Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Hot Spring with Pickup

Summary

Chasing sunrise on Mount Batur from Bali with breakfast and hot springs

You’ll start before dawn with hotel pickup and hike up Mount Batur for sunrise with a local guide leading the way. Warm up with breakfast on the volcano as light spills across Lake Batur, then explore volcanic craters on your descent. Optional hot spring entry lets you soak tired muscles before heading back—leaving you with memories that linger long after you’ve rinsed off the dust.

What’s the experience like?

I almost bailed when my alarm went off at 1:45am — honestly, who’s built for that? But by 3am, our little group was already piling into the van outside Ubud, clutching coffee cups and half-whispering. Our guide Putu handed out headlamps at the Mt Batur Lounge (it’s more like a cozy hut than a lounge) and grinned at my sleepy face. “Sunrise waits for no one,” he said. The air smelled like wet grass and something smoky, maybe distant incense. I tried not to think about how dark it was or how much I missed my bed.

The climb up Mount Batur is no joke if you’re not used to hiking in the dark — loose rocks underfoot, cool mist sticking to your skin. Putu kept up this gentle commentary about the volcano’s history and pointed out where lava had cut through the forest decades ago. Every so often we’d pass another group; sometimes you just heard laughter or heavy breathing before you saw their lights bobbing ahead. At one point I slipped a little and Putu caught my elbow — “No sleeping yet,” he joked. The main keyword here is sunrise trek Mount Batur, but in that moment all I cared about was catching my breath.

Then suddenly there was this hush as we reached the top — everyone kind of stopped talking at once. The sky started bleeding orange behind Mount Agung, and clouds rolled over Lake Batur like slow smoke. Someone handed me sweet black tea (I think it was just instant but tasted perfect), and we ate warm banana sandwiches while watching gold light spill over the caldera. It didn’t feel real for a minute; I still think about that view when I can’t sleep.

On the way down, we checked out some of the younger craters — steam rising from cracks, earth still warm if you touched certain rocks. If you pick the hot spring option after your day trip Mount Batur Bali, you get to soak sore legs in pools overlooking rice fields. My feet were grateful. There’s also a stop at a little coffee plantation where they’ll pour you tiny cups of everything: chocolatey Balinese coffee, ginger tea, even something herbal I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur sunrise trekking adventure

• Meet at Mt Batur Lounge
• Travel to Kintamani region
• Hike up Mount Batur
• Watch sunrise from summit
• Explore three younger craters
• Visit coffee plantation
• Enjoy coffee, tea, and chocolate
• Return to hotel

Top questions

What time does the Mount Batur sunrise trek start?

The hike usually starts very early in the morning around 3am after hotel pickup.

Is breakfast included during the Mount Batur sunrise trek?

Yes, breakfast is provided on top of Mount Batur during sunrise.

Are hotel transfers included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do I need to bring my own headlamp or trekking pole?

No, both headlamp and trekking pole are provided for you.

Can I visit a hot spring after hiking Mount Batur?

Yes, entry to a natural hot spring is included if you select that option.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this trek?

Yes, an English-speaking trekking guide will lead your group.

How difficult is the Mount Batur sunrise trek?

The trek is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with certain health conditions.

Is coffee or tea included on this tour?

Coffee and/or tea are included during your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry ticket to a natural hot spring if selected, use of a headlamp and trekking pole for safety in the dark, bottled water to keep you going, breakfast served atop Mount Batur as dawn breaks over Bali, an English-speaking trekking guide throughout your journey plus coffee or tea at rest stops—and even a visit to a local coffee plantation before heading home.