Bali 2-Day Tour: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, Waterfalls & Hot Springs

Summary

Mount Batur Sunrise Hike & Ubud Waterfall Adventure

If you want two days packed with real Bali adventure—volcano sunrises, hidden waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, plus rice fields straight off postcards—this tour covers it all without rushing you along. You’ll get local guides who know every shortcut and story, private transport so there’s no stress about getting lost, and enough downtime to actually enjoy each stop.

What’s the experience like?

It’s pitch dark when our driver pulls up outside the hotel—1:30 am sharp. I’m groggy but excited, clutching my water bottle as we wind through quiet Balinese roads. By the time we reach the base of Mount Batur, there’s a faint chill in the air and a handful of sleepy hikers stretching under headlamps. Our local guide, Wayan, checks our gear and cracks a joke about “Bali coffee being stronger than the volcano.” The climb starts slow; volcanic gravel crunches underfoot and you can smell damp earth mixed with distant wood smoke from nearby villages.

The sky shifts from black to deep blue as we near the summit. My legs are burning but I barely notice—everyone’s focused on that first hint of orange on the horizon. At the top, it’s crowded but friendly; people share biscuits and swap stories while steam rises from little cracks in the ground. The sunrise is unreal—clouds below us, Lake Batur shimmering gold, and even Mount Agung peeking through morning mist. Wayan hands out boiled eggs cooked right in the volcano’s steam (they taste oddly smoky). It’s chilly up here, so bring a jacket if you come.

After heading down, we make a beeline for the hot springs nearby. The pools are terraced right by the lake—some hotter than others—and you can hear birds calling from the trees overhead. The water smells faintly mineral-y but feels amazing after that hike; my muscles thank me instantly. Locals chat quietly in Balinese while kids splash around. I just float for a bit, watching steam curl into the mountain air.

Later that day, we drive north to Tegalalang Rice Terrace. It’s midday and humid—the kind of sticky heat where your shirt clings to your back—but those green terraces look like something out of a painting. Farmers in wide hats work slowly along narrow paths; one stops to wave at us as we pass by. There are tiny warungs selling coconut water (get one cold if you can) and plenty of spots for photos if you’re patient enough to wait for a break in the crowds.

The next morning starts slower—thankfully! We head out to Tukad Cepung waterfall first thing before it gets busy. There’s a short walk through banana groves and slippery rocks before sunlight suddenly pours into this cave-like canyon. Water falls straight down through an opening above; it looks almost staged for Instagram but feels real enough when you step into the cool spray.

Tibumana waterfall is quieter still—a gentle cascade into a wide pool surrounded by thick jungle sounds (frogs, birds, maybe even monkeys somewhere). Not many people here early on; I sit on a rock with my feet in the water just listening to everything around me.

We wrap up at D’tukad River Club near Tegenungan—a laid-back spot with tiered pools overlooking a rushing river below. There’s music playing softly and families lounging by the water slides or floating tubes downstream. I grab an iced tea from their bar and just watch dragonflies dart over the surface while my legs dangle in cool water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur Trek & Rice Terrace

• Mount Batur trekking and sunrise
• Soak in natural hot springs
• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Day 2 — Waterfalls & River Club Relaxation

• Explore Tukad Cepung Waterfall
• Visit Tibumana Waterfall
• Relax at D'tukad River Club

Top questions

How fit do I need to be for Mount Batur trekking?

You’ll need moderate fitness—the hike takes 2-3 hours uphill but goes at your group’s pace. Guides are patient and there are plenty of breaks along the way.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring comfortable walking shoes (the volcano trail is rocky), light clothes plus a jacket for early mornings, swimwear for hot springs/waterfalls, sunscreen, insect repellent, and some cash for snacks or drinks at local stalls.

Is breakfast included after trekking?

No formal breakfast is provided but guides often offer simple snacks like boiled eggs at the summit. You’ll have time to buy food at local cafés after coming down.

Are these waterfalls safe for swimming?

Yes—Tukad Cepung and Tibumana both have pools suitable for swimming when conditions are normal. Always check with your guide about current safety before entering.

Will there be lots of other tourists?

The sunrise trek is popular so expect some crowds at Mount Batur summit; waterfalls tend to be quieter early morning or late afternoon.

What’s included

Your tour includes pick-up and drop-off from most south Bali areas (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Jimbaran, Ubud, Uluwatu), private transport with an English-speaking driver who knows all the shortcuts; entrance tickets everywhere listed; guided Mount Batur trek; bottled mineral water; plus all admission fees covered so you don’t have to worry about surprise costs along the way.