Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

Mount Batur is an active volcano in the Kintamani highlands of north-east Bali, rising from a vast ancient crater that also holds Lake Batur. You set off in the dark with a local guide and a torch, and reach the rim in time to watch the sky light up behind Mount Agung and, on a clear day, Mount Rinjani on Lombok.

The climb takes around two hours on loose volcanic gravel and is moderately demanding, suitable for reasonably fit adults and older children. At the top, guides serve a simple breakfast, sometimes cooked in the volcano’s steam vents.

Pick-ups from Ubud are usually around 2 am, so plan an easy afternoon afterwards. Wear trainers with good grip and bring a warm layer, as it is cold before dawn. If trekking is not for you, a jeep sunrise tour to a viewpoint on the crater rim gives a similar view without the climb.