Gunung Batukaru or Mount Batukaru is the second-highest mountain in Bali and it’s a real challenge for hikers to get to the summit.
However, many say that it’s one of the best walks on the island as the fertile volcanic soil and dense rainfall in the area produce a beautiful rainforest that’s ideal for discovering animal and plant life.
Where Is Mount Batukaru?
Mount Batukaru is the highest mountain in the Bedugul Volcanic Area and it stands 2,276 meters (7,467 feet) above sea level.
This is the centre of the island and the walk starts at one of the local villages near Pura Siva Temple, which is on the West Side of Mount Batukaru.
How To Get To Mount Batukaru
You’ll either need to hire a private car and driver or join an organized tour to tackle Mount Batukaru.
This is one of the most clearly marked trails and the most popular route doesn’t require a local guide, so you might opt for a car and driver, which means they can pick you up on the other side of the mountain when you finish the climb.
If you want to join a tour, we recommend that you contact Bali Res Centre (their contact details are in the FAQ section below).
We don’t recommend taking a scooter out to Mount Batukaru as the roads are pretty poor out this way and the walk is quite tough.
When Is The Best Time To Tackle Mount Batukaru?
The Bedugul Volcanic Area is subject to very dense rainfall and thus, the path can get very slippery and difficult to tackle, particularly in the rainy season.
So, we’d recommend that you visit during the dry season (April to October) to maximize your chances of reaching the summit of the highest peak in West Bali relatively easily.
You will also want to set off in the early morning not just to avoid clouds/mist over the summit and the view that you’re hoping for, but because this is a long hike and you don’t want to end up stuck on the mountain in the dark, particularly if you’re tackling the hike by yourselves without a local guide.
About Mount Batukaru
The local guides around Pura Siva Temple have a very bad reputation for harassing tourists and trying to overcharge them for their services.
We’d recommend that you book your guide in advance if you want to use a local guide as your travel agency should be able to provide someone who is reliable and won’t charge you an arm and a leg for their services.
However, you have no need to engage a local guide on this trip and their services are not mandatory.
You do need a permit to climb Mount Batukaru but this can be arranged cheaply and easily at the hut near the temple where the walk begins.
Once you have your permit you are free to explore this largely undiscovered, by tourists, area of the island. Keep an eye out for small deer, ant-eater species, and other flora and fauna as you begin your ascent to the summit.
The jungle here is teeming with wildlife thanks to the fertile volcanic soil providing endless amounts of plants for them to eat.
Mount Batukaru Trekking Guide
Follow the signs from Siva Temple to the “starting point” and make sure to pick up your hiking permit (current cost 25,000 IDR) as you do.
Go to the left of the booth selling permits and follow the signs marked “puncak”.
It’s quite a gentle path to begin with but keeps steeper very quickly and it can be very muddy and slippery, and it’s worse in the rain.
One part of the path has a rope next to it to help you pull yourself up.
The top is a flat plateau with a small temple before the peak, it’s a lovely place to stop for a picnic before you head down the mountain.
While it is possible to return to Shiva Temple on the same path, it’s better to head down the other side and the path is clearly marked all the way down.
This takes you to Pura Luhur Taksu Agung, a small temple, and then on to a bigger temple in the form of Pura Luhur Bhujangga Waisnawa Gunung Sari.
From there follow the path to the left and you will arrive at the D’wan Tea Mountainside Hotel, they have a nice cafe even if you’re not staying there.
Alternatively, you can keep walking all the way to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces about 2 kilometers further on.
How To Prepare For A Mount Batukaru Trek
This is a very challenging trek and you will want to prepare properly to ensure that you have the best chance of reaching the summit and getting back down again:
Make sure to bring some warm clothes and a lightweight rainjacket – it gets cold up on the mountain and if it rains you will find it quite difficult to dry out.
Bring a change of clothes just in case. Sometimes, the rain here gives you no warning at all, the sky just opens and water comes down like it’s being emptied out of a bucket. It can really help to have a change of clothes on you.
Bring your camera and a tripod. Assuming that it’s clear when you reach the top of the mountain, you’re going to want a picture of the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces below.
If you’re not sure if you can make it up the mountain and back again in a day bring a tent. It is permitted to camp around the peak and while it won’t be super comfy it’s better than climbing down in the dark.
Bring food and drink. We always take a hot thermos of coffee on any trek but this is a long trek and there is nowhere to buy food or drink on the trail. Make sure to take enough for a few hours until you get to the village at the end of the trail.
Bring a first aid kit. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Being able to patch up minor injuries and tackle headaches, upset stomachs, etc. can be a god send if you’re halfway up a mountain and can’t count on even locals stumbling over you any time soon.
Bring a headlamp. This keeps your hands free and makes it easier to navigate if the lights starts to fade
On the way up keep your eyes out for the word “puncak” – this is the Indonesian work for “peak” and it’s marked on signs at every junction where you need to decide where to go
Consider staying nearby – the D’Wan Tea Mountainside Hotel si a good place on the Eastern side of the mountain if you want to tackle the mountain fully rested.
Other Mountains To Climb In Bali
Mount Batur
This is probably the easiest mountain trek in Bali, however, it’s also the most popular and you may find that your trek to the summit is in the company of hundreds of other tourists, particularly during the high season.
However, the view from the summit is spectacular and there’s nothing quite like cooking your eggs for breakfast in the volcanic steam from the vents there.
It’s also nice to return to Lake Batur and soak in some hot springs to get rid of all your muscle tension at the end of the climb.
Mount Agung
Mount Agung is the tallest mountain in Bali and an active volcano. It’s a very challenging trek and hiking here is something to consider only if you’re an experienced climber and in very good condition.
It’s worth the effort mind you as this location provides one of the finest views of anywhere on the planet and seeing Bali laid out before you in every direction is really exciting.
The mountain is sometimes closed to visitors as it’s one of the most sacred sites on the island..
Mount Abang
Mount Abang is the third tallest peak in Bali and, surprisingly, it’s not too challenging to climb with a main road tracking the ridge line to the top.
It’s covered in forest and there is wildlife, temples and shrines galore to be found on the slopes. It’s permitted to climb Mount Abang all year round and it’s quite a way off the beaten path for most tourists.
Mount Catur
Mount Catur is another great climb that’s off most tourist’s radar and while the final part of the climb is steep, most of the rest of the trek is pretty easy.
Just watch out for the monkeys as you make your way through the jungle, they’re every bit as mischievous as they are at other more famous sites here in Bali.
FAQs
How Long Is The Mount Batukaru Hike?
The Mount Batukaru Hike takes about 4-5 hours to go up the mountain and another 3-4 hours to come down again and a bit longer if you opt for the Pura Batukaru Route.
If you love wildlife, jungle and local culture you’re going to find this nature trail very worthwhile.
How To Book A Trip To Climb Mount Batukaru?
We always recommend that you book any Balinese experience including your flights, hotel or villa, tours, etc. through the amazing people at Bali Res Centre.
The Bali Res Centre is our favourite travel agent as they are locally owned and operated and specialize in Balinese travel.
That means you get great deals and your money stays in the local economy rather than being sent overseas by a multinational corporation.
Final Thoughts On The Second Highest Mountain In Bali
Despite being a huge mountain, Mount Batukaru is largely undiscovered by tourists in Bali and the vast majority of visitors are local people who have come to visit the Batukaru Temple and the small deer and ant eater species that spend their time on the slopes.
It’s a great place to climb and you’re unlikely to run into any other tourists while you tackle this challenging trek.
With several trails to the top, the sunrise is yours for the taking. Just make sure to allow enough time to make it to the top and back down again in daylight.
