Mount Batur is a small mountain in Bali and remains as an active volcano. It is about 1,717 meters above the sea level and only about half of Mount Agung. The location is in Kintamani area, the eastern part of Bali. The deep caldera in the heart of the mountain from the eruption fills with water known as Lake Batur. Lake Batur is the largest lake in Bali and a good source of fish for the locals. The silent lake has been another attraction when visiting the mountain. On the rim of the volcano, there is a small temple called Pura Ulun Danu Batur. There are two villages in the crater area which are Penelokan and Toya Bungkah village.
The locals depend on their life on agriculture and now tourism becomes popular due to the direct trekking to the mountain’s peak. The eruption in 1917 took away thousands of lives and destroyed hundreds of temples around the area. It was a huge eruption after before mount Agung which expressed its anger in the massive eruption in 1963. An extremely beautiful view waits to witness from the top of the mountain. This can be experienced by trekking all the way up. The trekking path is not as difficult as Mount Agung. Even children can also do this. It will be 2 hours non-stop trekking for the summit.
The unforgettable moment Mount Batur
The moment is just right to start a memorable journey. Mount Batur offers a dazzling view that starts from the main road around the rim heading to Kintamani to the ridge. From the rim’s side approaching the mountain, the panorama down to the lake is distinctively amazing. The lake itself surrounded by the walls of the mountain. The most familiar climbing trail is through Toya Bungkah village. Reaching the summit of the mountain would take minimum of two hours, less than the Mount Agung climb. The trekking view through this trail is amazing and cool breeze adds up the joyful to expected view from the top.
The alternative trek is through Pura Jati. Getting more challenges when passing the lava field towards the summit. The rocky slopes provide more difficulties to trek. Should be careful here hence the sharp rocks might hurt when climbing up with up proper shoes.
In other words, challenge might come from the weather which sometimes unpredictable. During the rainy season would make the path slippery. This would need extra care when climbing. The cool temperature and strong wind will be bothering. Take warm clothes for protection in order not to reduce the climbing enjoinment.
The final trip will be paid off. The trekking for sunrise cannot be described. The morning views down to the lake when the sun rises brings different vibes to witness. The warm first light in the morning warms up the shivering body from the cold air and strong wind. Soon the heat would be quite hot on the top and unfortunately the not enough shades up there. Then more preparation would be perfect for your head.
Other Discoveries
Other attractions on the mountain summit are the recent lava flows from the crater and the hot water at the lake’s edge.
Meanwhile, when going down from the summit, at the Kintamani area, a traditional coffee plantation is an interesting discovery. Here, you can find the traditional way to process coffee. The plantation is also providing Luwak coffee, the phenomenal coffee in the world. Herbal drinks are also available to try. The place gives a free trial for the local product which is quite a good thing to try after the exhausting trek.