Mount Batur Sunset Trek with Picnic Bali

Mount Batur, the active volcano of Kintamani

Mount Batur rises to about seventeen hundred metres in the middle of a vast double caldera more than ten kilometres wide, a huge crater formed by ancient eruptions in the Kintamani highlands of north-east Bali. It is still active, with steam vents near the summit and lava flows from twentieth-century eruptions that remain black and bare on its flanks. The caldera, the volcano and Lake Batur together form the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark.

For the Balinese the mountain and its lake are sacred, as the lake feeds springs and irrigation across the island. A Mount Batur hike is one of the most popular adventures in Bali because the summit is reachable in a few hours by anyone with moderate fitness, yet the views feel truly volcanic. Climbing in the afternoon lets you see the whole landscape on the way up instead of walking in the dark.

The trek up through lava fields and pine forest

The trek starts at the foot of the volcano in the afternoon. With trekking poles in hand you follow your guide along trails of volcanic sand and gravel, first through farmland and pine forest, then over rugged fields of frozen black lava where only hardy shrubs grow. As you climb, the views open across the caldera rim, the lake and the villages on its shore, and the air cools pleasantly with the altitude.

The difficulty is moderate with some challenging sections where the ground is loose and steep, so proper walking or trekking shoes are essential. The guide sets a steady pace with breaks for water and photos, and explains the geology, the eruptions and the legends of the mountain. A reasonable level of fitness is needed; the trek is not advised for people with back, heart or other serious medical conditions.

Summit picnic and sunset over the caldera

At the top you stand on the crater rim of Mount Batur with a panorama of the whole caldera. To the east, beyond Lake Batur lying at the foot of the volcano, rise Mount Abang and the great cone of Mount Agung, at over three thousand metres the highest and holiest mountain in Bali. As the sun sinks in the west, the light turns the peaks, clouds and lake gold, pink and then violet.

Your guide sets up a mini picnic so you can sit back and enjoy the show with a snack, and there is time for photographs before the descent. Many travellers find the Mount Batur sunset trek calmer than the sunrise climb, with fewer people on the summit and a warm afternoon light all the way up. Bring a light jacket, as the wind at the top cools quickly after sunset.

The trekkers' lounge and practical tips

Before and after the hike you have the use of a villa-style lounge at the foot of the volcano, with clean modern toilets and a comfortable shower area, so you can wash off the volcanic dust before the ride back. After your shower, relax with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Showers are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In the default option our driver collects you from Kuta, Legian, Jimbaran, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Sanur or Ubud about an hour to an hour and a half before the trek starts, and the Kintamani area ticket is included. If you are already staying near Kintamani, the meeting-point option starts at the lounge at 15:00. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on the trek, so bring only a small backpack with water and a jacket.