There’s nothing quite like watching the sunrise from the summit of Batur. The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek takes around 2 hours to reach the top and rewards you with sweeping views across Bali.
The hike is a steady uphill walk rather than a technical climb, making it suitable for most people with an average level of fitness.
With a private guide setting the pace and a private car and driver handling hotel pickup and drop-off, the experience is simple, comfortable, and well organised from start to finish.
Mount Batur Tour Overview
The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek is one of the most popular experiences in Bali, and for good reason. It combines adventure, scenery, and an unforgettable sunrise, all wrapped into one early-morning mission that’s done before lunchtime.
This tour includes a private car and English-speaking driver for up to 12 hours, from hotel pickup to final drop-off.
You’ll also have a private local guide for the hike, plus headlamps and walking poles to keep things safe and comfortable in the dark.
At the summit of Mount Batur, you’ll watch the sun rise over Bali and enjoy a simple breakfast to refuel before hiking back down.
After the trek, the day is yours. Continue exploring East Bali, visit nearby temples, waterfalls, or hot springs, or head wherever you like.
My drivers have all been on Bali’s roads for years, so just let him know where you want to go and he’ll take care of the rest.
Trekking to Mount Batur Summit
After being picked up from your hotel or villa, you’ll be driven to meet your personal guide for the trek at Toya Bungkah village and a safety briefing.
From there you will prepare you’ll start your trek around 4 am under a blanket of stars and climb safely at a pace that suits your group on your way to the summit, arriving around 6 am.
From the summit, you’ll watch the sky turn from dark purple to burnt orange and pink as the sun rises over the ocean to the east.
Mount Batur is an active volcano and part of UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network. Standing at 1,717 meters (5,633 feet) above sea level the hike to the summit will be a highlight of your trip to Bali.
Daylight reveals the volcanic valley below and spectacular views of Mount Agung, Mount Abang and Mount Rinjani all the way to Lombok island.
After a light breakfast (banana, eggs and coffee or tea) you will be trekking back down the mountain past recent lava flows and the amazing volcanic landscape overlooking the crater lake.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Checklist
This is only advice, but I’ve been on some of the world’s greatest treks, and the one thing that always surprises me is seeing people completely unprepared for a trek.
I’ve seen several tourists start the trek up My Batur wearing flip-flops and carrying luggage like they were expecting to walk to a 5-star hotel and were surprised when they realised there was nothing but a volcanic plateau between them and the summit.
Sensible walking shoes, a warm sweater or fleece (a beanie is a good idea) and a small day pack for water and snacks will make for a more enjoyable adventure.
- A good night’s rest: Accept the early wake up. Don’t drink the night before. Future you will thank you at sunrise.
- Small day pack: For all of your essentials.
- Water: There may be some entrepreneurial vendors on the path towards the summit that will sell water at extraordinary prices (good for them) but they are not always there.
- Light jacket or hoodie: It’s cold up on Mount Batur before sunrise. You’ll need it. A t-shirt is not enough.
- Good shoes with grip: Trail runners or hiking shoes. Sneakers with smooth soles are a bad life choice.
- Spare socks: To change at the summit before the trek down.
- Sticking plasters: In case of blisters. Handyplast is the local brand.
- Snacks: Energy bars, banana, trail mix. In case you need some energy on the way up.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek + Hot Springs
The best thing I can recommend after a Mount Batur Sunrise Trek is the Batur Natural Hot Springs located on the shores of Danau (Lake) Batur.
A soak in these will cure the muscle soreness if you’re not used to trekking so much and make sure you’re nice and relaxed for your return to your hotel or villa for a nap beside the pool.
The cost of the hot springs is IDR350k which includes entry for swimming, towel and locker, with food and beverages not included.
Most Popular Stops After Mount Batur Trek
- Museum Geopark Batur – Learn about Mount Batur’s volcanic history and Bali’s geology. Easy and informative stop near the mountain.
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Iconic stepped rice fields near Ubud. Best visited earlier before crowds build.
- Tirta Empul Temple – Sacred water temple where visitors can take part in a traditional purification ritual.
- Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation – Coffee and tea tasting with views over the countryside. A relaxed stop after the hike.
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall – Short walk to a dramatic waterfall inside a cave-like canyon.
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall – Easy-access waterfall with cascading rock steps, popular for photos.
- Penglipuran Village – One of Bali’s best-preserved traditional villages with a calm, local feel.
- Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi – Ancient temple complex carved into cliff walls, surrounded by rice fields.
- Bali Swing – Jungle swings and viewpoints for those chasing the classic Bali photo.
- Goa Gajah – Historic temple complex near Ubud and an easy cultural stop.
