What it's Like to Climb Mount Batur for Sunrise, Bali
There's something exhilarating about travelling without an itinerary at hand. I find that planning each day as it comes or often deciding on the day makes the journey so much more enjoyable. After arriving in Bali, a fellow guest mentioned in passing the epic Mount Batur sunrise trek, and without thinking twice, I booked myself on a tour for the next morning!
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Get ready to set that alarm clock!! Or in my case, avoid falling asleep! This tour starts early. Like ridiculously early! A car will pick you up at around 2:30 am from your guesthouse (I stayed near Ubud) and take you directly to the base camp where you'll be given breakfast. You'll meet your guide who'll brief you on the hike and start climbing at around 3:30/4:00 am.
For the most part, you'll be climbing whilst pitch black, so bring a torch, or you can borrow one from your guide. It's relatively flat to get to the base of the volcano and starts quite steady as you commence your climb. Towards the end, it becomes steep and is a great workout on those thighs until you reach the top! It's a tad easier on the way down ;)
There were five of us in a group with our guide, and he was awesome! He knew which paths were likely to be more slippery, and he was really helpful when we needed a hand. We stopped 4 or 5 times for small (but much needed) breaks. There are no toilets, as we found out at the halfway base camp, so mind the crater when going behind the bush!
Looking out at the horizon
What to wear
I bought a couple of spare jumpers, although I really didn't need them until at the top during sunrise. I went during April when it was hot and humid. Drink plenty of water!! You'll also need a good pair of trainers!
Sunrise on Mount Batur
How much?
This is debatable, as I'm pretty sure people pay different prices. I paid $25 for a group tour of 5 people and went through my accommodation to make the booking. The more of you there are, the more likely you'll be able to haggle a discount.
Just how worth it is it really?
When you reach the top, your guide will arrange breakfast for you, and you'll also be greeted by some furry little friends. A word of advice: you'll want to eat breakfast fast :)
The sunrise is truly stunning! Above the clouds, from the top of Mount Batur, the sun rises behind Mount Agung. As the wind blows, you get swept into the clouds, and the breathtaking views are enough to make you want to pinch yourself!!
Here are a few of my fave pics...
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