Mount Batur and Kintamani: Sunrise Trek, Jeep Tour and Volcano Views

In the cool highlands of north-east Bali, the village of Kintamani sits on the rim of a vast ancient caldera, looking across to Mount Batur, an active volcano about 1,717 metres high, and the crescent of Lake Batur, Bali's largest crater lake. It is one of the most dramatic landscapes on the island, and a highlight of almost every Bali holiday.

This guide explains the two ways to experience it: the easy Kintamani viewpoint visit included in most of our packages, and the famous Mount Batur sunrise trek or jeep tour for those who want to get up close.

The road along the caldera rim at Kintamani and Penelokan offers sweeping views of Mount Batur, its old black lava flows and the lake below. Restaurants with panoramic terraces serve lunch with a view, and on a clear day you can also see Mount Abang and, in the distance, Mount Agung. At around 1,400 to 1,500 metres, the air is noticeably cooler than on the coast.

Our full-day Kintamani tour combines the viewpoint with the craft villages of Celuk, Mas and Batubulan, a coffee plantation and, depending on the package, a stop near Ubud. It is included in almost all our Bali tour packages.

The Mount Batur sunrise trek is one of Bali's most popular adventures. Hotel pickups start around 2 to 3 am, and the climb begins at about 4 am by torchlight with a local guide. The trail takes around 1.5 to 2 hours up, over loose volcanic gravel and rock, and reaches the crater rim in time for sunrise over Lake Batur and Mount Agung, often with Mount Rinjani on Lombok on the horizon. Guides often cook breakfast using steam from the volcano's vents. You are back down by mid-morning.

• Fitness: moderate. The trail is steep in places but suitable for most fit adults and older children who walk regularly.
• Guides: treks must be done with a local guide.
• Weather: sunrise views are best in the dry season; in the rainy season the summit can be cloudy.

If you want the sunrise without the hike, a Mount Batur jeep tour drives you in a 4x4 across the black lava fields to a viewpoint for sunrise, then continues to the old lava flows and the base of the volcano. It is a great option for families, older travellers and anyone who prefers not to climb in the dark.

After the trek, many visitors relax in the natural hot springs on the shore of Lake Batur, where pools fed by volcanic water look straight at the mountain. On the way back, coffee plantations offer tastings of Balinese coffee, teas and cocoa, including kopi luwak.

• A warm layer and a light windproof jacket: the summit can be 10 to 15°C before sunrise.
• Trainers or hiking shoes with good grip, not sandals.
• A head torch (often provided), water and a small snack.
• Cash for toilets, drinks and the hot springs.
• Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temple stops later in the day.

• Book a reputable operator with insurance and licensed guides.
• Go to bed early the night before; it is a very early start.
• Trek on your second or third day, not straight after a long flight.
• Stay in Ubud the night before, as it is much closer than the southern beaches.
• Check volcanic activity advisories; access can be restricted when the volcano is active.

Beyond the viewpoint, the Kintamani area has several interesting stops. Pura Ulun Danu Batur, one of Bali's most important temples, is dedicated to the goddess of the lake and controls the water that feeds the island's rice terraces. Down by the lake, the village of Trunyan is home to the Bali Aga people, who keep ancient traditions. Farms around the caldera grow oranges, vegetables and the beans for Kintamani coffee, and roadside stalls sell fresh fruit. On the way back, many tours stop at Tegallalang rice terraces or a waterfall near Ubud.

Choose the trek if you are reasonably fit, enjoy walking and want the satisfaction of reaching the crater rim on foot. Choose the jeep tour if you are travelling with young children or older parents, have knee or back problems, or prefer comfort over effort. Both give spectacular sunrise views on a clear morning, and both can be combined with the hot springs and a coffee plantation.

The Kintamani viewpoint is already part of our Bali packages. If you want the sunrise trek or jeep tour, we can add it on one of your Ubud days, for example on the Ubud Culture & Seminyak Beach Holiday or the Bali Kuta, Ubud & Seminyak Explorer. For other ideas, see our guide to places to visit in Bali.