Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Hot Springs Private Day Trip

Summary

Climb Mount Batur before sunrise and soak in Bali’s volcanic hot springs

You’ll start before dawn with hotel pickup for a private trek up Mount Batur, guided by a local who knows every twist of the trail. Watch sunrise from Bali’s second highest peak while sipping tea and eating breakfast cooked in volcanic steam. After hiking down past ancient craters, unwind in natural hot springs — tired muscles meet warm water and mountain views.

What’s the experience like?

We were already shuffling out the door when it was pitch black, the kind of darkness that makes you question your life choices. Our driver barely spoke above a whisper, maybe out of respect for the sleeping villages we passed between Ubud and Mount Batur. I remember clutching my jacket tighter as we met our guide at the trailhead — Wayan, who grinned and handed me a flashlight with a little wink. The air smelled like wet earth and coffee, which I guess makes sense at 3am in Bali.

The hike itself is no joke. Two hours up, sometimes just following Wayan’s shoes in my flashlight beam. He kept us moving but stopped whenever someone needed to catch their breath (which was often). At one point, he pointed out little lights far below — other trekkers, or maybe even farmers starting their day. When we finally reached the top, it was cold enough that my hands shook pouring tea. Breakfast was boiled eggs cooked right there in volcanic steam — honestly, I don’t know if it was the altitude or just being tired, but those eggs tasted like victory.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get when the sun started to rise over Mount Batur. For a few minutes nobody said much; even Wayan just watched with us. You could see Lake Batur below and clouds moving like slow animals across the crater. After that, we wandered around some craters (I slipped once on loose gravel — still have a tiny scar) before heading down as the light turned everything gold.

The hot springs after felt almost unreal — warm water on aching legs while you look back at where you’d just climbed. There were other hikers soaking too, everyone kind of dazed but happy. I still think about that view from the pool sometimes; it’s hard to explain how good it feels to just float after all that effort. So yeah, if you’re thinking about this day trip to Mount Batur from Ubud or anywhere nearby… bring extra socks and don’t skip the hot spring part.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur sunrise trek and hot springs

• Start early morning trek to Mount Batur
• Climb 2 hours to mountain peak
• Watch sunrise at summit crater
• Eat breakfast with tea and volcanic steamed eggs
• Explore three new craters
• Descend to mountain base
• Relax in natural hot springs

Top questions

How long does it take to hike Mount Batur?

The trek up takes about 2 hours from base to summit.

Is breakfast included on the Mount Batur sunrise tour?

Yes, a basic breakfast of tea and eggs cooked in volcanic steam is included at the summit.

Are hotel pickups included for this day trip?

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

Can children join the Mount Batur sunrise trek?

The minimum age for participants is 10 years old.

Is there a guide during the hike?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide throughout the trek.

What should I bring for the Mount Batur trek?

You should bring hiking shoes, a jacket, long pants, insect repellent, and your camera.

How high is Mount Batur?

Mount Batur stands at 1,717 meters above sea level.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back or heart problems.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere locally, bottled water along the way, a private local guide leading your group up Mount Batur before sunrise, breakfast made using volcanic steam at the summit (with tea), time to explore several craters on top of Bali’s sacred volcano, then entry to natural hot springs where you can relax tired muscles before heading back home.