Mount Batur Jeep Tour: The Real Adventure In Bali

On our second day in Bali, we woke up at three in the morning to catch a jeep ride to Mount Batur for its famous sunrise view. I’m not a morning person, but for my husband, who was eager to experience this, I pushed myself to rise early despite the struggle.

Mount Batur, a sacred active volcano in Bali, has become a magnet for adventurers and sunrise enthusiasts. Jeep tours are a popular way for tourists to navigate the rugged volcanic terrain, making it accessible without the demands of hiking. The journey offers spectacular views of the caldera and the serene Lake Batur.

The jeeps used for this adventure are old models of Suzuki Samurai and Suzuki Jimny, designed for off-road travel. Each jeep accommodates two back riders. At the foot of the mountain, there’s a spacious parking lot where visitors can leave their private vehicles and switch to their rented jeeps. The area also features warungs or small eateries and comfort rooms for convenience.

We weren’t briefed about the chill  climate of north Bali because when I think of Bali, I picture warm, sunny beaches and not chilly mountain air. Dressed in a thin button-down polo and shorts, I quickly realized my mistake. Thankfully, locals offered jackets and blankets for rent. We rented blankets, which we mostly used during the ride, as the cold wind from the moving jeep was biting.

When we reached the top, I was surprised to find the sightseeing space quite small, leaving tourists cramped together. There were a lot of tourists with their respective jeeps here, too. I had imagined spreading out blankets for a picnic, but instead, the jeeps were parked side by side on the mountain’s terraces, leaving us to sit inside our vehicles while taking in the view.

We arrived 15 minutes past five in the morning and it was getting bright quickly. The sunrise, which is the main attraction, started around 5:30 AM. Unfortunately, it was a gloomy day, and the sun didn’t make an appearance. Still, the gradual brightening of the sky was a serene experience, as shades of orange and pink fought their way through the clouds.

In spite of the gloomy weather, the view was still worth it. Our spot in Mount Batur is bordered in the east by Lake Batur, a crescent-shaped crater lake that adds to the mystic beauty of the area. Its tranquil waters reflected the changing sky, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for photos. As I searched about it online, I found out beautiful and relaxing house rentals around it. I guess I now know where I’ll book my accommodation next when I visit Bali again.

One highlight of the trip was the complimentary breakfast, which I appreciated because of the local Balinese treats. I discovered that banana spread on sandwiches is surprisingly good. The local coconut wafer was a delightful snack, and the boiled egg offered a touch of simplicity. Hot beverages like coffee, tea, and chocolate helped keep us warm in the chilly mountain air.

The journey to the summit took us over rugged terrain, accessible only to trail bikes or off-road vehicles. The bumpy ride added a layer of adventure and excitement to the experience. This is one of the reason why my husband added Mount Batur to our itinerary. With trail riding as his passion, he’s always up for anything that involves rough roads and rugged terrain. He was now talking about bringing his friends here next time.

On our way down, I noticed the lush farmlands left and right. They were hidden in the darkness when we went up so I just saw them on our way down. The cool climate supports healthy crops and large vegetables. I can now see how Kintamani, the region surrounding Mount Batur, became Bali’s agricultural hub, much like Baguio in the Philippines.

Our driver and tour guide were friendly and professional. They are good photographers as well! They know a little bit of the English language. They navigated the challenging terrain with ease and ensured we had a safe and enjoyable journey. It’s just quite sad that tourists weren’t allowed to drive the jeep because my husband wanted to try. But I know that this rule is just for everyone’s safety.

After the Mount Batur adventure, we stopped by Pahdi Specialty Coffee, a charming café with a long balcony offering a breathtaking view of the mountain we had just climbed. Seeing Mount Batur from afar gave me a sense of accomplishment. The café’s elegant interior and luxurious-looking food added a touch of sophistication to our morning. I highly recommend this spot for anyone visiting the area.