Gunung Batur
Volcano Active volcano popular for sunrise treks
Mount Batur’s active caldera in Bali’s Kintamani district draws sunrise climbers, horse-riding excursions and visitors seeking hot springs and caldera viewpoints.
Gunung Batur (Mount Batur) is an active volcano in the Kintamani area of northeastern Bali, Indonesia, with a summit elevation of about 1,717 metres above sea level. It lies within a broad caldera that contains Lake Batur and other volcanic landforms.
The volcano has produced multiple eruptions in historic times and remains classified as active. Its summit and the caldera rim are popular for day hikes, commonly scheduled for sunrise views; routes and climbing times vary by starting point.
Geologically the feature is a volcanic cone set within a larger caldera; local communities and agricultural use occupy the fertile lands of the caldera floor. The mountain is reached by road from central Bali and Kintamani towns.
- Elevation: Summit elevation at about 1,717 metres above sea level, making it a commonly climbed active volcano on Bali.
- Hiking note: Popular sunrise hikes start very early and reach the summit in 1.5 to 3 hours depending on route and fitness.
What to See #
- Batur caldera and Lake Batur: Caldera and Lake Batur - the volcano sits inside a large caldera that contains Lake Batur, one of Bali's principal lakes and a local water source.
How to Get to Gunung Batur #
Mount Batur (Gunung Batur) in Bali is commonly accessed from the central Bali towns of Ubud or Kintamani by road. From Ubud the drive to the Kintamani/Batur area is about 45-75 minutes depending on traffic; from Denpasar/Ngurah Rai Airport allow roughly 1.5-2 hours by car (approximately 60-75 km).
Most visitors drive to a trailhead or parking area (Toya Bungkah or other local villages) and begin a guided hike; the trailheads are a short walk from parking/meeting points and the popular sunrise treks take around 1.5-2.5 hours on foot to the summit depending on fitness and route.
Tips for Visiting Gunung Batur #
- For the classic summit sunrise, start the trek very early (many guides begin around 2:00-3:00 a.m.) so you reach the rim in time for sunrise - book a licensed local guide rather than attempting the climb alone.
- If you want fewer people, either start earlier than the common tour times or use one of the alternative viewpoints on the caldera rim (Penelokan/Kintamani area) rather than the main summit crowd.
- Combine the hike with a post-trek soak at the Toya Bungkah hot springs or a viewpoint over Lake Batur - many day-trippers skip those nearby thermal pools and caldera vistas.
- Check local volcanic activity warnings and confirm your guide's permits the day before; organized guides and community-operated offices will have the latest safety information.
Best Time to Visit Gunung Batur #
For clear views and safer trekking conditions at Gunung Batur, go during the dry season (April-October), and start pre-dawn for sunrise with fewer crowds on weekdays.
Weather & Climate near Gunung Batur #
Gunung Batur's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C. Heavy rainfall (2279 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (451 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (385 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (347 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (185 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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June
June is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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July
July is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 29 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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November
November is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (180 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (350 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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