Mount Batur

Mount Batur (Gunung Batur) is an active volcano located at the center of two concentric calderas north west of Mount Agung on the island of Bali, Indonesia.

The active volcano of Mount Batur rises 679 meter-tall stratovolcano rising above the surface of Lake Batur. Batur area is one of the most impressive calderas in the world with length 13.8 km and 10 km width.

In the east slopes of batur volcano nested the biggest lake in Bali called Lake Batur. The volcano consists of a main cone with four summits and one main crater. The volcano also flanked by a small parasitic cone in the west slope, called Bukit Butus.

In September 2012 the area of Mount Batur volcano was declared by UNESCO as Batur Global Geopark for its cultural significance and natural scenery.

The center Batur volcanic located around 300 km north of the Java trench and around 150 km above the north-dipping Belief, the crust of beneath Bali is about 20 to 25 km thick.

Two huge eruptions forming caldera catastrophic occurred at old Batur volcano. The first caldera was formed 29,300 years ago.

The second caldera was formed eruption occurred 20,150 year ago and was accompanied by eruption of andesitic to ignimbrite and made the caldera deeper and arise the lake from the accumulation of rainwater.

Mount Batur Eruptions

Around 23,000 BC during the cataclysms that marked the fore last shift of the earth’s poles.

An explosion of incredible magnitude formed the gigantic Batur caldera which today has a diameter of ca. 13 km – one of the largest and most impressive in the world.

Before that eruption Mount Batur rose about 3,800 m above sea level and it was thus higher than Mount Agung (3,142 m / 10,308 feet).

Another heavy eruption took place around 10,500 BC – at the time of the last shift of the earth’s poles – and formed a smaller, secondary crater with a diameter of ca.

7,5 km in the southeastern part of the larger caldera, nowadays marked by the Bali Aga villages of Songan and the popular panoramic viewpoint of Penelokan, with the current volcanic cone in its center.

The Batur caldera therefore actually consists of a gigantic, double elliptic crater with a total diameter of 10 x 13 km.

Mount Batur as we know it today was formed by an eruption in 1917; it is a still active, secondary volcanic cone sporting numerous subsidiary vents around its flanks.

Measured from the floor of the crater it rises within the circling embrace of the caldera to a height of ca. 700 meter (1,717 meter / 5,633 feet above sea level).

The eruptions of Mt Batur have been registered since 1804 and since that time 22 eruptions of the volcano have occurred.

Since 1917 Mount Batur erupted three more times (1926, 1974, 1994), on each occasion shifting a little more to the west, creating new sub craters that are referred to as Batur I, II and III respectively.

The most devastating occurred on 2 August and ending 21 September 1926. The eruption Mount Batur it makes the flow of hot lava hoard village of Batur and Ulun Danu Batur.

Mount Batur Climb Difficulty

This is probably the “most climbed by tourist volcano” in Bali. While the trek is definitely not a walk in the park, it doesn’t take too long to get to the summit.

The peak sits at 1717 meters (5,633 ft) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of Lake Batur, black lava from the last explosion, and surrounding mountains.

The mountain is crowded with visitors every day, there are just a bunch of people who climb this mountain. The reason is because this mountain not too extreme and fairly safe compared to other mountains in Bali.

Here are 7 things you should know before you climb into Mount Batur:

#1. Mount Batur crowded!
Since this mountain very popular in the word and social media as well, it has increased the number of visitors lately. Especially during July, August and December where many people who suddenly want to know.

Usually over 200 visitor everyday want capture sunrise from Mount Batur, if you want to climb when the atmosphere is rather quiet, and then choose January to April.

#2. Suitable for beginners
As we mentioned above, it has only 1,717 meters above sea level. The height of mount Batur is certainly somewhat smaller if compared to other mountains in Indonesia. So in a nutshell, need less than 2 hours to reach the Summit.

Not only is suitable for beginners, it also can be the most ideal for professional climbers who want to climb when the condition of the physical or financial, yet allow them to climb higher mountain.

#3. Beautiful eucalyptus and pine trees
Most of mountain in Indonesian with dense forest but here in mount Batur you’ll find beautiful eucalyptus and pine trees in the foot till in the middle of the mountain, the rest are grass.

This forest could serve as interesting spot to take photos, combination of grassy land and beautiful eucalyptus and pine trees and it make you travel during the climb the cooler.

#4. A challenging trek
Although mount batur only 1,717 meter above sea level, the trek that you go through are full of rocks and slippery footing, that almost same as other mountain as usual.

However, doesn’t worry about it because there are available experiences local guide who happily to lead you to explore mount Batur.

#5. Beautiful scenery from the peak
After passing challenging trek and finally reach the peak, your eyes’ will amazed by stunning scenery entire direction.

From the top, you will see the unique landscapes of Batur Caldera, Mount Abang and Agung in the ditancea and Mount Rinjani as well in Lombok Island, the sunrise describe as paradise of Bali, so amazing.

