The Holy Mountain of Batur

Certainly a principal attraction if you’re looking for a remarkable trek is Mount Batur (also known as the Kintamani Volcano), an active volcano situated at the centre of two concentric calderas, North-West of Mount Agung. The incredible panorama, to be admired from its 1717 metre peak, convinces thousands of visitors annually to make the 5 km hike amidst lava flows and fumaroles to admire the enchanting light of sunrise with its stunning colours from the summit of the crater. An evening departure is suggested so you can arrive in time to enjoy a tea or coffee and a snack in smoking rock niches in one of the typical local huts, while you take in this incredible natural spectacle. Leaving from Lake Batur, a lake on the Southeast side of the volcano, formed in one of the calderas on the side of the mountain and a key water source for most of the island, it takes about three hours to reach the summit. Then you can wind around the summit crater, heading progressively downward until you eventually reach the starting point. Healing waters can also be enjoyed in the town of Toya Bungkah in Batur, taking a dip in the hot aquifers under the lake. However, this is not to be done alone, an expert guide is highly recommended.