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Mount Batur is one of the most famous volcanoes in Bali. This is because many tourists climb the volcano. The Balinese call it the Gunung Batur and is 1717 meters high. Of course you can climb the volcano at any time of the day, but how cool is it to do this at night, so you can see the sunrise! We have braved this volcano and share our experience with you here!
MOUNT BATUR TRACKING
The alarm clock rang at 1:00 AM. An hour later they picked us up with a mini van for 10 people. The van was already full of other travelers, so we were allowed to sit next to the driver. In the middle of the night the oh so busy Ubud turns into a complete different city. The streets are deserted, so our driver liked the gas pedal. With holes in the road, winding curves, no view of a possible oncoming traffic and frontal view, I felt very sick. Fortunately there was a stop after about fifteen minutes. At a restaurant we had a cup of coffee with a delicious pisang goreng. When we were allowed to get back in the van, we were lucky to get a spot in the back thanks to our driver. The couple who were sitting on our place, had very tough during the continuation of the trip, #Sorrynotsorry..
After 45 minutes, we arrived at the parking of the track where we would return after many hours. We received a flashlight, a packed lunch for on the top of the volcano and a bottle of water. Also 3 guides were introduced to our group of 10. You can’t climb the vulcano on your own. In the past, tourists got lost and died. At this moment, the guide is your best friend.
Let’s go! One of the supervisors shouted. There we went … with 3 guides and the group to brave the still active Batur volcano of 1717 meters high. We first had to walk about 20 minutes from the parking to the start of the path. We walked through a village where a lot of agriculture is produced. We smelled the scent of chives and saw some pepper plantations. The paths were flat but quite a few stones protruded. Your flashlight is also useful at the start of the tour. 20 minutes later the real work starts. The climb takes about 2 hours and starts with a path of little stones. After an hour’s walk, the first 2 couples already left. One of the guides suggested that she’ll go back with them and wait in the parking lot until the rest of the group would be back. We continued our way with courage. The guides motivated us and stopped for a moment when we really could not continue. There was quite a bit of pressure behind being at the top before 6 am, because you want to see the sunrise.
In the distance we saw a string of flashlights from the tourists who were already a lot further than us. We saw that we still had a long way to go.
We arrived around 5:30 am at the stop where the sunrise can be watched. Unfortunately this was not yet the top. That was another climb up. I had a very hard time myself, was completely wet with sweat and could cry, but we still went further. The stone path turned into a grainy sand path. You slip quickly here and you really have to look for the grip points so that you don’t fall down.
After 2.5 hours of having a tough time we finally arrived at the top of the Gunung Batur at 05:45 and the fun could begin. The sun slowly came through the clouds and everyone started to cheer. That is such a really magical moment. We looked around proudly at what we had achieved. It was freezing cold at the top, but with the arrival of the sun it can be kept well. The horizon was a mixture of the colors pink, blue, orange and purple. There were some benches above, so you could rest and enjoy the view.
Well the top was reached, but of course you also have to go back. We had to get down to the same path that you came up with. A reassurance: it does not require as much energy as the way up. Unfortunately, almost everyone goes down at the same time. The first part down is the sandy road again. With very small steps you stay upright, but if you take larger steps, the sand crumbles under your shoes. Because of this you will soon fall. With so many people at the same time, this gives a domino effect. Be careful during the hike down. During the hike back down it is light again.
Halfway we stopped at a huge crater. Wild dogs, mountain monkeys and even chickens walking around here! Our guide had some small bananas in the bag she gave us. This resulted in nice photo moments.
The more we came down, the more pleasant the temperature became. The sweater could be taken off and we were getting closer to the parking lot. On the last part we were treated to a very beautiful view over the Batur lake. Around 11:30 we arrived at the parking lot again.
What a tough but incredibly beautiful morning!
The excursion costs 150,000 Rupiah per person (€ 24.00) including transfer. Take a sweater or cardigan with you and put on good walking shoes!