Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek with Songan Village Start

Summary

Climb Mount Batur before sunrise with local guides from Songan Village, taste eggs cooked in volcanic steam and watch the sky change over Bali’s crater rim

You’ll start before dawn in Songan Village with a local guide leading you up Mount Batur’s quieter trail. Feel volcanic heat as you eat eggs cooked in natural steam at sunrise, sip hot tea from a summit warung, and circle the crater rim if you’re game. The early start is tough but seeing Bali wake up below you is something that sticks.

What’s the experience like?

There’s something about standing in the dark outside Bali Sunrise Villas in Songan Village at 3:30am that makes you question your life choices. I could hear roosters somewhere (they never sleep?), and our guide Wayan was already grinning, flashlight in hand. He handed out bottled water and checked if anyone needed a rain poncho. I’d barely woken up but somehow felt wide awake — maybe it was the mountain air or just nerves. The path started right behind the villas, no minibus shuffle or anything, which honestly made it feel more real.

The first hour climbing Mount Batur is just you, your breath, and the sound of shoes crunching on black sand. Sometimes I’d catch a whiff of wet earth or see tiny lights bobbing ahead — other groups on different trails maybe? Wayan kept up this steady pace and pointed out where his family’s farm used to be before the last eruption. At one point he laughed at my attempt to say “terima kasih” (I’m still not sure I got it right). There was this moment when we stopped for fruit and I realized my hands were shaking — not cold, just excitement or maybe altitude?

The summit appeared out of nowhere. It was suddenly crowded but quiet, like everyone was holding their breath waiting for the sun. Steam curled up from cracks in the rocks; Wayan cracked eggs into a little basket and set them right over the vent. Eating those eggs with sticky fingers while watching clouds turn gold… I didn’t expect it to feel so simple and huge at once. You can buy hot tea from a warung up there too — it tasted way better than instant coffee ever does at sea level.

We walked around the crater rim after that (optional but worth it if your legs aren’t jelly). The descent back to Songan felt different — warmer light, more chatter between us, someone singing quietly behind me. By 9am we were back at Bali Sunrise Villas, dusty and tired but kind of giddy. I still think about that view sometimes when I wake up early — how small everything looked from up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

• 03:15 – 03:30: Guide briefing
• 03:30 – 03:45: Start trail to Mount Batur
• 04:00 – 06:00: Climb to crater summit
• 06:15 – 06:45: Watch sunrise and eat volcanic eggs
• 06:45 – 07:00: Visit summit shops
• 07:00 – 08:00: Trek around crater
• 08:00 – 09:00: Descend to Bali Sunrise Villas
• 09:00 – 09:30: Arrive at Bali Sunrise Villas

Top questions

What time does the Mount Batur sunrise trek start?

The trek starts with a briefing between 03:15 – 03:30 am at Bali Sunrise Villas in Songan Village.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mount Batur trek?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if you’re staying in the Ubud area; pickups may be grouped with other guests.

How long does it take to reach Mount Batur’s summit?

The climb to the crater summit takes about 2–2.5 hours depending on pace.

What food is provided during the trek?

You get fruit, bottled water, and a light breakfast of eggs boiled in volcanic steam at the summit.

Are guides local on this day trip to Mount Batur?

Yes, guides are native to Songan Village and have been leading treks for over 25 years.

Can I buy drinks at the top of Mount Batur?

Yes, there are small traditional shops (warung) selling hot tea, coffee or soft drinks at the summit.

Is special equipment provided for trekking Mount Batur?

A flashlight is provided; rain ponchos and walking sticks are available on request.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

You should have at least moderate fitness; it’s not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ubud (sometimes shared), all fees and taxes covered, bottled water and fruit along the trail plus eggs cooked in volcanic steam for breakfast at the summit—with flashlights provided for everyone and rain ponchos or walking sticks if you need them.