Mount Batur: Sunrise Jeep Tour & Black Lava Fields with Pickup

Sunrise colors, volcanic black lava and a warm breakfast

You’ll ride a private jeep up Mount Batur before dawn with your local guide, watch sunrise spill over Lake Batur from a quiet viewpoint, then cross surreal black lava fields left by ancient eruptions. Includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, breakfast and hot drinks, plus those odd little moments you’ll remember long after you leave Bali.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mount Batur Jeep sunrise and lava fields

• Ride 4WD jeep to sunrise viewpoint
• Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Agung and Lake Batur
• Explore black lava fields by jeep

The experience

The alarm went off at 3:30am and I almost bailed, I mean, who signs up for this kind of early? But the driver was already waiting outside our Ubud hotel, so there wasn’t much choice. My friend Ketut greeted us with that sleepy grin locals seem to have mastered. The drive up to Mount Batur was quiet, just the hum of the road and a couple of stray dogs darting past in the dark. I realized halfway up that I’d forgotten my jacket (classic me), but the jeep’s seats were warm enough and honestly, it kind of added to the whole half-awake feeling.

We bounced along these rough tracks (not sure “road” is even the right word) until we stopped somewhere that looked like the moon. Our guide Wayan handed out tea and pointed at a faint glow on the horizon. He told us stories about Mount Agung waking up in 1963 while we waited for sunrise. There was this smell of earth and something almost metallic in the air from all that old lava. When the sun finally cracked over Lake Batur, everyone went quiet for a second. It wasn’t dramatic or anything. Just this soft light creeping over black rock, making everything look sort of silver and strange.

I didn’t expect to love the black lava fields as much as I did. They’re massive: hard and crunchy under your shoes, weirdly warm in some spots from yesterday’s sun. We drove through them slowly, Wayan pointing out places where steam sometimes rises after rain (no luck today). Someone tried to take a selfie but kept slipping on loose gravel. We all laughed harder than we should’ve at 7am. The whole thing felt less like a tour and more like being let in on some local secret.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur or Ubud areas, entrance fees for Mount Batur access, a private jeep with driver-guide throughout the adventure, plus a warm breakfast with tea or coffee once you reach your sunrise viewpoint before heading into those wild black lava fields.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour Without TransferGuide in English · 04:30Meeting point

Tour With TransferGuide in English · 02:30Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 02:30 and 04:30

AgesAdult (6 to 65 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Batur Volcano Hiking

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is hiking required for the Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep tour?

No hiking is needed. You'll reach viewpoints by 4WD jeep instead of trekking.

Does the tour include hotel pickup from Ubud?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfers are included from Ubud as well as Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Sanur areas.

What is included in breakfast during the tour?

A warm breakfast with tea or coffee is provided after reaching the viewpoint.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn't recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How long do you spend exploring the black lava fields?

You’ll have time to explore after sunrise. Exact duration can vary depending on group pace and interest.