Hiking Mount Batur was one of the most challenging yet exhilarating things I have ever done. The breathtaking views are definitely worth the exhausting hike to get up there. The mountain is located on the Northside of Bali and sits right across from the famous and deadly volcano Mount Agung. Here are 10 things you need to know to make sure you’re prepared for this excursion.Â
1. Super early wake call.
I hope you’re a morning person because this will be an early start to your day. Depending on where your accommodation is in Bali you will leave your hotel between 2am-4am. If you need accommodation check out my post on this dreamy and affordable hotel in Bali. I suggest you get good rest the night before and go to bed early. Don’t worry you can crash later on the ride back after the hiking Mount Batur.
2. Use the bathroom before hiking Mount Batur.
This may be common sense but I figured I should say it just in case. There is no bathroom on this hike. All you have is little patches of bushes ever so often that you can use to relieve yourself. The only bathroom is in the parking lot before the hike begins, they do charge about 5,000 rupiah to use the facility.
3. Fours hours later *Spongebob voice*
Hiking Mount Batur takes approximately 2 hours to go up and 2 hours to come back down. For the first portion, you will be hiking Mount Batur in the dark but all tour groups provide flashlights so no need to bring your own unless you want to. Some people chose to bring their own headlamps. Make sure you bring extra water because you will definitely go through the water bottle they provide.
4. Bring a good pair of shoes to hike in.
Bring the shoes you can rely on to keep you from slipping on a mountain. Flip flops or sandals won’t get the job done. Like I mentioned before, its dark so you won’t always see what you’re stepping on, so its best to have your feet protected while you’re hiking Mount Batur. Even with sneakers on I had blisters on my feet the next day.
5. Brrr… baby it’s cold outside.
Okay, I was skeptical that I’d get cold. I mean it’s Bali, how cold could it get? I had heard that it’s about 60 degrees F at the top, and I thought, “Phew, I’m used to that in the states!” However, while hiking Mount Batur, you’re going to be working so hard you’ll be dripping in sweat. Once you reach the top you have to sit there and wait for the sun to rise, sometimes for up to an hour. Therefore allowing your sweat to dry and making you cold. Not to mention its windy at the top too. There will be people who provide jackets for you to rent before you go on the hike in the parking lot, it costs 50.000 rupiah. In my opinion, it’d be easier to bring a backpack with an extra jacket in it.
6. There’s breakfast after hiking Mount Batur.
Most of the tours provide breakfast included in their price. Just make sure you read the description of what they offer before you purchase. It will most likely be an egg, banana, and bread. If you know this won’t hold you after a long hike then you should bring some extra snacks or food. There is also a little hut at the top of the mountain and they sell hot chocolate, (20.000 rupiahs) and coffee up there.
7. You’ll see monkeys.
Once you make it to the top you’ll run into a few monkeys up there looking to steal some of your food. Some people were kind enough to feed them. So make sure all of your things and food is somewhere secure!
8. There’s a big crowd hiking Mount Batur.
When you first arrive at the parking lot before the hike begins you’ll be shocked at how many people are there. At the top of the mountain find a good spot where you can watch the sunrise before more people get up there.
9. Be prepared to slip.
It is much harder to go down the mountain than it is to go up. The path down is just as hard, but you’re dealing with slippery rock and dirt. It’s easier to hike Mount Batur going up because you can use your hands to grab the stones around you for leverage to pull you up. I had to sit down a lot and scoot down to make sure I didn’t fall. This didn’t stop me from slipping, make sure you take your time and listen to your guide.
10. Try to make a friend during the hike.
Most tours try to keep the groups small. My group had five people in it, including myself and our tour guide. We hiked with another couple from France. They were some of the nicest people we met on the trip. We talked with them all the way up and down the mountain. We really got to know them and became good friends. Now if I ever go to France I have someone I can contact for a local’s insights or a personal tour. You never know who will be on that hike with you, they might become your new best friend so get to know them!