- Besakih Temple – Bali’s most important temple complex on the slopes of Mount Agung.
Pick 2 or 3 of these as you won’t be able to hit all in one day.
Mt Batur Sunrise Tour Map
What’s Included:
- Instant confirmation
- Air-conditioned 6-seater SUV
- English-speaking driver.
- Up to 12 hours of time from pick-up until drop-off
- Private car and driver for the entire tour, and
- Your own private guide for the trek to the summit of Mt Batur for 1 – 5 people.
- Entrance fee to Kintamani
- Simple breakfast on the summit (toast, eggs, coffee)
- Headlamps and poles
Your itinerary is flexible, so if you choose to go over time you can simply pay your driver the extra IDR 100k per hour or part thereof.
Not included:
- Food and beverages.
- Lunch or other meals on the route.
- Entry tickets to hot springs (optional).
- Tickets to events (if any)
Recommended Pick Up Times
If you want to catch the sunrise on your Mount Batur Sunrise Trek you will need to be picked up at the following times. You can set it in the booking form below.
- Nusa Dua, Tabanan, Uluwatu: 1:00 AM
- Benoa, Canggu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak: 1:15 AM
- Sanur: 1:30 AM
- Gianyar, Ubud: 2:00 AM
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I’m a technology entrepreneur and traveller and began Bali Holiday Secrets as a guide for friends and family who came to visit after I moved to Bali, and has grown to 400,000+ visitors a month.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek FAQs
Is the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek worth it?
Yes. It’s one of the few Bali activities that actually lives up to the hype. Sunrise above the clouds, volcanic views, and you’re done before most people finish breakfast. Early wake up hurts. The view fixes it.
What time is the sunrise trek at Mount Batur?
Most treks start hiking around 3:30–4:00 am to reach the summit by sunrise, usually between 5:45–6:15 am depending on the season.
How long does the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek take?
The hike up takes about 2 hours. Total time including descent and breakfast is 4 to 5 hours.
How difficult is the Mount Batur sunrise hike?
Moderate. Not technical, but it’s uphill the whole way. If you’re reasonably fit and can walk for two hours, you’ll be fine. The last section is steeper and rocky but short.
Do I need hiking boots for the trek at Mount Batur?
Not mandatory. Trail runners or sturdy sneakers with grip are enough. Proper hiking boots are great if you already have them. Flip flops are a strong no.
Can beginners do the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek?
Yes. Many first-time hikers do this trek. Go at a steady pace, take short breaks, and you’ll be fine. Guides are very used to beginners.
Is the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek safe?
Yes, when done with a licensed local guide. The trail is well known, guides carry flashlights, and conditions are monitored. Like any hike, it’s about pacing and proper footwear.
Is the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek crowded?
Yes, it can be, especially in high season. You won’t be alone. That said, guides know quieter spots at the summit, and the experience is still worth it even with company.
Is there a toilet at Mount Batur?
There are basic toilets near the parking area. Nothing at the summit. Use the toilet before starting the hike.
Can I go on the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek alone without a guide?
Guides are officially required. Independent hiking is discouraged and access rules can change. Going with a guide is safer, easier, and supports the local community.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Photos
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek vs Jeep Tour
If hiking isn’t your thing, the Mount Batur Jeep sunrise tour is the main alternative to the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek.
Instead of walking, you ride up part of the volcano in a 4WD jeep and watch the sunrise from a lower viewpoint.
The jeep tour is easier and requires almost no physical effort, which makes it popular with families, older travellers, or anyone short on time.
That said, you don’t reach the summit, the views aren’t as wide, and you miss the feeling of actually earning the sunrise.
The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek is more physical but also more rewarding. Reaching the summit on foot, watching the sky change colours, and hiking back down through lava fields is the full experience.
Both options offer beautiful sunrise views on Mount Batur. If you want comfort and minimal effort, the jeep tour is a solid choice.
If you want the classic Mount Batur experience and the best views, the sunrise trek is the one most travellers remember.
Dear Michael,
May I check what is the wet weather plan for this sunrise trek? Will it still proceed or be cancelled? Thank you.
best regards,
Jeremy
I do not see any pricing. What is the cost per person for this, leaving from Uluwatu. Thank you.
Hello,
There is a booking form on this page. The pricing depends on a few options. Please fill out a few details to see the pricing.
Safe travels,
Michael
It’s it possible to book this with just cash?
Hi Michael –
Is there a way to leave from Munduk and arrive in Ubud with this Mount Batur hike? We’d love to do the hike on our day of transfer from Munduk to Ubud (but then of course would have luggage with us)
Hi Georgia,
Yes, you can! You can simply book your tour as normal, and inform your driver in the morning that you’ll be returning to Ubud instead of Munduk.
