Mount Batur: Jeep Sunrise Tour & Black Lava Fields

Summary

Volcano sunrise by jeep, coffee in hand, black lava below

You’ll ride a private jeep up Mount Batur before dawn, watch sunrise with hot tea and simple breakfast on the volcano rim, then cross black lava fields left by past eruptions. A local guide handles everything — even photos — so you can just breathe in mountain air and let time slow down for a while.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not awake yet?” our driver joked as we bumped through Kintamani’s dark backroads. I’d barely finished my first sip of coffee when the jeep started climbing — the air was cold enough to make me wish I’d brought another layer. Our guide, Putu, grinned and pointed out the faint outline of Mount Batur ahead. It looked almost unreal in that early light, like something out of a story I’d half-remembered from childhood. And then suddenly, we were parked on this ridge — just us and a handful of other sleepy faces, all waiting for the sun.

I didn’t expect the silence up there. Just wind in my ears and the smell of hot tea (Putu had already unpacked breakfast: banana sandwiches and hard-boiled eggs — simple but honestly perfect at that hour). The sky went from purple to orange so fast it felt like someone flipped a switch. Everyone sort of forgot their phones for a minute. When I did remember to take a photo, Putu laughed and offered to snap one for us — he knew exactly where to stand for that “floating above the clouds” shot.

After sunrise, we rattled down toward the black lava fields — which really do look like another planet, all jagged and weirdly quiet. The ground crunches under your shoes in a way that’s hard to describe; it’s rough but not sharp, kind of like walking on burnt toast (I know that sounds odd). Putu told us about the 1963 eruption — his uncle still remembers it — and pointed out places where steam sometimes rises if you look closely. We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave just yet. So yeah, if you want an easy way up Mount Batur without hiking at 3am but still want that sunrise feeling… this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur jeep sunrise and lava visit

• Drive through Kintamani district
• Enjoy sunrise from jeep
• Have light breakfast
• Visit black volcanic lava field

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

What is served for breakfast during the tour?

You get banana or egg sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, fruit selection, chocolate bar, plus hot coffee or tea.

Do I need to hike to see sunrise on this tour?

No hiking is required; you’ll reach the viewpoint by jeep.

How high is Mount Batur?

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

Are entry fees included in the price?

Yes, entrance tickets to Mount Batur and Kintamani are covered.

What else do we visit besides Mount Batur?

You’ll also visit Kintamani district and drive across black volcanic lava fields from the 1963 eruption.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for everyone since there’s no strenuous walking involved.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees for both Mount Batur and Kintamani district, bottled water along with breakfast (banana or egg sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit selection), a chocolate bar plus hot coffee or tea served right on top of Mount Batur. You’ll be guided by a local expert who takes care of photos so you can focus on the view instead of your camera.