Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Volcanic Breakfast Pickup

Summary

Early morning hike to Mount Batur’s summit for sunrise views, volcanic-cooked breakfast, and stories from our Balinese guide

You’ll start your Mount Batur sunrise trek before dawn with a local guide leading you up volcanic trails by flashlight. Watch Bali wake up from above as you eat breakfast cooked right in the steam vents at the summit. Expect some tough climbs, honest laughter, and those strange little moments that make travel feel real.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how quiet the streets were when our driver picked us up in Ubud — it was barely 2am and the air felt damp, almost sticky against my skin. I kept thinking, “Is this really worth leaving a warm bed for?” But by the time we reached Kintamani and met Wayan, our trekking guide, I was wide awake. He handed out flashlights and grinned at my nervous laugh. The path started out rocky but manageable, with only the sound of gravel underfoot and distant roosters somewhere below.

The climb got steeper after an hour or so. My legs burned, honestly, but Wayan kept chatting about his childhood here on Bali and how he’d climbed Mount Batur more times than he could count. He pointed out tiny lights across the caldera — other trekkers’ headlamps bobbing in the dark. At one point I stopped just to catch my breath (and maybe complain a little), but then this chilly breeze hit my face and I could smell sulfur mixed with coffee from someone’s thermos nearby. It was weirdly comforting.

We reached the summit just before sunrise. The sky went from pitch black to this kind of bruised purple — not what I expected at all. Everyone fell quiet as the first bit of orange crept over Lake Batur. Wayan pulled out eggs and bananas, buried them in a steaming vent, and made us “volcano breakfast.” I tried to say thank you in Bahasa Indonesia; he laughed at my accent but said it was pretty good (I’m not convinced). Eating that simple meal with numb fingers while watching clouds drift over the crater is something that sticks with me even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur sunrise trekking adventure

• Pick up from hotel area
• Drive to Mount Batur
• Begin Mount Batur sunrise trek
• Reach summit for sunrise view
• Enjoy volcanic-cooked breakfast
• Descend Mount Batur
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Mount Batur sunrise trek take?

The trek usually takes about 2 hours to reach the summit, depending on pace.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Canggu, Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Ubud areas.

What do you eat for breakfast on Mount Batur?

Breakfast includes eggs and bananas cooked using volcanic steam at the summit.

Do I need to be very fit for this trek?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to steep sections.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Is bottled water provided during the trek?

Yes, bottled water is included as part of your tour package.

Who leads the trek up Mount Batur?

A local Balinese trekking guide will lead your group to the summit.

What should I bring for the sunrise hike?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket; flashlights are provided by guides.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup from most Bali areas in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees and taxes covered upfront, bottled water along the way, plus a simple breakfast cooked right on Mount Batur’s volcanic steam before heading back down together.