Mt. Batur Sunrise Adventure: A Scenic Ride to One of Bali’s Best Views
During my vacation in Bali, Indonesia, I wanted to end my trip with something meaningful—something that would allow me to pause, reflect, and truly take in the beauty of this paradise island. And what better way to do that than by catching a sunrise atop an active volcano?
For my last day (June 18, 2025), I booked a Mt. Batur Sunrise Tour through Klook, a popular travel platform offering various curated experiences across Southeast Asia. I specifically chose the package that included a skilled photographer (because memories deserve to be beautifully captured!) and a side tour to the Instagram-famous Cretya Ubud. This package was perfect for someone like me who wanted both adventure and content creation in one go. See the available packages and the one I availed of below:
Preparing for the Journey
I was staying at Tekuni Dua, a cozy accommodation in Bali, and thankfully, the tour included hotel pick-up. The day before the hike, I received an email from the organizer confirming that my pick-up time would be around 2:30 AM. As early as that sounds, I knew it was necessary to reach the volcano before sunrise. I set my alarm for 1:45 AM to give myself enough time to prepare. True to schedule, my driver arrived right on time in a private car.
From my hotel, it was a two-hour drive to the jump-off point of Mt. Batur. The ride was peaceful, and although it was still dark outside, I could already feel the excitement building up. As we approached the base of the mountain, the temperature dropped drastically. It was quite cold, but my outfit—a jacket and leggings—was just right for the weather. For those who might not be prepared for the chill, jackets are available for rent at around IDR 50,000.
There were restroom facilities available at the base, which I used before we headed up. My driver introduced me to my guide and the photographer who would accompany me for the sunrise experience. I was then asked to board a 4×4 jeep that would take us partway up the mountain. That’s right—despite being labeled a “hike,” this tour didn’t involve much walking at all. Instead, I enjoyed the scenic ride as a passenger.
The Ascent to the Sunrise Spot
The jeep ride up Mt. Batur was exhilarating. The trail was dark and a little bumpy, but that only added to the adventure. Since the vehicle was open-air, I could really feel the cold mountain breeze brushing against my face—it reminded me of road trips in Benguet, Philippines. Along the way, I saw dozens of other jeeps heading up the trail, each packed with eager tourists chasing the sunrise. It was like a convoy of colorful toy trucks making their way up a giant sand dune.
Due to the number of visitors, there was a bit of traffic near the viewing spot. Still, the atmosphere was exciting. Around 5:00 AM, we finally reached the designated area where we would wait for the sunrise. The place was already crowded with people, and the jeeps were parked close to each other, their bright colors adding to the charm of the moment.
Before the sun made its grand appearance, we were led to a small food area where breakfast was served. It was simple but satisfying—a boiled egg, bread with coconut jam, biscuits, and a choice of hot coffee or tea. Naturally, I chose tea. Sitting there in the cold, with a warm drink in hand and the anticipation of sunrise ahead, felt surreal.
Chasing the Sunrise
After breakfast, my photographer guided me to climb to the top of the jeep for a better view. He was truly skilled—despite the low light, he managed to take impressive shots using only my phone. He knew all the best angles, and I appreciated how he patiently directed my poses while ensuring I stayed safe.
Around 6:10 AM, the sky began to change. A faint orange hue appeared on the horizon, slowly growing brighter. As the sun began to rise, a collective hush swept across the crowd. Everyone turned their gaze eastward, phones and cameras ready. Watching the sun peek above the horizon was magical—the way it lit up the clouds and painted the sky in golden tones was simply unforgettable.
It wasn’t just a visual experience; it felt spiritual. There’s something humbling about being on a mountain before dawn, witnessing the world awaken with light. My heart was full. We stayed a bit longer after sunrise to take more photos and enjoy the panoramic views. In the distance, I could see Lake Batur, the caldera, and Mount Agung, standing tall and majestic.
A Choice to Climb Further
For those wondering, the spot where we watched the sunrise was not the summit. Jeeps can only go so far, and the summit requires an additional 1.5-hour trek on foot. My guide offered me the option to hike up, but I decided to pass this time. I was content with the view and didn’t feel the need to push my limits, especially since the scenery from where we were was already breathtaking. For more physically prepared adventurers, the summit hike is definitely a rewarding option.
Exploring the Black Lava Fields
After our time at the sunrise spot, we headed to the next destination: the Black Lava area. This volcanic terrain, formed from past eruptions of Mt. Batur, is a wide expanse of dark, hardened lava rock. It felt like being on another planet. The road to this area was a bit longer, and by this time, the sun was already up and the rays were warming the earth. Still, the cool mountain breeze lingered, making the ride comfortable.
The Black Lava landscape was vast, quiet, and dramatic. It was perfect for running, photo sessions, or simply taking in the natural formations. Despite the terrain being rocky, it wasn’t dusty, which made exploring more pleasant. We spent a good amount of time here taking videos and more pictures. It’s a highly recommended stopover for anyone visiting Mt. Batur—don’t skip it!
Wrapping Up the Experience
After exploring the Black Lava fields, we returned to the jump-off point. I took a moment to rest and reflect on the morning’s experience. The entire trip, from the hotel pick-up to the final photo at the lava field, felt well-paced and fulfilling.
Our next stop was Cretya Ubud, a picturesque jungle club and rice terrace with Instagrammable pools and views. But that deserves its own dedicated post.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
My Mt. Batur sunrise trip was nothing short of amazing. Even though I didn’t hike to the summit, the journey was still incredibly rewarding. The view of the sunrise alone made everything worth it—the chilly breeze, the early wake-up call, and the bumpy jeep ride.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali and looking for something beyond the beaches and temples, add Mt. Batur to your itinerary. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual traveler, there’s a package for everyone. You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy the experience—just bring warm clothes, a good attitude, and a sense of adventure.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
💡 Travel Tips for Mt. Batur Sunrise Trip:
- Book a guided tour (preferably with a photographer) for a more convenient and memorable experience.
- Dress warmly—temperatures can drop significantly before sunrise.
- Bring water and a small snack, though breakfast is usually included.
- Charge your phone or camera fully the night before.
- Be respectful—Mt. Batur is considered a sacred site by locals.
- Don’t litter and leave no trace.
- Enjoy the moment—sometimes the best memories are the ones you don’t rush to document.
The Mt. Batur experience is more than just a photo op—it’s a chance to connect with nature, pause from the busy pace of traveling, and simply admire the beauty of the world from above.
