Mount Batur is an active volcano located in Bali, Indonesia. It is a popular destination for tourists who are looking to experience a sunrise trekking adventure from the summit crater of an active volcano. In this guide, we will cover the best time to trek, whether you can hike Batur without a guide, the cost of a trekking guide, the difficulty of the hike, what to bring on the hike, and the trekking tour itinerary. We will also provide you with safety precautions to ensure your Mount Batur sunrise trekking experience is safe and enjoyable. So, let’s dive in and explore the beauty of Mount Batur!
Best Time to Trek
The best time to trek Mount Batur is during the dry season which is from April to October. During this period, the weather is generally dry and the sky is clear, providing an unobstructed view of the sunrise. Trekking during the rainy season, which is from November to March, can be challenging due to slippery trails and low visibility.
Can You Hike Batur Without a Guide?
To ensure the safety of trekkers, it is mandatory to have a guide while trekking Mount Batur. There are numerous tour companies that offer Mount Batur sunrise trekking packages. It is recommended to book your trek with a reputable company that employs experienced guides and provides the necessary equipment such as flashlights and hiking shoes. Some of the popular tour companies include Bali Trekking Tour, Bali Sunrise Trekking, and Bali Hiking Adventure.
The Cost of Trekking Guide in Mount Batur
For solo travelers, the Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking tour costs IDR 1,200,000. However, if you’re traveling with someone, the price per person will be lower. For a group of two, the cost per person is IDR 700,000. For a group of three, the price per person is IDR 525,000. The tour price for four persons is IDR 475,000 per person, while for five or more people, it is IDR 450,000 per person. It’s important to note that group bookings can lead to special prices.
All of the tour prices mentioned above include a comfortable private car transfer, an English-speaking driver, petrol, an English-speaking trekking guide, lite breakfast consisting of bread and steam-boiled egg, as well as mineral water.
Mount Batur Trekking Difficulty
The question that arises is whether Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking is difficult. If you’re considering a volcano hike, Mount Batur is a relatively easy option, although it’s still a challenging trek with an elevation gain of over 1,700 feet.
However, the difficulty of the hike largely depends on the chosen route. After hiking less than a mile, you’ll come across a signpost that indicates the difficulty levels of the two routes available. The trail to the right is more direct and features a steep incline with uneven terrain, including rocks, dirt, and tree branches. In contrast, the left route is longer but has a more gradual incline with a zigzag path up to the crater. The latter is easier and mostly features packed dirt, which makes it less demanding in terms of footing.
When deciding on a route, it’s essential to consider your physical abilities and the fact that the trek will be done in the dark, requiring the use of headlamps or flashlights.
What to Bring on the Hike
It is important to wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothes that are suitable for trekking. You should also bring a small backpack to carry essentials such as a flashlight, snacks, water, and a camera. It is recommended to bring a jacket or sweater as it can be cold at the summit. Besides, it is difficult to predict when it might start raining during your trek. Therefore, it’s wise to carry a packable rain jacket with you.
Trekking Tour Itinerary
Most tour companies offer a similar itinerary for Mount Batur sunrise trekking. The trek usually starts in the early morning around 2 am to 3 am and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit. Upon reaching the summit, you will have ample time to rest and enjoy the sunrise. After watching the sunrise, you will descend the mountain and stop at a hot spring to relax before returning to your hotel. Check the itinerary at a glance.
2:00 am: Your hotel pick-up (02:45 am for Ubud)
3:45 am: Arrival at the starting point where your professional hiking guide will brief you on the safety procedures
4:00 am: Start your climb/trek to Mount Batur Bali
6:15 am: Reach the summit crater to witness the spectacular sunrise and enjoy refreshments of eggs boiled in volcanic steam
7:00 am: Continue trekking around the entire crater and head towards the finishing point
9:00 am: Arrival at the Finish Point
9:30 am: Return to your hotel
11:30 am: Arrival at your hotel.
Safety Precautions
Trekking Mount Batur involves some risks and it is important to take necessary safety precautions. It is recommended to trek with a guide and a group for safety reasons. It is also important to stay on the designated trails and avoid trekking during the rainy season. Additionally, you should ensure that you are physically fit and healthy before embarking on the trek.
Finally Insights
In conclusion, a Mount Batur sunrise trekking experience is an adventure that every traveler should consider when visiting Bali, Indonesia. The trek offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise from the summit of an active volcano. This guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trek. So, pack your bags, put on your hiking shoes, and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure at Mount Batur!