano is active, there are periodic tremors, and in 2000, Bali residents heard and saw an eruption, accompanied by the release of ash.
• Due to the location in Bali, the most touristic island of Indonesia, tours with ascent to Batur are always in the top and you should book them in advance.

Climbing the mountain Gunung Batur is considered quite risky, so you should definitely use the services of a certified guide.

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Where is Gunung Batur?

Mount Batur is located in northeastern Bali, approximately two hours' drive from the famous resort of Seminyak and about an hour's drive from Ubud.

The volcano is located in an area called Kintamani, also pronounced Chintamani. This area and town, located on the western side of the caldera, often serves as the starting point for ascents of Mount Batur.

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How to climb Batur

There are several trails to climb to the top of the volcano. Some are simpler, with gentle paths. Others are more challenging and take longer to climb.

1. The difficult route lasts about 2.5 hours and during this time you will cover about 11 kilometers. The track is quite difficult, without at least average physical training will be difficult.
2. The short route takes about 7 kilometers and can be completed in 45-60 minutes.

Of course, the speed of the route will be affected not only by physical fitness, but also by the number of people in the group, the frequency of rest stops, etc. However, it is worth considering that if your goal is to rise at dawn and see the beauty that opens at the top in the first rays of the sun, it is better to make fewer stops or go out earlier to rationally calculate the time.

Important: Do not climb the mountain yourself, especially if you have not done this before. Be sure to hire a guide. You will be advised at the hotel where you are staying.

Guide services will cost around $15 or more - much depends on the route chosen, the number of people and the activities involved. And it is important to provide clear weather, then the views from the top will be the most beautiful.

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How difficult is the route to Batur

The short track to the top can be overcome not only by physically active people, but also by older children. Along the way there are flat areas and hilly ones. Sometimes you will have to climb quite steep slides, but it is not so difficult. In some places you will pass the usual grassy plains, and in some places there may be volcanic dust. In general, along the way you will see a lot of remnants of the volcanic eruption of 2000 - quite an interesting experience.

If you do not have stories with climbing mountains, and you lead a rather inactive lifestyle, it is better to choose a short path. Then in about an hour you will be on top and still be in a great mood.

As a rule, to climb Mount Batur at dawn, you need to start climbing around 3-4 a.m., respectively, depending on where you live, you will need to get up at midnight or a few hours later to gather and arrive at the place of the ascent.

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What to take with you to Batur

• Be sure to take drinking water. Approximately 1.5-2 liters per person will be enough.
• Sunscreen - even the morning sun can be insidious - it will manifest itself on the way back. Be sure to protect your skin. It would also be nice to bring a headdress from the sun.
• Comfortable closed shoes and comfortable clothes. It is also worth taking spare clothes to change - a minimum of t-shirts and socks. The route is quite difficult and sweating is easier than simple, but not to get caught in the rain in tropical forests. rareness. It is often windy at the top - you will definitely want to change into something dry. Take a windbreaker with you.
• Something to eat on the road. Snack It is necessary to recharge the energy.
• Bring a camera or at least a phone. You will certainly want to capture the ascent and beautiful views, especially if you are lucky with the weather.
• You will need an ergonomic backpack with an emergency kit, which may include personal medications, a sleeping pad, and other personal items.
• Swimsuits – can come in handy if you decide to visit hot springs after climbing – they are very popular to relax after exercise.

Enjoy your trip to the main volcano in Bali!

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