Mt Batur — Local services in Pulau Bali

REVIEW: Hiking Mt Batur SOLUTION: Hiking WITHOUT a guide. (Read below)

REVIEW: I do day hikes quite frequently, but never volcanoes. It is quite spectacular and breathtaking, not to mention cold (blistering winds) up there. Managed to hike up with sandals but I'd still recommend proper shoes because it can be slippery and there are plenty of loose rocks.

Hiking up takes about 2 hours if your fitness is average. I'd say a bit over 1 hour if you're really fit.

There are pockets of steam rising from the sides of some parts, which is really cool cause you can warm yourself there.

Try to make the hike on a clear day, check the weather forecasts, otherwise it's gonna be completely shrouded.

The monkey raiders will come and steal your food so beware.

Also, you might get some local kids hiking up with you, requesting that you purchase their drinks when you reach the peak. They'll tell you that they have to rush back to school at 7am (But on a Saturday? Lol 🤷🏻‍♂️). The kid that followed me was really humble and nice. Once we've reached the peak he immediately took out his drinks and offered that I buy them. To my amazement, after I purchased a Coke for 30,000RP, he immediately bolted back downhill, completely ignoring the fact that he could still sell the remaining drinks (around 6 bottles) to the hundreds of other hikers there. Made my heart sink a bit when he went through all the trouble just to sell a single bottle of Coke.

SOLUTION: Hiking mt batur without a guide

Like everyone else I was appalled by the inherent bullying by the 'Batur Mafia' on those that hiked without hiring a local guide. It was really disappointing to be unable to find a proper guide on how to avoid guides (haha). I hope this advice solves the problem:

Take less popular trails, avoid popular ones. There are multiple trails leading to the top. Of course if you set off from the one labelled "Area Parkir Tracking Mount Batur" in Google Maps then you've walked right into their trap. My advice is to start from the trail right before turning into "Black Lava Hostel"(Very good place to stay btw). Park before turning in the narrow roads. There are some forks in the trails, but if you're already planning to go alone you should be able to navigate with ease.

Forget the sunrise. If you start hiking late, you probably won't be bothered at all. By 7.30am, the hundreds of people had left the peak to go down. I can only assume no one will be watching the trails by then.

Pointless to go up early. Locals hike up as early as 2-3am to set up their food stalls. So unless you're planning to spend an entire night up there, you'll likely be harassed when you reach the top.

Don't ask the locals nearby (especially your local hostel staff). You'll most likely get a lecture justifying why you need a guide, and it'll also make it awkward if you have to deliberately ignore them the next morning. They seem to get a large cut from the guide...

Mount Batur was the first volcanic mountain that we climbed on our trip. We booked an Ubud trip through Klook and the driver came to pick us from our Airbnb around 3 am in a Toyota. We reached the base camp after 45 minutes or so.

Two Jeeps, with a seating capacity of two people each aside from the driver, were ready to pick us from the base camp, with another set of drivers, Wayan and Dudet(adding their WhatsApp contact picture), both brothers, who were also our guide, photographer, art director, chef, comedian, singer and everything in between during this time. They were even singing some bollywood songs and kept us entertained throughout the time. They were one of the best people that we met on our vacation, they made this part of the trip very memorable for us. We learned a lot from them about the history of this place and how everyone was into farming before moving on to this lucrative career. People, be kind to these folks, they're just trying to make an honest living giving tourists their dopamine.

We reached the top of the mountain, the final spot, in about 30 minutes or so, it must have been around 5 am. The drive was very adventurous, at some point the incline was 60 or 70 degrees or so, with a lot of jeeps rushing to catch the early morning sunrise, all part of organized tours. Brace yourself for some turbulence during this leg, with your heart jumping out of your chest but your drivers know what they are doing so you are absolutely safe.

After reaching the top, our drivers laid down a nice simple breakfast which consisted of a cupcake, banana, chocolate and then they made some nice tea and coffee for us. Drinking a hot beverage on top of a hill when it's snippy in the morning, not many things can beat that feeling.

After this the real fun began when the drivers offered us their car as a literal canvas to paint some good pictures and memories. They made us do a torch shot which looks really good under the night sky, capturing a lot of twinkling stars, including us.

The photo sessions went for a while until the first ray of the sun started showing up on the horizon and then some more photo session to capture the sunrise and that carried until the sun was mostly out at which point we started leaving for our next leg of the trip.

The sight of the city and the Mount Kintamani from here was such a feast for the eyes. Nature at its best. The climb down was fun, passing through the quaint village and a lot of vegetation.

And then we went to the other part of the mountain, the views were stunning here. The soil and stones were black showing their volcanic nature and there was sign of life with some flora growing on the rocks. Another photo session here with standing on the volcano.

This was a very memorable trip for us where we had loads of fun. Definitely...

I recently embarked on a hiking adventure to Mount Batur in Bali, and it was an experience beyond compare. Here's my five-star review of this magnificent natural wonder:

The hiking trail up Mount Batur is nothing short of spectacular. The journey is filled with breathtaking scenery and captivating landscapes. As you make your way to the top, the surrounding beauty unfolds, leaving you in awe of nature's grandeur. The view from the summit is simply outstanding, providing a panoramic vista that is well worth the effort.

It's important to note that there have been recent changes in the government's regulations, potentially impacting activities on the mountain. Therefore, it is advisable to double-check the current status and any restrictions before embarking on your trekking adventure. Staying informed ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.

During my hike, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter a few monkeys living at the top of the volcano. Observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat added an extra layer of excitement to the journey. Just remember to respect their space and avoid feeding them to maintain a harmonious coexistence.

If you're seeking an exhilarating trail, the one designed for motocross bikes is an absolute must-try. It offers a unique perspective and an added adrenaline rush as you navigate the rugged terrain. However, for those who prefer a quieter and more serene experience, it is advisable to embark on the hike in the early morning. This allows you to avoid the crowds that gather for the sunrise, particularly with the influx of jeeps. Going around 8 a.m. provided us with a tranquil and uncrowded ascent, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.

Overall, Mount Batur is an absolute gem for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The majestic views, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails make it an unforgettable adventure. Just ensure you stay updated with the latest regulations, choose the best time to avoid crowds, and be prepared for the mesmerizing journey ahead.

I highly recommend visiting Mount Batur and exploring its wonders. It's an experience that will leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for Bali's...