Gunung Batur is an active volcano on the island of Bali, located in the Kintamani region, with a height of 1,717 meters.
Batur is one of the two active volcanoes on Bali. It lies in the eastern part of the island, within the Kintamani area, which covers about 368 square kilometers. Here you can find the volcano itself, the lake of the same name at its foot, as well as several villages.
Kintamani is a unique natural zone on Bali, representing a caldera formed by ancient eruptions. This place amazes with its power, beauty, and history that goes back tens of thousands of years.
Geology and origin
Kintamani was formed by a series of powerful eruptions that created two calderas. The first, formed about 30,000 years ago, measures 13.8 × 10 km. In its center rises Mount Batur (1,717 m). Later, about 8,500 years ago, a second, smaller caldera (6.4 × 9.4 km) appeared, which eventually filled with water, becoming the world’s largest crater lake — Lake Batur.
Lake Batur
Lake Batur is not only a natural attraction but also a vital resource for the local population. Its waters are used for irrigating fields, but swimming and motorized boats are prohibited. The lake is known for its stable water level, which, according to legend, is protected by the goddess Dewi Danu and sustained by underground springs.
Life around the caldera
Despite the risk of eruptions, the villages around the caldera remain populated. The fertile soil allows farmers to harvest several crops a year, while the lake provides fish for local consumption. Villagers also extract volcanic sand and craft souvenirs. Among the well-known villages are Kintamani, Toya Bungkah, Batur, and Trunyan, the latter famous for its unique burial rituals.
Mount Gunung Batur
Mount Batur remains active, although there have been no major eruptions since 2000. The last ash emission rose about 300 meters, causing concern among residents. Volcanic activity is regularly monitored, and in 2012 the Batur Caldera area was included in UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network.
Climbing Mount Batur
A hike up Mount Batur is one of the most popular adventures in Bali. The trail to the summit does not require special training but does include some steep sections. Local guides accompany tourists, ensuring safety and sharing stories about this remarkable place.
At the top, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the neighboring mountains Abang (2,151 m) and Agung (3,014 m), as well as Lake Batur. One of the highlights is watching the sunrise while enjoying a cup of hot coffee or tea, available from a small café.
A special experience is preparing breakfast using volcanic steam: eggs and bananas are cooked directly in the vents releasing heat.
Visitor tips
- Duration of the climb: 1.5–2 hours to the summit.
- Best time to climb: early morning to catch the sunrise.
- What to bring: warm clothing, water, comfortable shoes.
- Restrictions: independent hikes are prohibited, as the terrain can be dangerous.
Kintamani is a place where nature, history, and culture come together as one. Visiting the Batur caldera and hiking up the volcano is an opportunity to feel the power of the earth and enjoy views that will stay in your memory forever.
Mount Batur is located here
