Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Hot Spring with Private Pickup

Summary

Chasing sunrise atop Mount Batur then soaking in Bali’s steaming springs

You’ll start before dawn for a Mount Batur sunrise trek with a local guide leading you through darkness to epic morning views. After breakfast on the summit, soak tired muscles in natural hot springs as Bali wakes up around you. Includes hotel pickup and all entry fees — plus those banana sandwiches really do hit different at 1,700 meters.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — when my alarm went off at 1:30am in Ubud, I questioned my life choices. But by the time our driver pulled up (still dark, air sticky and quiet), something about the adventure ahead made me forget how tired I was. We met our Mount Batur trekking guide at Toya Bungkah just before 4am. He grinned and handed us headlamps — “slowly, slowly,” he said, and we started up the rocky path with only stars overhead and a few other sleepy voices around us.

The climb was no joke — loose gravel underfoot, cool wind on my cheeks, and sometimes you could smell sulfur drifting from somewhere deep below. Our guide kept chatting about the volcano’s history (he’d grown up nearby), pointing out little things: a wild dog trotting past, the distant lights of villages waking up far below. My legs burned but I didn’t care much; everyone seemed to be in it together somehow.

Sunrise hit fast — one minute it was just a faint glow, then suddenly everything turned orange and gold. The view over Lake Batur made me stop talking for once. Breakfast was simple: banana sandwiches and boiled eggs, eaten with cold fingers while steam curled off our tea cups. It tasted way better than it should have. Someone tried to share a story but we all just watched the clouds shift instead.

The way down felt lighter (maybe because gravity helped or maybe because we’d done it). By 9am we were at the Batur Natural Hot Spring — honestly, slipping into that warm water after hiking was almost as good as the sunrise itself. You could see steam rising against the green hills and hear people laughing quietly. I still think about that feeling of floating there, muscles loose, sun finally warming my face. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Mount Batur from Ubud or anywhere in Bali — yeah, it’s early and yeah, your legs will feel it. But I’d do it again without question.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur sunrise trek and hot spring

• Pick up at hotel 1:30–3:00 am
• Arrive at trekking start point 4:00 am
• Meet guide and start hike
• Reach Mount Batur peak 5:30–6:00 am
• Breakfast on mountain 6:15 am
• Descend to car park 7:00–8:30 am
• Relax at Batur natural hot spring 8:45–11:00 am
• Drive back to hotel 11:00 am

Top questions

How long does the Mount Batur sunrise trek take?

The hike up takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on pace; total trekking distance is around 9 km including descent.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mount Batur tour?

Yes, private hotel pickup is included anywhere in Bali between 1:00 am – 3:00 am depending on your location.

What do you eat for breakfast on Mount Batur?

The tour includes banana sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit, cookies and hot drinks like coffee or tea served at the summit.

Are there hot springs after the hike?

Yes, after descending you visit Batur Natural Hot Spring where you can relax before heading back to your hotel.

Do I need special equipment for the trek?

A walking pole and headlamp are provided by your guide; bring a jacket for warmth and swimwear for the hot spring.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

The trek requires moderate fitness; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in an air-conditioned car before dawn, all entry fees for both Mount Batur trekking and natural hot spring access, bottled water along the way, breakfast served right on the mountain top (with coffee or tea), plus use of walking poles and headlamps so you don’t have to worry about gear — towels and toiletries are provided at the hot spring before your driver brings you back to your hotel late morning.