So it’s no wondering this mountain known as best destination for watching sunrise in Bali.

#6. Although small volcano, but still challenging
Although mount Batur not so high only 1,1717 meter above sea level, but this mountain still offers sensational challenging of climbing which capable to spur adrenalin.

This is particularly what most climbers felt after climbing mount Batur both for beginners to professional. Therefore, you are going to hike this volcano should prepare proper equipment and fit physical.

#7. On the ascent, there was no toilet
In contrast to other existing mountain in Indonesia, in this mountain you won’t find any toilet if you to pee or etc.

So you have to prepare tissue or eat less before ahead to mount Batur, the way if you want go to rest room is go to the grass.

#8. Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking
Sunrise treks to mount Batur are a popular option. You have to get up at the ungodly hour of 2 am to get picked up, and then you start the trek around 4 am.

At the top of the climb you will be rewarded with the view of sunrise and a breakfast that includes eggs cooked on lava-heated rocks.

Mount Batur Hike Itinerary

If you want to hike Mount Batur at the very best time possible, you'll have to be prepared to wake up very, very early.

Most tours will pick you up to begin your Mount Batur hike between 1:30 am and 2:30 am, depending on where your hotel is located.

If you are based in Ubud, it will be about a one-hour drive to Toyabungkah village at the base of this mountain, where you can usually enjoy a hot drink before setting off on your hike.

To reach the summit of Mount Batur, you will climb an incline of just over 700 meters and it will take you anywhere from one to two hours , depending on your level of fitness.

Tour guides will typically provide you with flashlights so that you can make your way through the trail in the dark, but bring your own if you can just in case.

At the top, you will wait for the sunrise. Slowly you will see flecks of orange, pink and yellow creep up around the horizon as you look out over to Mount Abang, cone-shaped Mount Agung, and the caldera lakes spread out on either side of Mount Batur.

Take some time here to enjoy the view, snap as many photos as you can, and enjoy a breakfast. For a truly unique experience, try boiling an egg in the volcanic steam around you — your guide will likely have brought some along.

Hot drinks and fried bananas are also available for sale at the top so you can warm up - keep your treats away from the monkeys that are sure to be hanging about.

There are three craters that you can visit on your trek back down Mount Batur and you will be sure to see some recent lava flows on the mountain's surface.

It will take you another one to two hours to descend, eventually arriving back at Toyabungkha village.

Just because your Mount Batur hike has ended doesn't mean your experience has to finish there! Visit the nearby Batur Natural Hot Springs to soak your aching muscles and tired feet.

As you swim around in the naturally heated and cool freshwater pools, you can take in the stunning views of the Danau Batur caldera lake before you.

Check out the Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking Tour. Hike your way up, then stand atop, the ancient Mount Batur volcano and watch the sun come up over the sea.

Feel the adrenaline kicks in as you see the sky turn from black to inky blue, from pink to orange, revealing the expanse of the volcanic valley.

Lake Batur

Lake Batur is a crater lake in Kintamani, Bangli Regency of Bali, located about 30 km (19 mi) northeast of Ubud in Bali.

This mountainous region has been shaped by the volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago.

The lake is inside of the caldera of an active volcano, Mount Batur, located along the Ring of Fire of volcanic activity.

It is crescent shaped and it can be found in the smaller, secondary caldera of the Batur volcano, right at the foot of Mount Abang.

The lake is approximately 65 metres deep, extremely cold, and surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas of Mount Batur.

To the local people who live in the small villages around lake Batur, the lake is a sacred site. The communities around the lake live mainly on agriculture and fishing and, in a lesser extent, on tourism.

Batur Natural Hot Spring

Batur Natural Hot Spring also known as Toya Bungkah Hot Spring is geothermally heated springs, perched at the edge of Lake Batur, boasts lovely volcano views and steaming hot springs.

The spring water in Toya Bungkah is clear and without any sulphuric odour and locals claim all sorts of healing properties from the mineral-rich waters.

Water temperatures range from lukewarm to slightly hotter, though there are no scalding-hot pools, and most are generally warmer in the early morning.

The therapeutic benefits of the mineral springs are said to include the alleviation of neuralgia, bruising, articular rheumatism, stiffness of the shoulders, recovery from fatigue and muscular complaints and enhancing fertility.

There’s also Resto Desa Sari Ulam onsite, serving local cuisine and freshwater fish grills. Entry fees are USD 10 (IDR 150,000) which includes drinks, lockers, showers, towel and unlimited use of the pools.

Opening Hours: 07:00-19:00
Address: Toya Bungkah Kintamani, Desa Pekraman Batur, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80612, Indonesia.
Website: http://www.baturhotspring.com

Kintamani Village

Kintamani Village is a traditional village in Bangli regency, situated on 1500 meter above sea level right on the hill surrounded by the pure and beautiful nature.

