Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

Mount Batur is an active volcano in Kintamani, north-east of Ubud, and climbing it in the dark to watch the sun rise over its caldera is one of the most popular day trips from the town. The summit stands at 1,717 metres inside a huge double caldera: the outer caldera measures about 10 by 13 km and formed roughly 29,000 years ago, while the inner one is about 7.5 km across. The first documented eruption was in 1804 and the most recent activity was in 1999 and 2000, and the 1963 lava field is still visible from Kintamani on the caldera rim. Since 2012 the Batur caldera has been part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

The classic trek starts in darkness, with walkers setting off between about 4am and 5am so as to reach the top for sunrise. Guides provide head torches or flashlights, and the sunrise summit walk is usually described as about three hours. Hotel-organised trips describe the outing as four to five hours in total and of moderate difficulty, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. From the top the view takes in Lake Batur, the lake on the south-east side of the caldera, about 15.9 square kilometres in area, lying at around 1,031 metres above sea level.

Breakfast on the summit is part of the tradition: guides cook eggs and boil water for tea in the volcanic steam that vents near the crater. After the descent many trips stop at the hot springs at Toya Bungkah on the lake shore, which are fed by the volcano's heat and have been developed with pools for visitors. Lake Batur itself lies about 30 km north-east of Ubud.

Climbing is organised through local guides. The trekking guides' association on the mountain has long claimed the right to guide all climbs, and visitors are expected to use one of its guides; most trips booked through hotels and operators in Ubud include the guide fee, along with transfers and entrance tickets. Confirm exactly what is included before you set off, and book at least a day ahead.

Wear hiking or sports shoes and bring a warm jacket, as it is cold on the summit before dawn, along with a small backpack and a camera. Because of the pre-dawn start, trips leave Ubud in the middle of the night, so plan an early night beforehand and keep the rest of the day light. The trek suits reasonably fit adults and older children; those wanting an easier option can see the caldera from the viewpoints at Kintamani.