Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour & Black Lava Fields

Summary

Mount Batur sunrise by jeep, black lava fields and breakfast views

You’ll watch dawn break over Mount Batur from a private jeep, skip the uphill trek, and explore surreal black lava fields with a local guide. Warm breakfast and tea are served right on the volcano’s edge as Bali wakes up below you. If you’re after an early morning adventure without breaking too much of a sweat, this sunrise trip might stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure about skipping the hike up Mount Batur — part of me felt like I was cheating. But then our driver, Putu, pulled up outside our hotel at what felt like the middle of the night (he grinned and handed us coffee before we even got in). The drive was quiet, just the hum of the road and a few sleepy dogs wandering past. When we reached the base, it was still dark enough that everything looked kind of mysterious — you could smell earth and something faintly smoky in the air.

The jeep ride itself was honestly more fun than I expected. We bounced over these wild black lava fields left from eruptions ages ago — it almost looked fake, like a movie set. Putu kept pointing out little details: “That’s where my uncle’s farm used to be,” he said at one point, half-laughing but also kind of sad. The sunrise part… well, I didn’t expect to feel so quiet watching it. The sky went from deep blue to this weird peachy color, and everyone just sort of stopped talking for a minute. There was hot tea (tasted extra good in the chilly air) and a simple breakfast — eggs somehow taste better when you’re staring at an active volcano.

Afterward we had time to wander around the lava sands. My shoes filled with black grit but honestly I didn’t care — it’s not every day you get to crunch over cooled lava while steam rises off in little wisps nearby. Putu offered to take photos (“You’ll want proof you woke up this early!”), which made us laugh because my hair was a mess from the wind. On the way back, Bali started waking up — scooters everywhere, kids waving at our jeep. I still think about that sunrise sometimes when I can’t sleep.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur sunrise and lava exploration

• Travel by 4WD jeep to Mount Batur
• Watch sunrise at Mount Batur volcano
• Enjoy breakfast with a volcano view
• Explore black lava fields from eruption

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Mount Batur sunrise jeep tour?

Yes, private round-trip hotel transfer is included in your booking.

Do I need to hike for this day trip to Mount Batur?

No hiking is required; you'll reach the sunrise viewpoint by 4WD jeep.

Is breakfast provided on the Mount Batur jeep adventure?

Yes, you'll have a warm breakfast with hot tea or coffee during sunrise.

Can travelers with health issues join this tour?

This tour isn't recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

How long does it take to reach Mount Batur from Ubud?

The drive usually takes about 1.5 hours depending on traffic and pickup location.

Are entry fees or taxes included in the price?

Yes, all fees and taxes are covered in your tour price.

Will there be a local guide or driver during the trip?

Yes, you'll have a professional local driver who guides you throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and return with all entry fees covered; a professional local driver takes you by 4WD jeep to catch sunrise over Mount Batur before serving warm breakfast and hot drinks right on the volcano’s edge; then there’s time for exploring those famous black lava fields before heading back home again.