everything you need to know about Hiking Mount Batur at Sunrise

Mount Batur is one of the most epic sunrise spots you can visit in all of Indonesia. It offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints from the second highest volcano in Bali (the highest being Gunung Agung). However, there are definitely a few things you should know before setting off to go on this hike, including how hard the hike is, how long it takes, and whether or not you need a guide. Fortunately, my friend group went on the hike to Mount Batur during our visit in Bali and we're here to share with you all the details we learned during our experience on this iconic morning hike.

What Is Mount Batur and Why Is It So Popular at Sunrise?

Mount Batur is an active volcano in the Kintamani region of Bali. It has an elevation of 1,717 metres (5,633 feet) above sea level, and it attracts anywhere from 300-600 sunrise climbers each morning. This is because it offers a stunning panoramic view of Mount Abang, Agung, and Rinjani, as well as views of a nearby volcanic lake and some towns/villages in the area. The last time this volcano erupted was in 2000, and it did not cause any known or recorded deaths. To book your hike on Mount Batur with a guide and breakfast included, click here.

How Hard Is the Mount Batur Sunrise Hike?

Since the mountain has an elevation of 1,717 meters (5,633 feet), hikers can expect to hike a moderate incline at a steady pace. Fortunately, there is a worn down path hikers use during the climb, and this is said to be very easy to follow. The hike takes approximately 1-2 hours each way depending on your fitness level and pace, but many people report that this is a great hike to do regardless of your hiking experience. That being said, I would say this is a moderate hike that just takes a little while to get to the view. If you don't have a guide during your hike, you might struggle a little bit more with navigating the route or knowing which areas are safer and which are not.

If this hike sounds like it'll be too long or too hard for you, don't worry! There are other ways to see Mount Batur. In fact, there is a great Jeep tour that I've linked here that includes both seeing Mount Batur at sunrise and stopping to take a dip in the local natural hot springs. This is a great way to experience Mount Batur's gorgeous views without having to do any of the hiking, and is a great option if you have younger children or you are not keen on the idea of a 4 hour hike.

Do You Need a Guide to Hike Mount Batur?

While a guide is not mandatory when hiking Mount Batur, it's definitely recommended for your safety and well-being. This is because many of the local guides hike Mount Batur multiple times a week and have extensive knowledge when it comes to the best route to take, safer and more unsafe areas of the mountain, the best viewpoints, etc. On the way up you will also then have the opportunity to learn more about the mountain, it's history, and ask any questions. In addition, a lot of the tours are very inexpensive and include either breakfast or a stop at a hot springs to swim. To book the highest rated sunrise hiking tour in Mount Batur that includes a knowledgeable guide and breakfast, click here. To book a tour that includes breakfast and a dip in the nearby natural hot springs, click here.

What Time Does the Mount Batur Sunrise Hike Start?

The exact time of the sunrise at Mount Batur depends on the time of year, but it's usually around 6:00 am. This means many of the tours begin at the base of the mountain around 4:00 am, some even earlier is breakfast is going to be before you set off on the hike. If you're unsure what time you should get there, make sure to reach out to your specific guide to see what time everyone is meeting. If you plan on hiking Mount Batur without a guide, which I would not personally advise, you will need to leave around 2-2.5 hours before sunrise.

What Should You Wear to Hike Mount Batur?

Since the mornings can be very chilly, I would advise hiking in layers. Definitely wear a sweatshirt and some thinner pants during the hike with a tshirt or tank top underneath in case you get hot on the hike back down after the sun has risen. You can also bring a headlamp if you'd like because the trek does start out in complete darkness. Comfortable sneakers are a MUST. This is a long hike that will last approximately 4 hours in total so any other footwear would likely become very uncomfortable. If you plan on hiking Mount Batur during the rainy season, bring a rain jacket as well. You can also bring a water bottle, which I always do on any hike I go on. Here is my favorite travel water bottle for hiking because it can purify any water put into it and it comes in multiple colors.

What Should You Pack for the Mount Batur Sunrise Hike?

Make sure to pack comfortable clothing that includes multiple layers, comfortable sneakers, and a water bottle that can purify water. You can also bring a camera or any snacks you'd like if you think you may get hungry during the hike. However, remember that most guided tours like this one include breakfast so you likely won't need any snacks unless you plan on eating something else besides breakfast. If you don't want to carry a water bottle but want to stay hydrated, these backpacks are also great for hiking since they are light weight and include a water bladder you can fill up before the hike begins. Just make sure to use bottled water and not local water because the water is not safe for most foreigners to drink in Bali, and you can run the risk of getting Bali belly!

How Cold Does It Get at the Summit of Mount Batur?

Because the peak of Mount Batur is at a higher altitude it does get colder compared to being on the ground in local towns or villages. During the climb in the darkness for sunrise, it's been reported to get as cold as ten °C (50°F). This means that dressing in layers where you can add clothing or take some off is crucial if you want to stay comfortable during this four hour hike. Just remember that once the sun comes up and you're on you way down it will get warmer so you don't want to dress in all your heaviest clothing!

Are There Toilets on the Mount Batur Trail?

No, there are unfortunately no toilets on the Mount Batur trail. There is a toilet at the base of the mountain that hikers can use before starting their trek, but that's the only spot visitors can go to relieve themselves. Knowing that, make sure to prepare wisely. You want to stay hydrated but don't drink so much water that all you can think about is having to pee! Worst comes to worst though, many hikers report doing to the bathroom behind a bush or tree during the hike and that's completely acceptable.

Is the Sunrise at Mount Batur Worth It?

YES, the sunrise at Mount Batur is said to be one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the whole island and the hike itself makes it that much more rewarding. There are views of other volcanoes, a volcanic lake, and smaller towns and villages from the top so it's a view that's pretty much unbeatable. I've known many people who have done this hike, my group included, and every single person said that it was one of the best things they did on the entire trip. I would highly recommend this tour, and if you don't like hiking, then book a Jeep and hot springs tour by clicking here so you can atleast enjoy the views in a way that doesn't require as much physical effort.

How Much Does It Cost to Hike Mount Batur?

The cost of the hike depends on whether or not you book a guide. Without a guide, there is an entrance fee of approximately 100,000 IDR per person. However, I would not recommend hiking Mount Batur without a guide because it is a moderately challenging route and you won't have the local knowledge that a guide has of the conditions. If you are hiking with a guide (I'd recommend this tour with thousands of great reviews), it will likely cost about $25 USD. This does include both the guide and breakfast though which is just a great experience. If you opt for a hike that includes a guide, breakfast, and a stop at the natural hot springs like this tour, it will be about $35 USD a person. Finally, if you decide that you don't want to hike Mount Batur at all and you just want to take a Jeep tour to see the sunrise views and to hit the hot springs on your way down the way that this tour does, it will cost about $22 USD.

Mount Batur Is Just the Beginning — Explore More

Hiking Mount Batur at sunrise is one of Bali’s most unforgettable experiences — and with the right prep, it can be as smooth as it is stunning. Whether you’re chasing volcano views, jungle waterfalls, or relaxing rice fields next, you’re just getting started. Scroll down to discover more insider Bali travel tips, destination guides, and advice to help you plan your dream trip. And don’t forget to subscribe for weekly updates packed with real advice, hidden gems, and everything you need to travel smarter — in Bali and beyond.