Are you ready for a trek? Are you ready for an uphill climb? Are you willing to brave the dark night for indescribable and magnificent sunrise scenes that will leave your jaw wide open? If you answer an emphatic yes to all three questions, then you should pursue a night trek up Mount Batur. And think about it; after watching the sun rise over the horizon, you are on top of a 1700 meter active volcano. Cross that off your to-do list.

The day starts early. Really early. In fact, it is not even daylight yet. You should be wide awake, fresh and ready to go by 2am. The drive to the mountain takes about an hour and a half, inching ever closer to that sunrise you’re yearning to see. Reach the base of the active volcano, get briefed from the expert guides, go through a routine equipment check and start trekking under the Balinese star-lit night!

The first section of your ascent is through a mixture of volcanic ash, sand and small rocks. The climb is mostly uphill but there are many opportunities to stop and catch your breath. After approximately two hours, of which you would’ve covered two hard working kilometers, you will approach the top of the crater and the terrain changes to wind-swept pathways with very few rocks and vegetation. The guides will be alongside you to help you through the terrain.

This will take you to about 6am very nicely. And what’s that? The skies are getting brighter. The sun is rising. And to make things better, it is rising up over Mount Abang and Mount Agung. On clear days it is also possible to view Lombok’s Mount Rinjani in the distance. Stretch your arms up high in the air and enjoy your moment of triumph!

After watching the sun rise and enjoying your well-deserved breakfast, continue on foot to another crater rim. You will then descend from the crater along the same path as you climbed in the dark. This time, with the bright morning sky, you can actually appreciate the scenic surroundings. You will see the lava flows and the path of destruction from the volcano’s two former eruptions as well as Lake Batur in the distance.

No worries, this Mount Batur trek is quite suitable for the novice and dedicated trekker. You do not have to be in peak physical condition to complete this. Just the desire and enthusiasm alone can take you to the top.

Your experience does not have to end here. Look into our inspirational Indonesia tours for other equally exciting and memorable experiences that you will remember and cherish for life.

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