Gunung Batukau
Mountain Dense forested Balinese mountain in western Bali
On western Bali, Gunung Batukau (Mount Batukaru) rises through cloud forest; the mountain hosts Pura Luhur Batukaru and offers trails for hikers seeking highland forest and cooler air.
Gunung Batukaru (Batukaru) is a forested volcanic mountain in western-central Bali and is the island’s second-highest peak. The mountain is largely cloaked in montane forest and is an important site for traditional Balinese ritual activity.
Trails lead into upland forest and the area around the mountain is used for pilgrimage and ceremonial visits, notably to the temple complex on its slopes. The mountain’s elevation and cloud forest create cool, wet conditions and a habitat for native flora and fauna.
The mountain sits in Tabanan regency in western Bali and forms part of the central-western highland spine of the island.
- Elevation and forest: The mountain rises to roughly 2,276 metres and is the island's second-highest peak, with dense montane forest and frequent mist and rainfall.
- Religious significance: Home to a major Balinese temple on its slopes that remains an active ritual site for local communities.
What to See #
- Pura Luhur Batukaru: A Hindu temple complex on the mountain slope that is one of Bali's key sacred sites, used for ceremonies and annual offerings.
How to Get to Gunung Batukau #
Gunung Batukau (Mount Batukaru) is in western Bali’s Tabanan Regency near the Bedugul highlands. The mountain and Pura Luhur Batukaru are best reached by car or hired driver from Denpasar or Ubud - the drive from Denpasar/Ubud typically takes around 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic (several dozen kilometres). Public transport is limited; drive along the Denpasar-Bedugul/Singaraja roads toward Bedugul and follow local signs to the Batukaru temple and trailheads, where short walks lead to the summit approach and temple areas.
Tips for Visiting Gunung Batukau #
- Start pre-dawn if you plan a summit hike or viewpoint visit-morning light is best and afternoons often bring clouds and rain during Bali's wet months.
- Hire a local guide and check with village or temple authorities before trekking-Gunung Batukau is culturally important and local guidance or permission is customary.
- Combine the Batukau visit with nearby attractions (for example the Jatiluwih rice terraces and local temples) to make travel from Tabanan or central Bali more efficient and reduce repeated long transfers.
Best Time to Visit Gunung Batukau #
The dry season (April-October) is the best time for hikes and clearer mountain conditions.
Weather & Climate near Gunung Batukau #
Gunung Batukau's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 26°C. Heavy rainfall (2713 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (443 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (361 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (362 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (189 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (135 mm).
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June
June is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (159 mm).
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November
November is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (264 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (403 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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