The luggage isn’t a problem as you can store it in the car while you go on your Batur Sunrise Trek.
Safe travels,
Michael
Hi Michael,
My partner and I are travelling to Bali from 26 June to 1 July, staying 5 nights in Nusa Dua.
I’m keen on the sunrise hike, the temple tour #1, itinerary #3 for Ubud day tour and itinerary #1 for Uluwatu.
With wanting to book all these, is there a driver you’d recommend for all of them.that we could negotiate a rate with, or a way to combine them more efficiently? Or, just book as is? I’d like to keep to your suggestions for itinerary.
Cheers
Claire
Hi Claire,
All of the drivers have years of experience with the tours, so you’ll be in good hands!
Some of the tours include tickets and entrance fees, so it won’t be possible to negotiate a rate especially being peak season.
I would suggest booking the tours separately and on my end, I’ll ensure you get the same driver.
Here’s a shortcut to all the tours you’re interested in:
Bali Temple Tour #1
Ubud Day Tour
Uluuwatu Day Tour
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek (on this very page)
Feel free to let me know if you have any more questions!
Hope you’re excited for your Bali trip.
Safe travels,
Michael
Hi Michael,
We are hoping to book Mt Batur sunrise trek (we are heading over in a couple of weeks).
Is it possible to drop the hot springs and rice fields portion and simply book the pick up from villa (Ubud), guide, trek and crater rim trek then head back to our villa?
Your site has been immensely helpful 🙏
Thank you
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Yes that’s completely fine. The itinerary is all yours to adjust as you please.
Safe travels,
Michael
Hi Michael,
We have a group of 6 adults that will be touring in mid-Feb and looking to book this excursion around Feb 19/20. Is 5 the max each vehicle can take? Are we better off booking 2 trucks and meeting up at Toya Bungkah Village?
Your website is really well organized and full of great tips – we’ll definitely be booking a driver through you and not the hotel!
Hi Courtney, I’ve just updated the tour booking form to allow up to 12 people. We have speciality drivers for this tour and we organise 1 private mountain guide per 5 passengers, so for 6 passengers you will have 2 guides trekking together.
Safe travels, Michael
Hi there Michael,
great web site and looking forward to booking some tours with you.
If we book the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, but would like to drop the Tegallang rice fields and rather drive to the lake bratan and the water temple, would that be possible? Do I let you know after the tour is confirmed?
We would be staying in Ubud.
thanks, Chris
Hi Chris, – yes, you can modify your itinerary to suit your requirements. Just let your driver know after pickup.
Safe travels, Michael
Hi Michael,
I’ve found you’re website really helpful and filled with great suggestions, thanks so much!
Can you tell me if a headlamp or poles are included for the trek to Mount Batur?
Also, do you know the cost of entry to the hot springs on this tour?
Thank you,
Kiralee
Hi Kiralee – I have heard back from the head driver for these tours that headlamps and poles are provided. The cost of the hot springs is IDR350k which includes entry for swimming, towel and locker, with food and beverages not included.
Hope this helps. Safe travels, Michael
Hi Michael, I know the guide cost is not included in the rate but will the guide be booked for us and ready for when we arrive at Mount Batur or do we sort it ourselves when we arrive?
Thanks
Hi Connor – Thanks for asking. I have reached out to my guide connections to find out the latest pricing post-covid (so much has changed) and will get back to you within 24 hours with detailed pricing and details.
Safe travels, Michael
Hi Connor – I have confirmed that the sunrise trek to the summit of Mt Batur is available. One of my drivers specialises in this tour as his family comes from Kintamani. The tour prices have been updated to include the entry fee into Kintamani, the cost of a personal guide and a simple rustic breakfast on the summit as you watch the sunrise.
I’ve also confirmed estimates for timing depending on where you are being picked up.
Previously I avoided all-inclusive pricing because the guiding operators would change their pricing dependent on demand (especially for tourists who turned up without bookings and are a captive audience).
But now I am more particular about which drivers I vet and work with for specific tours like this that depend on organisation beforehand.
Hope this helps and I look forward to your booking.
Safe travels, Michael
Hi, I am going to Bali in a month and was wondering if the mountain guide is included if I book this Mount Batur trek. Or does it only include the private driver?
Hi Gaelle,
The Mount Batur Trek cost of USD$45 per person for the guided trek to the mountain summit is not included and needs to be paid directly to the guiding company on arrival.
I’m looking at securing guide tickets for inclusion with this trip, but it’s easier and more efficient for this tour to only include the private care and driver along with touring the other attractions on the itinerary. That’s why the tour cost is only IDR 1.000k for up to 6 people.
Safe travels,
Michael