Climbing Mount Batur

Climbing an active volcano should be on your bucket list if it is not already! Situated in the area of northern Bali, Mount Batur is considered to be a ‘double caldera’, by volcano experts, which means it is one crater inside another. This active volcano is a tempest to all travellers as it lures them to witness her might. Spanning 14 km across and 7.5 km wide Mount Batur looms at 1717 meters in height. The best climb that you can ask for is a ‘sunrise climb.’ Doing this will make your ascent well worth it as there will be no clouds in your way. The sunrise climb is the perfect climb as you can watch the sunrise from high up in the mountains. This beautiful active volcano climb is suitable for adults and as well as children and will take you approximately two hours to get to the top.

When you arrive there is time for the sunrise take in the arresting views of the surrounding craters and the lake. Around this mountain you will see an even larger caldera and the view is so beautiful that it is a must see for words cannot describe this kind of exceptional beauty. When you walk around the rim of Mount Batur, you can see the other craters and also see the areas where the recent lava flows have occurred. A famous show that the guides put on is to cook an egg using only the heat from the volcano.

On your way back, make sure to ask to be taken to the Balinese plantations where one can learn about important plants and Balinese culture. Also do taste the processed coffee, Luwak, which is considered to be the most expensive coffee in the entire world. Witness groups of monkeys hovering around the mountain range which is a common sight.

Look for a good Bali hotel to stay. Bali hotels that provide great rest and comfort such as the Anantara Seminyak Bali will be a great choice. You should avoid climbing the mountain during the wet season that is between January and February as it can get quite slippery. Mount Batur has a beauty like no other and it has two routes for its ascent, one for the cautious and the other for the adventurous.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Climbing Mount Batur

Indonesia sits on a region of high geological activity, which has created a string of volcanoes, known as the Chain of Fire. Many of the country’s islands were formed by the dynamics of these volcanoes and the island of Bali is no exception. World renowned for its natural beauty, its eastern region is also home to active volcanoes which are attracting increasing number of visitors each year.

Mount Batur sits near the east coast of Bali and rises to 1717 metres in height. Two concentric calderas create a double ring of mountains. It has erupted frequently since the first recorded activity in 1804 and evidence of the 1968 lava flow is still visible today. Bordering its eastern side, Lake Batur occupies the space between the inner and outer ridges. The deep green mountains reflecting on the still waters of the lake is a stunning sight especially during dawn and twilight.

Climbing the surrounding mountains is a favourite activity of the adventurous who venture here. Cool clear air and great views of the surroundings await those who reach the peak of the volcano. You can also see the fuming vents along the slope of the mountain and their volcanic activities may change the routes you can take to the top. It is known to be a moderate climb, where the hikers are not required to be in top physical shape, and usually takes about 2 hours to complete. Local guides are aplenty at Toyo Bungkah village but if you opt to go alone take a route map to find your way through some of the overgrown parts of the trek.

It is also advisable to avoid climbing during the rainy season extending from December to February. But sweaters and jackets are recommended clothing in these higher elevations all year round. Many hikers like to start the trek before dawn to catch the first rays of the morning sun as it peeks over the mountains. Mount Agung, another stratovolcano, can be seen to the east, while the northern rim is covered with small steaming vents and volcanic ash.

COMO Shambhala Estate Bali is an ideal location for your exploration of inner Bali. Rest your feet in ultimate comfort after an adventurous trek through the forests surrounding this Bali spa resort. Indulge your senses in a traditional Bali spa. Resorts like these are the best way to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Bali.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+