Mount Batur
Bali is among the most sought after tourist locations in the world – not just for its mesmerizing beauty, but also for its diversity in culture and tourist attraction options. One of the most popular tourist attraction sites particularly for enthusiastic hikers is Mount Batur. Located in the Kintamani District of Bali, this volcanic mountain is not just a site to behold but also a remarkable place to be for any hike lover. The volcanic peak, also identified as Gunung Batur, sits at about 1,717 meters above sea level and is among a distinct list of active volcanic mountains across the globe with its most recent activity occurring in 2000.
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If you boast a moderate fitness level and are looking forward to taking part in one of the most enthralling leisure activities, then this is the place for you to be! A trip to the great volcanic mountain is best done in the early morning hours before sunrise. Usually, the best times to start off the journey are between 1:30 and 2:30 a.m. although it is dependent on your hotel’s location.
Your adventure kicks off with a small briefing session just at the base of the mountain (approximately 1,000 meters above sea level). Soon after, you will make your way towards the famous mountain in the realms of the pre-dawn cool air under a stunning blanket of stars. You have the luxury of traveling under the guidance of professional tour guide who will provide you with flashlights to help you make your way through the dark trail (although it is always a good measure to bring along a set of flashlights of your own). The trek towards the peak takes between an hour and two to reach the summit at 1717 meters.
As soon as you get to the mountaintop, the atmosphere and the feeling is nothing but spectacular. First, you will be treated to a wonderful view of the splendid peak of the neighboring peak by the name Mount Abang towering above the clouds. What’s more, you also get an up close and candid view of the distant cone-shaped peak of Mount Agung right across the horizon not, to mention a breathtaking caldera lake that vastly spreads out just below.
Fortunately, soon after reaching the pinnacle of this volcanic mountain, you can soak up the splendor of the now visible sunrise and even get yourself replenished with a light breakfast of tasty fruits and boiled eggs prepared in the hot volcanic steam. There is also a diversity of other options including fried bananas and hot drinks to treat your taste buds to; on sale right at the top of the mountain. And while at it, you also have every minute in the world to practice your photogenic inclinations.
The tour does not end here though. The adventure gets even sweeter with a trip down to three exclusive craters and a fantastic exploration and viewing of the most recent of lava flow work after which you can now decide to descend back to the starting point.
While descending down the peak, don’t be too carried away with the scenic beauty that you dismiss the pertinent minor problem of mountain monkeys moving about playing with rocks. While they are also a sight to behold, they are also notorious for snatching travelers’ items and you should as such be alert and vigilant while you trek back down.
Just because the hike to the Gunung Batur Mountain has ended, this is not to say that this is the end of your exciting escapade. The assortment of enticing options to keep you at bay in Bali is just but endless. Visit the neighboring Natural Batur Hot Springs where you can soak your now aching and weary muscles and tired feet. Furthermore, you can also swim in the cool freshwater and also naturally heated pools as you take in the pleasure that comes with viewing the spectacular views of the adjacent caldera lake, Danau Batur.
And if spas are not your thing, you can also decide to take a tour to the traditional coffee plantations in Bali where you can get a first-hand view and experience of the process of making the most expensive coffee in the world, Coffee Luwak. Furthermore, you can also try out other Balinese herbal teas and coffees.
Booking a Mount Batur trek is the easiest and most convenient way to visit the volcano safely, and make the most out of your trip. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, and a professional guide will accompany you throughout your trek.
Bring with you adequate warm clothing inclusive of gloves (it is very cold before sunrise), a flashlight/torch, comfortable trekking shoes that have a good grip, and most importantly, your camera!
The best times to make your way through to the mountain are between the month of the April and September. Why? Because these months are considered as the dry Bali season and as such, your hike will be more satisfying and the scenery more pleasant. Nonetheless, you can also plan your hike during the wet season because the rains don’t tend to drop down until late in the afternoon. With the proximity of Bali to the equator, sunrise tours normally work around the same time all year through. For the wet season, the wettest months are between the months of November down to March, while the busiest months for trekking are June to August.
As you can now see, virtually anyone, provided you boast a moderate fitness level, will thoroughly take pleasure in hiking to the pinnacle of Gunung Batur. Although there is that small issue of having to bundle up and arise early in the wee morning hours, the remarkable sunrise view awaiting you at the peak will make it well worth the effort.
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