Bali Sunrise Trekking & Tours

Bali Sunrise Trekking & Tours is a locally run trekking company based at Songan on the shore of Lake Batur, with a second office in Sanggingan, Ubud. Its founder, Gede, grew up in the Batur area and began guiding visitors up the mountain as a child, and the team specialises in the classic sunrise climb of Mount Batur along with other treks around the island.

Mount Batur is an active volcano rising to 1,717 metres inside a huge caldera. Climbing in the dark to watch the sun rise over Lake Batur, with Mount Agung and sometimes Rinjani on Lombok on the horizon, is one of Bali’s signature experiences, and a knowledgeable local guide makes it safer and far more interesting.

What to expect

After an early hotel pick-up, you meet at the base station, the Cintamani Kitchen & Bar, for tea or coffee and start walking at around 03:30–03:45. The climb to the summit takes one to two hours by torchlight over sandy, rocky trails. At the top you wait for sunrise with breakfast of eggs boiled in volcanic steam and fruit, then explore around the crater before descending. The whole outing takes around six to seven hours.

Guides are local to the Batur area and share stories about the volcano’s eruptions, the villages around the lake and the temples on the caldera floor. On the way down, you pass steam vents and old lava flows, with views across the lake that were hidden in the dark on the way up.

Packages & prices

• Base trek – from IDR 550,000, with transport and add-ons priced per passenger.
• Example package – sunrise trek with Kuta transfers and hot springs at IDR 1,800,000 for two people.
• Included – transport (as booked), entrance and trail fees, one guide per four people, torches, water, snacks, tea and coffee before the trek.
• Other treks – including Mount Agung for experienced hikers.

Safety & requirements

Batur is manageable for people with basic fitness, but the trail is steep and loose in places. Wear strong trainers or hiking boots and bring a warm layer and rain jacket; it is cold at the summit before dawn. The company offers full refunds for cancellations more than 72 hours ahead, 50% between 24 and 72 hours, and free rescheduling inside 24 hours. Weather cannot be guaranteed, but you can opt out before 17:30 the day before, and trips cancelled by the company are refunded.

Tips

• Sleep early; pick-ups from the south can be around 02:00.
• Bring a headlamp as backup, plus gloves in the dry season.
• April to October usually gives clearer sunrises.
• Add the hot springs for a relaxing end to the morning.
• Tip your guide if you enjoyed the experience.

If you want a longer day, ask about combining the trek with hot springs, a coffee plantation or a visit to villages around the lake.