Sunrise Volcano Trekking

Sometimes in life you are faced with a choice between two things that both matter. Which one do you prefer: a splendid sunrise or an alluring sunset? In Bali, you can have it both, in one spot.

Although this may be true, before we explore one of the beautiful sun-seeker spots in Bali, we'd like to introduce you to one of the mythical giants in Balinese folklore; Kebo Iwa. 

Kebo Iwa was a ruthless giant and always hungry. When his hunger was unbearable, he rampaged through the village. He ate whomever he met and destroyed houses and temples. By reason of despair and fear, the villagers initiated the way to kill Kebo Iwa by made a fake promise: they would provide a large amount of food and asked Kebo Iwa to rebuild the houses and temples in return. 

After a while, when the village was fully rebuilt, Kebo Iwa dug a deep well as a water supply for the villagers. As he dug deep inside the land, a mountain began to form. 

One day, in the well, Kebo Iwa fell asleep on a full stomach. The villagers did the final action, their true intention: throwing the limestone and water into the well. Drowned in suffocating, Kebo Iwa tried to escape the well, but he failed; died on a boiling water, an exothermic reaction as the result of combination of water and limestone. Strangely enough, the well is now known as Lake Batur, while the enormous pile of ground as high as 1717 m beside the lake is the spot that we're now going to explore: Mount Batur. 

However, three big questions are now probably popping out in your mind: Is it safe to climb Mount Batur, considering of Mount Agung eruption? Reading the latest info from Indonesia's National Board of Disaster Management, there are no indications of increased volcanic activity, it remains at a safe level one. In addition, Mount Batur is located north-west of Mount Agung, with the distance 18.16 kilometres between them; peak to peak.

The next question would be: is it hard to climb Mt. Batur? The route to Mount Batur can be tracked in any web mapping service and if you are in a relatively good fitness condition, it's possible. 

The final question could be: is it possible to hike Mt. Batur without a tour guide? It's possible. Nevertheless, if you're a non-Indonesian, it's forbidden to climb it unassisted. After all, you can be still adventurous to ride on motorbike from your location to the starting points of climbing at Mount Batur, which are located at Pura Jati Luhur or Toya Bungkah. There will be the guide association booth, offering packages starting at Rp  400.000,- 

Presently, the Mount Batur's climbing usually starts around 3 am. We approximately needs around two hours to reach the peak, so you could witness a splendid sunrise around 6 am.

But wait! 

Before you go jump on your vehicle, please put these things in your backpack: 

- LED flashlight. If you prefer being hands free: bring a headlamp.

- Sunscreen, liniment for muscle pain, antiseptic ointment, bandages.

- A wind-breaker, a hat, sunglasses, a spare t-shirt, raincoat—just in case, as weather forecast sometimes misleading. 

- Mineral water, snack, wet tissues. And egg—you will know why!

Anyway, please avoid heavy loads, don't let your bag tackle your step!

What to wear?

- Please dress in layers, so you can adjust your body temperature. It's gonna be cold and quite windy at the top.

- Have your long pants on, to warm and protect your legs from the rocks and long grasses. 

- Put on your hiking boots with ankle support.

Prepare your stamina

The first half hour of the climb is fairly flat. After the first pelinggih (shrine), watch your steps as the track becomes steeper with full of solid rocks and pebbles. No need to walk in a hurry, enjoy the ride. During your half-way to the summit, enjoy the stunning beauty of the Lake Batur.

Finally, from the top of the Mountain Batur, be ready to embrace the serenity of sunrise at the east. And look to the west; at the solid view of Mount Abang and Lombok's Mount Rinjani. While enjoying all its beauties, please try to cook your egg in the hot volcano steam. Now you know! 

Notes:

- All the walk can take 4-6 hours.

- Mountain Batur is a sacred Hindu mountain, please respect local sensibilities — forget your short shorts and tank tops.

- Beware of cheeky monkeys! They like to own your cute things! 

- There are some aggressive non-licensed guides trying to sell tours when you arrive at the starting point. If you need an assurance on feeling safe, you can get a better deal on some trekking tours around the island that offer the packages which include transportation and an english speaking guide.

Here are 5 tour operators for your unforgettable Mount Batur Trekking:

1. Bali Eco Cycling

http://www.baliecocycling.com/batur-trek/

This tour is suitable for you who are confident on bicycles. They provide snacks and a hearty breakfast. Their package combines Mount Batur Sunrise & Swim with full day Bali Eco Cycling Tour.

Price: starts from $88,- /person

Pick up points: Uluwatu, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Sanur, Ubud. 

2. Bali Sunrise Tours

https://www.balisunrisetours.com/trekking-tours/mount-batur-sunrise-trekking

They provide a driver and air-conditioned car or mini-bus, entrance fee to the Kintamani area, a guide per group of 4 people, flashlights, drinking water, volcanic steam boiled eggs.

Price: starts from Rp 650.000,- /person

Pick up points: Nusa Dua, Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, Candidasa, Lovina 

3. Bali Jungle Trekking

https://balijungletrekking.com/mount-batur-trekking-sunrise-hiking-tour

They provide a private service with a flexible trip which allow you to make a stop at places after the trek without any additional charge as long as it’s on the same direction to your hotel.

Price: starts from $49/person (Minimum two person) 

Pick up points: Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, Kerobokan, Legian, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Lovina, Pemuteran, Amed, Sidemen.

4.  Kadek Bali Trekking

They have many option for tour package.

http://www.kadekbalitrekking.com/mount-batur-trekking

Price: starts from $45 / person (Minimum two person)

Pick up points: Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Ubud, Padang Bai, Lovina, Amed

5.  Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

They provide a private driver, a car, and an English speaking private hiking guide as well. 

https://www.mountbatursunrisetrekking.info

Price: Rp 1.320.000,- per person / Rp 1.760.000 per two person / Rp 2.250.000 per three person / Rp 2.600.000 per for person / more than for person: @ Rp.650.000

Pick up points: They pick you up directly from your hotel.