Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour with Black Lava & Hot Springs

Summary

Private Jeep Adventure to Mount Batur Sunrise and Black Lava Fields

If you want to catch Bali’s sunrise without hiking for hours, this private Mount Batur jeep tour is perfect. You’ll see sunrise from the summit, explore black lava fields with a local guide, and choose your own finish—hot springs soak or hidden waterfall? It’s all up to you.

What’s the experience like?

My alarm went off at 2:45am—honestly, it felt way too early. But by the time our driver pulled up outside the hotel at 3:30, I was wide awake. The air was cool and smelled faintly of wood smoke as we drove through quiet villages toward Mount Batur. Our jeep driver, Pak Wayan, chatted about his childhood in Kintamani and pointed out tiny warungs already brewing coffee for locals heading to market.

The ride up the mountain was bumpy but fun—nothing like a regular road trip. We passed other jeeps, headlights bobbing in the dark. At the top, there were maybe a dozen people waiting for sunrise, not the crowds you get on foot. The sky started to turn pink around 5:45am. I wrapped my hands around a cup of hot tea (they sell it right there), and watched as clouds shifted over Lake Batur below. When the sun finally peeked out, everyone just stopped talking for a second—it’s that kind of moment.

After breakfast (simple but good—banana sandwich and boiled eggs), we bounced down toward the black lava fields. The ground here is weirdly crunchy underfoot, almost like walking on burnt toast. Pak Wayan told us stories about the last eruption in 1963 and pointed out where his uncle’s old house used to stand before the lava came through. We even met a local farmer tending his cows right on the edge of the black sand.

You can pick what you want to do next: soak in Toya Bungkah hot springs (the water’s warm but smells a bit sulphur-y), visit Segara Ulun Danu Batur temple with its bright red gates, or grab lunch at one of those glass-walled cafés overlooking the crater rim in Kintamani. If you’re up for more adventure, there’s Tibumana waterfall tucked away near Ubud—a bit slippery getting down but worth it for a quick swim before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour

• Hotel pickup at 03:30
• Jeep ride to Mount Batur
• Watch sunrise at Mount Batur summit
• Breakfast with sunrise view
• Photo session with sunrise background
• Explore black lava fields
• Meet local community
• Optional: Relax in hot springs
• Optional: Visit Segara Ulun Danu Batur temple
• Optional: Lunch at Instagrambale restaurant
• Optional: Visit Tibumana waterfall
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Do I need to hike at all during this tour?

Nope! The jeep takes you right up to the sunrise viewpoint and through the lava fields—no hiking required.

What should I bring with me?

I’d suggest a jacket (it gets chilly before sunrise), comfy shoes, camera or phone for photos, and maybe some cash for snacks or tea at the top.

Is breakfast included?

Yes! You’ll get a simple breakfast at sunrise—usually banana sandwich and eggs—with tea or coffee available too.

Can I choose which extra stop we do after Mount Batur?

Absolutely—you can pick between hot springs, temple visit, lunch spot in Kintamani, or Tibumana waterfall when booking.

What’s included

Your private tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned car, entrance tickets for Mount Batur and any chosen stops, breakfast on the mountain, all parking fees, plus your own friendly 4WD jeep driver who knows every shortcut around Batur.