Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike & Hot Spring with Pickup

Summary

Mount Batur sunrise trek with hot spring soak and local breakfast

You’ll start before dawn for a guided Mount Batur sunrise hike from Bali, reaching the summit just as colors spill across the sky. Enjoy breakfast cooked by volcanic steam and relax in a natural hot spring afterward. With hotel pickup included, it’s an early adventure that leaves you tired but quietly amazed long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever set an alarm for 1:45 am on vacation, but there I was in Seminyak, fumbling for my shoes in the dark. The driver was right on time — somehow more awake than I felt — and the drive up to Kintamani was mostly quiet except for the occasional rooster crowing somewhere out there. Our guide, Wayan, met us at the base camp (which honestly had the cleanest toilets I’d seen all week) and handed out flashlights. He grinned when he saw my sleepy face and promised coffee at the top.

The first stretch of the Mount Batur sunrise hike is just black volcanic sand under your feet and a sky full of stars. It’s not easy, but Wayan kept chatting about his childhood here and how he used to race his friends up this same path. There was this moment halfway when I thought about turning back — legs burning, breath short — but then someone ahead pointed out a faint orange line on the horizon. Suddenly everyone got quiet. The air smelled like sulfur mixed with wet earth, which sounds weird but it’s actually sort of comforting.

At the summit, we huddled together while Wayan boiled eggs in volcanic steam (I still can’t get over that). Breakfast was simple — banana sandwich and hot tea — but eating it while watching Bali wake up below made it taste better than any fancy brunch. Some folks were already snapping photos; I just sat there trying to memorize every color in that sky. Afterward, we hiked down to the natural hot spring at the foot of Mount Batur. Honestly, slipping into that warm water after two hours of hiking felt like a reward my legs weren’t expecting.

If you want, you can add a swing or waterfall stop — we skipped those because honestly all I wanted was another coffee and maybe a nap. Still thinking about that sunrise though… feels like something you only get to see once even if others do it every day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur sunrise hike and optional activities

• Arrive at Mount Batur base camp
• Receive introduction and safety briefing
• Hike up to Mount Batur summit
• Watch sunrise from volcano peak
• Explore volcanic crater
• Enjoy breakfast and hot drink at summit
• Optional soak in natural hot spring
• Optional visit to swing and waterfall
• Optional coffee tasting on return
• Return to hotel

Top questions

What time does the Mount Batur sunrise hike start?

Pickup times are around 1:40–2:30 am depending on your hotel location (Seminyak/Kuta 1:45 am; Nusa Dua/Jimbaran 1:40 am; Sanur 2:00 am; Ubud 2:30 am).

Is breakfast included during the Mount Batur sunrise trek?

Yes, breakfast such as banana sandwich, tea or coffee, egg, fruits, and biscuits is served at the summit.

Are hotel transfers included in this tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included based on your booking option.

Can I visit a natural hot spring after hiking Mount Batur?

The natural hot spring visit is included if you book that specific option.

How difficult is the Mount Batur sunrise hike?

The hike requires moderate physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are there clean facilities at Mount Batur base camp?

Yes, Mt. Batur base camp has clean toilets and a lounge area to relax before or after your hike.

Can I add other activities like swing or waterfall visits?

You can add optional activities such as jungle swing or waterfall stops by selecting those options when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup and drop-off according to your location, guided sunrise trek up Mount Batur with an experienced local guide, breakfast at the summit with hot drinks prepared on site, access to clean base camp facilities before or after your hike, plus entry to a natural hot spring with locker and towel if you select that option—soaking away any soreness before heading back to your hotel.