Mount Batur: Jeep Sunrise Tour & Black Lava Fields with Hot Spring

Summary

Sunrise over Mount Batur from a jeep, black lava fields and hot springs

You’ll ride a classic jeep before dawn to catch sunrise over Mount Batur, sip strong Balinese coffee at 1,400 meters, explore black lava fields from past eruptions with your guide’s stories, and soak in natural hot springs by Lake Batur if you choose the combo. It’s peaceful, surprising, and oddly grounding.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I’m not a morning person, so when our driver showed up at 3:30am in Ubud for the Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour, I was already doubting my life choices. But then the air outside was cool and smelled faintly of cloves (or maybe that was just my imagination). By the time we reached Kintamani, it was still pitch dark and the only sounds were roosters and a couple of sleepy dogs. Our guide Putu grinned as we climbed into this battered red jeep — he said it’s older than him, which made me laugh because he looked about 22.

The drive up to the sunrise point was bumpy enough that my teeth rattled, but honestly? It felt like a weird adventure already. No hiking at all — just bouncing along in the dark with flashlights flickering ahead. At the top (1,400 meters up), Putu handed out banana sandwiches and poured us Balinese coffee that tasted smoky and strong. The sun started to creep up behind Mount Agung, painting everything pinkish-orange. I didn’t expect to get goosebumps — maybe it was the cold or maybe just seeing everyone around me go quiet for a minute. Someone’s kid tried to climb onto the jeep roof for photos; Putu helped him up without missing a beat.

After sunrise (which really does sneak up on you), we rattled down toward the black lava fields from 1963. The ground there is rough and crunchy underfoot if you hop out — like walking on burnt toast. Putu told us stories about his grandfather seeing the eruption as a boy; apparently people here still talk about it like it happened last year. The landscape is strange — all dark rocks and little tufts of green grass poking through. It smells faintly metallic if you get close enough to the stones.

If you book the combo with hot spring (we did), you end up soaking in these steaming pools right by Lake Batur afterwards. My legs were covered in dust so it felt extra good — water around 36°C, not too hot but enough to make me sleepy again. There’s something calming about sitting there with locals chatting quietly nearby and steam curling off your arms while you look out at that caldera view. I still think about that silence sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur sunrise and hot spring

• Enjoy light breakfast before sunrise
• Watch sunrise at Mount Batur summit
• Explore 1963 Black Lava field
• Return to car park
• Soak in Batur Natural Hot Spring

Top questions

Is there any hiking on the Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour?

No hiking is required; you reach the sunrise point entirely by jeep.

What time does pickup usually happen for this tour?

Pickup typically happens very early morning (around 3:00–4:00am) depending on your hotel location.

Are children or seniors able to join this tour?

Yes, this tour is suitable for kids, adults, seniors, and those with limited mobility since there’s no walking involved.

Is breakfast included during the tour?

Yes, a light breakfast such as banana sandwich and boiled egg plus tea or coffee is served at sunrise point.

What are the black lava fields at Mount Batur?

The black lava fields are remnants from Mount Batur’s major eruption in 1963; you’ll visit them after sunrise.

Is hotel pickup included everywhere in Bali?

Pickup is included except for Lovina, Amed, and Balian Beach areas.

Can I add hot springs to my tour?

Yes, you can book an option that includes soaking in natural hot springs after visiting Mount Batur.

How long can we stay at the hot springs?

You can relax at the natural hot spring for 1–2 hours if booked as part of your package.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup (except Lovina, Amed & Balian Beach), all rides by classic jeep up Mount Batur for sunrise viewing at 1,400 meters with light breakfast (banana sandwich, boiled egg & tea or coffee), exploration of the 1963 black lava field with your local guide sharing stories along the way—and if you choose it—the chance to unwind in natural volcanic hot springs overlooking Lake Batur before heading back home.