No matter where you stay in Bali, you will likely see advertisements for a sunrise hike to the top of Mt. Batur – the most active volcano on the island. I recommend taking the tour from Ubud or wherever you are staying rather than traveling to Kintamani for the trek.

Kintamani – the town nearest the volcano is a beautiful farming village on Lake Batur but as a tourist the accommodation and food options are incredibly limited. Personally, I would not stay here again.

This was such an adventure! Depending on where you are leaving from, the tour company will pick you up around 3 am, drive to the base of the mountain and start hiking around 4 am. You will most likely reach the summit before sunrise and enjoy your breakfast of banana sandwich and hard boiled egg cooked over volcanic steam vents.

With the crater behind you, the sky begins to color around 6 as the sun rises over the adjacent mountain across the lake. The view is incredible. On a clear day you can see all the way to Lombok – the next island over.

With the light of day, the monkeys emerge! They are after your food and are very tricky.

Don’t be fooled by reviews that say this is an easy hike – you are climbing to the top of a 1700 m volcano. I would give this hike a moderately difficult rating because you are hiking in the dark and the terrain is very sandy, uneven, and sharp.

The tour company will provide flashlights if you don’t have your own and also a bottle of water. I’d recommend wearing real shoes (NOT chacos or sandals of any type). Also, bring a light jacket because the top of the volcano is very windy and chilly!

Our guide took us through some local farms on the hike down which was one of the best parts. Tomatoes and peppers abound in the jungle with glimpses of the lake ahead.

While it is technically possible to do this hike without a guide, it is strongly discouraged. Rates for a guide will run you anywhere from 400,000-600,000 Indonesian rupiah ($35-$55 USD). This includes breakfast, transport, and the guide.

Overall, a great experience.