Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike & Volcano Breakfast Tour

Summary

Mount Batur sunrise hike with volcano breakfast and lake views

You’ll climb Mount Batur before dawn with a small group and local guide, reaching the summit just as Bali’s sky explodes into color over Lake Batur. Enjoy breakfast cooked by volcanic steam and hot drinks while taking in views of Mt. Agung and beyond—plus hotel pickup and all gear included. The silence at sunrise is something you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t look down yet,” our guide Wayan grinned at me as we scrambled up another patch of loose black gravel in the dark. I could hear someone’s phone quietly playing gamelan music behind us — not sure if it helped or made my legs feel heavier. The air was sharp and cold, which honestly surprised me for Bali. My breath came out in little clouds and I kept thinking about coffee, but all I could smell was earth and a hint of sulfur from somewhere up ahead. We’d started hiking from Toya Bungkah around 3am, flashlights bobbing like fireflies. There were five of us with Wayan, who somehow remembered everyone’s names after only one introduction.

About halfway up Mount Batur, I nearly tripped over a trekking pole (not mine), and Wayan just laughed — “Don’t worry, everyone does that at least once.” He pointed out the faint outline of Lake Batur below us, still hidden under mist. It was weirdly quiet except for the crunch of volcanic sand under our boots and someone whispering about shooting stars (I only caught one). When we reached the summit, it was still pitch black — but then the sky started shifting from navy to this wild orange-pink. That’s when Wayan handed out banana sandwiches and eggs he’d cooked right there in the steam vents. Eating a hot egg on top of an active volcano while watching the sun hit Mt. Agung across the valley? Didn’t think that would be my thing but… here we are.

I still think about that first sip of hot tea as light finally spilled over everything — you could see all three volcanoes lined up like old giants, and people just stood there quietly for a minute. Even Li (who had been Instagramming everything) put her phone down. The descent was slippery but somehow easier; maybe because we could actually see where we were going now. On the way back through Kintamani village, Wayan pointed out some temple stones older than anyone in his family — I didn’t catch all the history but it felt good to walk past locals waving at us with sleepy smiles. We ended near Tegalalang rice terraces, legs tired but hearts kind of full. Not sure if it was just the altitude or something else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur sunrise hike and views

• Start hike at Toya Bungkah
• Climb Mount Batur under stars
• Watch sunrise over volcanic valley
• Admire views of three volcanoes
• Descend and see Lake Batur
• Enjoy breakfast with volcanic steam eggs
• Pass by Kintamani village
• Pass by Tegalalang rice terraces

Top questions

How hard is the Mount Batur sunrise hike?

The hike requires moderate fitness; expect steep sections and loose gravel, especially before sunrise.

Is breakfast included on the Mount Batur tour?

Yes, breakfast includes banana sandwiches, eggs cooked in volcanic steam, fruit, biscuits, chocolate, plus hot tea or coffee at the summit.

What time does the Mount Batur hike start?

The trek usually starts around 3am from Toya Bungkah near Lake Batur to reach the summit before sunrise.

Are guides included for Mount Batur sunrise trekking?

Yes, every group (max 5 people) is led by a local guide familiar with Mount Batur’s trails.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

Pickup is included; an air-conditioned vehicle brings you to and from your accommodation.

Can children join the Mount Batur sunrise hike?

The minimum age is 5 years old; younger children must be supervised by parents throughout the trek.

What should I bring for Mount Batur sunrise trekking?

Trekking poles, flashlight, raincoat (if needed), water bottles are provided; wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothes for early morning cold.

Are there public transport options nearby?

Public transportation options are available near Toya Bungkah starting point in Kintamani region.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle before dawn, all entry fees and taxes covered, plus trekking poles, flashlight, raincoat if it rains—and plenty of bottled water along the way. At the summit you’ll get banana sandwiches, eggs cooked in volcanic steam (surprisingly good), fruit, biscuits or chocolate bars like Beng-beng or Oreo—plus hot tea or coffee while waiting for sunrise before heading back down together.