Duration: 12 hours (approximately)
Highlights: Mount Batur Kintamani
Language: The tour is originally in Indonesian and English

When I first heard about the Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour, I was intrigued. I mean, who wouldn’t want to experience the thrill of watching the sunrise from the top of an active volcano? It’s one of those experiences you just have to add to your Bali bucket list, even if you’re not a morning person like me. I’ve done my fair share of early morning wake-ups for sunrise hikes, but the idea of tackling it by jeep instead of hiking? Count me in.

Here’s the thing about this tour—it’s early. Like, 2:30 AM early. That’s when the adventure kicks off. I’ll be honest, waking up at that hour feels like an out-of-body experience. My advice? Get your gear ready the night before. Trust me on this—there’s nothing worse than scrambling for your jacket or forgetting to bring a snack when you’re still half asleep.

Now, let’s get real here. When the alarm goes off at 2:30 AM, your first instinct is to hit snooze, roll back over, and pretend you never booked this thing. But don’t do it! You’ll thank yourself later. The pick-up is smooth—drivers know what they’re doing, and in my case, the driver arrived on time, ready to whisk us off to our adventure. The drive to Mount Batur is in itself a bit of a journey—around 1.5 hours, which is actually a blessing because it gives you time to doze off and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

By the time you get to the starting point around 4 AM, you’re in full “let’s do this” mode (or maybe that’s just the adrenaline kicking in). You’re greeted by your 4WD jeep and your guide, and that’s when the real fun begins.

Prepping for the Climb in the Jeep
Let me tell you, climbing Mount Batur by jeep is an experience unlike any other. I’ve done the hike before, and while that’s rewarding in its own right, there’s something absolutely thrilling about navigating the rocky, off-road terrain in a 4WD vehicle. It’s bumpy. It’s fast. It’s intense. But man, is it fun. You’ve got to hold on tight because the jeep jerks and swerves with every twist in the road, but that’s part of the excitement, right?

Pro tip: Wear something warm. Even though Bali is a tropical island, the early morning air up on the mountain can get chilly. I made the mistake of thinking a light sweater would do, but halfway up, I was seriously wishing I’d brought something thicker.

Once we reached the viewpoint, the jeep parked, and we all hopped out to find the perfect spot to settle in. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—the sunrise. There’s something so magical about watching the sun slowly peek over the horizon while you're perched atop a volcano. You can see Lake Batur stretching out below and the clouds swirling around you. It’s peaceful yet powerful.

And of course, breakfast is included. Nothing fancy—just a light meal, but it’s perfect for this moment. Coffee in one hand, watching the sky turn shades of orange, pink, and gold—it’s hard not to feel a little awe-struck.

Quick side note: If you're into photography, this is your moment. But be ready to battle the crowds for that perfect shot. Everyone wants their Instagram moment, and for good reason.

After the sun has fully risen and you’ve had your fill of the morning views, the jeep tour continues to one of the most unique parts of Mount Batur—the Black Lava fields. Now, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this part of the tour, but wow, it’s something else. The landscape feels almost otherworldly, like you’ve been transported to a different planet.

The black volcanic rock stretches out in all directions, and the contrast against the blue sky is unreal. We even stopped for a bit to walk around and take it all in. If I’m being honest, this was one of my favorite parts of the tour. There’s something strangely beautiful about these lava fields, and the history behind them makes it even more fascinating. Knowing that this landscape was formed by past eruptions adds a certain weight to the experience.

Just when you think the adventure is winding down, the tour takes a relaxing turn with a stop at the Natural Hot Springs of Mount Batur. After all that excitement, there’s no better way to unwind than soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters. The hot springs are located right by the lake, offering stunning views of Mount Batur in the distance.

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about hopping into a hot spring after being up for hours and bouncing around in a jeep, but let me tell you—it’s heaven. The water soothes your tired muscles, and it’s the perfect way to cap off an adventure-packed morning. You can even grab a drink from the nearby café and just chill in the water for a bit. This is the point where you can fully relax and take in everything you just experienced.

The Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour is hands down one of the most memorable things I’ve done in Bali. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation. From the excitement of the jeep ride to the awe-inspiring sunrise and the soothing hot springs, this tour really has it all.

If you’re thinking about doing this Bali tour, just do it. Sure, the early wake-up call might be a little brutal, and the jeep ride can get a bit bumpy, but in the end, it’s all worth it. You’ll come away with incredible memories, stunning photos, and maybe even a newfound appreciation for Bali’s natural beauty. Just don’t forget to pack a warm jacket!

Quick Tips for the Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour:

• Wear layers – It’s cold in the morning, but once the sun comes up, it warms up fast.
• Bring snacks – Breakfast is provided, but it’s a long morning, and you might want a little something extra.
• Hold on tight – The jeep ride is fun but can be rough!
• Don’t forget your camera – The sunrise and black lava fields are picture-perfect.
• Relax at the hot springs – You’ll need it after the bumpy jeep adventure!

Enjoy every second of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!