Trek at mount batur

Mount Batur is an active volcano located at the centre of two concentric Calderas North West of Mount Agung on the island of Bali, Indonesia. It is beside the caldera lake. We had just read in books that an active volcano always has lakes besides them and it is really required to cool down the hot molten lava.

We were staying in Ubud and our cab picked us up at 2:30 Am and it was a terribly cold morning we reached our base camp by 3:30 Am and had small session with our guide and our team mates. We were handed over two small water bottles each and a mini torch.

 Close to 4 o clock we started the trek and the weather was very cold and we did not expect it to be so cold. As we started walking suddenly we looked up at the sky and what we saw was so mesmerising ; a sky full of stars , a perfect place for sky gazing .The trek was fun for the first one hour as we were having fun climbing and we finally reached our first pit stop where we took a break

WE were six People in a team four ladies (they were sisters) and both of us. Our guide was very sweet, jovial and motivating along with the super energetic teammates

By 5 am the sky had started changing its colour and we were excited to see the sunrise from the peak. Maya was super dehydrated and tired because of the climb. So, we started drinking water in every 10 minutes which was very helpful.

To watch the sunrise from the highest peak in Bali was a blissful moment. It’s very beautiful and mesmerising sight.

For those who get tired climbing and want to reach the peak, there is motorbike service available. These are racer bikes and these bikers generally drive very fast and little rash too, because the way is very muddy and slippery. And you will reach very fast with this.

It took us almost 2.5 hours to reach the peak. The trail is super dusty and muddy, more than the rocks. We were damn exhausted, thirsty and hungry by that time we reached the top. Our trek plan had breakfast included where we were given sandwich, boiled egg and banana.

On the side of the mountain there was smoke coming from various portions of the mountain, later we realised that it was the smoke of the volcano and we are on top of an active volcano. Those were warm vapours which were getting released from the mountain craters.

Also, we realised that climbing down was more difficult than climbing up. The main inconvenience with whole trek was there was no arrangement of washroom and also as you tend to hydrate yourself so it’s definitely a requirement.

Climbing down also took us the same amount of time as climbing up. As its steep while climbing down, there are more chances of slipping as you lose your control. Also, if you don’t wear trekking shoes you may sprain your ankle as well.

We also saw a place which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption and covered with black lava. Its just in books we had read about lava but this one was real and we were amazed to see it.

Climbing down was not that interesting maybe because we had already experienced the beauty of sunrise and we just needed a restroom and some place to relax.

On total we loved the trek and it was amazing to watch the sunrise from the peak and of course climbing on top of an active volcano was a dream come true.

Harrytinkers tip

It’s an intermediate level trek please keep the below points in mind:

• Build your stamina by running or jogging three days a week at least a month prior
• Carry 2 litres water and stay hydrated, have water at least every half n hour
• Pause and climb there is no hurry.
• Carry energy bars or something sweet which gives you energy
• Carry a jacket which can keep you warm in the morning
• Wear comfortable loose clothing
• Wear trekking shoes (very important)
• Have the good sleep the previous night of your trek.
• The most important point is having faith on yourself, if its first trek you can definitely do it

Be excited and have fun

Harrytinkers