Mount Batur Sunrise Hike with Breakfast & Local Guide

Summary

Climb Bali’s volcano before dawn for sunrise views and local breakfast

You’ll hike Mount Batur before dawn with a local guide, feeling Bali wake up around you as you climb. Enjoy a simple breakfast cooked in volcanic steam at the summit while watching sunrise spill over Lake Batur. All gear is included—just bring your sense of adventure and let someone else handle pickup.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to walk through pitch-black jungle at 3am, just the sound of your own breath and the crunch of gravel under your boots? That’s how our Mount Batur sunrise trek from Ubud started. Our driver picked us up in the dark (I barely remembered to grab my jacket), and by the time we reached Toya Bungkah, the air was chilly and full of woodsmoke from early risers. Our guide, Wayan, handed out torches and walking sticks—he grinned when I fumbled with mine—and then we set off behind him into the dark. I kept thinking: am I really awake?

The climb was steeper than I expected in places, but Wayan kept an easy pace and pointed out little things—like the faint sulfur smell that drifted up as we got closer to the crater. We passed a few other groups but mostly it was just our small bunch, quiet except for someone’s nervous laugh now and then. At one point I stopped to catch my breath and realized how silent it was except for distant roosters down in the valley. The sky started turning this weird purple-grey just as we reached the top—suddenly you could see everyone’s faces again, all tired but excited.

Breakfast was simple: eggs boiled right in volcanic steam vents (Wayan showed us how he did it), banana sandwiches, hot coffee that tasted extra good after that climb. The wind up there is sharp on your skin but somehow makes everything taste better. We watched the sun break through clouds over Lake Batur—honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so moved by it. Wayan offered to take photos; he had a knack for catching those half-awake smiles. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur sunrise trekking experience

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to Toya Bungkah
• Meet local guide
• Receive bottled water, walking stick, torch
• Trek to Mount Batur summit
• Enjoy light breakfast at summit
• Watch sunrise and take photos
• Guide assists with photography

Top questions

How long does the Mount Batur sunrise hike take?

The trek itself usually takes about 2 hours up and 1.5 hours down, not including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mount Batur sunrise tour?

Yes, private transportation from your hotel to Mount Batur is included.

What do you eat for breakfast on top of Mount Batur?

A light breakfast is served: hard-boiled eggs cooked in volcanic steam vents, banana sandwiches, fruit selection, chocolate bar, plus hot coffee or tea.

Do I need to bring my own flashlight or walking stick?

No—flashlights (torches) and walking sticks are provided by your guide at the start of the trek.

Is this trek suitable for beginners or people with health issues?

The trek requires moderate fitness; it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water along the way, use of flashlights and walking sticks during the hike, plus a simple breakfast—eggs cooked in volcanic steam vents, banana or egg sandwiches, fresh fruit selection, chocolate bar, and hot coffee or tea—served at sunrise on Mount Batur before heading back down with your local guide.