Bali: Mt Batur Sunrise Trek, Breakfast & Hot Springs

Summary

Climb Mt Batur for sunrise then soak in Bali’s volcanic hot springs with breakfast cooked on the mountain

You’ll start before dawn with a friendly local guide for a sunrise trek up Mt Batur from Bali, then share breakfast cooked over volcanic steam at the summit. After hiking down, relax sore muscles with a soak in natural hot springs overlooking mountain views — all with hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how Wayan grinned at me in the dark outside my hotel — it was barely 2am and he handed me a flashlight like we were about to go on some secret mission. The van was quiet except for someone’s gentle snoring (not naming names), and by the time we reached Mt Batur, the air felt damp and cool, almost sticky on my arms. Our guide, Putu, had this way of making the climb seem less intimidating — he’d done it thousands of times, but still pointed out tiny wildflowers under our feet and told us which rocks to avoid. I tried to repeat their names in Bahasa but honestly just ended up laughing at myself.

The hike up wasn’t easy — there were moments when my legs burned and I wondered if I should’ve skipped that extra pancake at dinner. But then we reached the top just as the first line of orange split open the sky above Bali. People got quiet all at once; you could hear someone unwrapping a granola bar, or maybe that was my stomach rumbling. Breakfast was simple but weirdly perfect: eggs cooked over volcanic steam (which smelled faintly like sulfur but tasted fine), bananas, hot tea that steamed up my glasses. I didn’t expect to feel so awake up there, watching clouds drift below us while everyone took turns taking photos they’ll probably never print.

On the way down, my knees wobbled a bit — Putu offered his hand without making a big deal of it. The real surprise came after: soaking in those natural hot springs at Batur Village. The water felt silky after the dusty trail, and I just floated for a while staring at the mountains. There was this mix of laughter from other travelers and quiet conversations in Balinese between locals nearby. I still think about that view from the pool — mist rising off the surface, sunlight catching on someone’s silver bracelet as she dipped her hands under. It’s not something you can really photograph right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise trek and hot springs

• Travel from hotel to volcano
• Hike up Mt Batur for sunrise
• Enjoy breakfast cooked on volcanic steam
• Relax in natural hot springs
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How hard is the Mt Batur sunrise trek?

The trek requires moderate fitness; it involves climbing before dawn on uneven terrain with guidance from an experienced local guide.

Is breakfast included during the tour?

Yes, breakfast is included and cooked over volcanic steam at the summit after reaching Mt Batur’s peak.

Are hotel pickups provided for this tour?

Yes, transportation to and from your hotel lobby is included in an air-conditioned van.

What should I bring for the Mt Batur sunrise hike?

You should bring comfortable walking shoes and pack your swimsuit if you want to enjoy the natural hot springs after hiking.

Are entry fees included in this day trip?

Yes, entrance tickets to both Mt Batur volcano and the natural hot springs are included.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How long does it take to reach Mt Batur from most hotels in Bali?

The drive varies depending on your location but typically takes 1-2 hours each way with early morning pickup.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in an air-conditioned van, entry fees for both Mt Batur volcano and its natural hot springs (if selected), flashlights for hiking before sunrise, guidance from licensed English-speaking locals who’ve climbed countless times before you, plus bottled water and breakfast cooked right over volcanic steam on top of the mountain.