This village is very famous in Bali Island and appointed as a tourist destination and many visited by tourist every day where every visitor will be offered by the complimentary of panoramic view to the Batur Volcano and Lake.

It was formed between 30,000 and 10,000 years ago. Two enormous volcanic eruptions created an hugh caldera with a diameter of 10 km by 13 km.

Mt. Batur as we know it today was formed in 1917; the volcano is still active with numerous subsidiary vents around its flanks.

Measured from the floor of the caldera it rises to a height of ca. 700 meter (1,717 meter / 5,633 feet above sea level).

Kintamani is also known for Pura Tuluk Biyu's 1,000-year-old "Rites of Peace" stone tablets. It is situated next to Mount Batur.

Batur Geopark Museum in Kintamani

The Batur Geopark Museum is located in Kintamani District of Bangli Regency in Bali. This is the first volcanic museum in Indonesia.

If you are travelling through Kintamani but not visiting this museum, you miss a diamond among the gold during your holiday.

The museum is a treasure chest full of information about volcano in Indonesia especially the Batur volcano.

Explains huge varieties of information from the history, process, material, studies and many more including Balinese religious perspective towards volcano.

This museum was built in regard to the fact that Indonesia possesses more than 500 volcanoes which 129 among them are categorized as active.

Batur Geopark Museum can be found on the right side of the street after Penelokan mount view in Kintamani if you are traveling from Lovina or Singaraja.

Since this museum was built in 2007, not so many people notice this Batur Geopark Museum in Bali. The front appearance of the building is also more likely to be a market or ordinary building.

However, the facilities inside are very interesting and informative. You can find diorama, map, sample of volcanic eruption material, several tools used to detect upcoming eruption, pictures, audio-visual media, computer-based interface, big theater playing movies about volcanic eruption, and many others.

In the first floor, you will find a big diorama showing the relation of volcano worldwide. It is controlled by some console button paired with the name of the volcano.

When you pushed the button, the diorama will turn on the lamp of the volcano in the map. There are also some buttons used as a console to some volcano as a category, so when you push this button, a group of volcano will turned on.

However, some other cool dioramas are not working since the temperature of the area is too humid and not good for the devices.

And as replacement, some computer interfaces are ready to show several interesting information such as the history of the Batur Lake and Volcano.

There is also a diagram of how traditional and modern way of early warning system is conducted in the past.

In the second floor, you can see an explanation of how volcanic rock is carved by Balinese people as one of the artistic pride of Bali.

A Geopark showing Batur environment and cultural reservation is also exhibited there. Another facility in the second floor is a movie theater with the capacity of more than 100 people inside.

However, if you want to ask the staff to play the movie, you need to be in a group of least 25 individuals. An auditorium is also available in the second floor which usually used by local government or other company.

The third floor is specialized as the monitoring and research station towards the activity of the Batur Volcano since it is still active.

In this floor, a telescope equipped with aerial photograph is available. By reading instruction or asking guidance from the museum staffs, visitors can also see the nature landscape of Batur Volcano.

By their eyes, visitors may see the smoke coming out from the volcano as a sign that the volcano is still active.

Local citizen are well aware of the might of Batur Volcano based on religious and scientific perspective. Therefore, when a sign of eruption is appear, local citizen will conduct a ceremony that related to this event.

Event without modern early warning system, local citizen can notice the signs of eruption trough the changing act of animals and nature condition.

And this museum explains all details of the phenomena. So, be sure to visit this museum at least once on your trip in Bali.

Best & Cheap Restaurants in Kintamani

The best place and the most well-known to have a mountain and lake view lunch is in Kintamani and Penelokan with several buffet restaurants.

Mostly restaurants at Kintamani generally own very beautiful view where tourist merging into their lunch in this restaurant and meanwhile enjoy the panorama.

Buffet style dining with a selection of traditional Balinese and Western foods is the most popular serving with all you can eat package for approximately 100,000 IDR to 150,000 IDR per person.

Below we listed some the best and cheap restaurants in Kintamani

1. Amora Restaurant
Address: Jl. Raya Penelokan No.999, Batur Tengah, Kintamani, Batur Tengah, Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80652, Indonesia.

2. Grand Puncak Sari Restaurant
Address: JL. Raya Penelokan, Kintamani, Batur Tengah, Kec. Bangli, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80652, Indonesia.

3. Batur Sari Restaurant
Address: Jl. Raya Penelokan, Batur Tengah, Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80652, Indonesia

4. Sari Montain View Restaurant
Address: Jl. Raya Penelokan 888 Br Masem, Batur Selatan, Kintamani, Batur Sel., Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80652, Indonesia.

4. Panca Yoga Restaurant
Address: Jl. Raya Penelokan, Batur Tengah, Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80652, Indonesia.