Bali – the “Island of the Gods” – a tropical paradise that captivates visitors with its beautiful landscapes and incredible vibe. Not many people know Bali is a paradise for adventurous hikers. Here’s a rundown of the top most remarkable hikes in Bali that every climber and nature enthusiast would love to explore. From extreme Mount Agung hike to a magnificent sunrise over Mount Batur.
Some love the island of Bali, while others underestimate the value of the island claiming is overrated and overcrowded. The truth is there is no other place like Bali with its truly warm Hindu approach, unique culture, traditions, atmosphere and exceptional natural wonders! For adventurous hikers, this island offers a plethora of stunning trails, with breathtaking views and an exhilarating experience. Bali holds a special place in my heart, I try to visit as often as I can, enjoying the endless outdoor adventures it offers.
Top adventurous hikes in Bali.
Bali attracts with its exceptional approach toward wellness practices and body treatments. Balinese culture is rooted in the belief that health is dictated by harmony between the mind, body and spirit. Overturism is an issue in some parts of Bali but trust me, most of the island is heaven for adventurous hiking and spiritual experiences.
But for those searching to explore wonderful hikes in Bali, the island amazes with magnificent rainforests, waterfalls, rice fields and extremely challenging hiking trails along the most spectacular sunrises above the clouds.
FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner.com for the lowest deals.
CURRENCY: 100.000 Indonesian Rupiah ~ 6 USD.
ATMs: Widely available around the island.
TRANSPORTATION: The best way to get around is UBER – you can choose between a motorbike or a car.
ACCOMMODATION: If you are on a tight budget, you can find plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses in Bali on agoda.com /up to $25/per night/. Mid-range: agoda.com.
CLIMATE: The best time to visit Bali runs from April to October when it’s hot, sunny, and dry.
Bali sunrise hikes.
The easiest way to witness a spectacular sunrise over clouds is by taking a short Mount Batur hike. It’s an iconic sunrise hike in Bali, followed by most visitors after mistakenly considered a shortcut to a spectacular sunrise.
READ: Everything you need to know before hiking Mount Batur in Bali from my tour experience.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Mount Batur Hike.
The hike typically begins in the early hours to catch the breathtaking sunrise from the summit. The first hour leads along an asphalt road but then the trek winds rocky volcanic terrain, taking about two hours to reach the top. It is a night trek requiring some fitness level.
My biggest recommendation would be to book a top-rated Mount Batur hike tour in advance online. I booked it from a street agency the trek was organized poorly. It was rushed to the point that few people wanted to quit. The guide wasn’t interested in keeping the group all together, he wasn’t sharing any fascinating stories, and we had to wait for long for a car to pick us up after the hike.
Once you reach the top the views are captivating. You’ll probably have a basic breakfast included with most of the tours, but there are also people selling snacks and drinks at the top. Mount Batur hike is quite touristic but well worth the adventure.
On the way down you will visit the actual Mount Batur Crater, the changing colors of the sky and the panoramic views of Lake Batur below are mesmerizing. Wild monkeys are very disturbing, so try to keep a safe distance 😉 The descent is equally thrilling, offering a different perspective of the breathtaking landscapes surrounding the mountain, as the sun is up it gets really warm and humid. At the trail’s end, we were roasting while waiting for the car to pick us up and drive back to Ubud.
MOUNT BATUR HIKE SUMMARY:
Distance: 6 kilometers
Hiking group: 15-25 people.
Hiking time: 4 hours both ways (+ 1 hour at the top for sunrise & breakfast).
Elevation: 1717 meters above the sea level.
Best tours to book online:
- USD 15.5 booked by +10k: Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Combo Experience in Bali
- Top-rated Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking with Viator.
Hiking in Bali without a tour guide.
Hiking in Bali without a tour guide is tricky.. and there are several reasons you should hire a guide or book a guided tour for most hikes in Bali.
If you try approaching the Mount Batur hike solo, you might get abused by local guides, who are convinced you should be on a mountain only accompanied by a guide.
Another reason to hire a guide is safety. While hiking in Bali without a tour guide can be liberating, it also requires a heightened sense of safety awareness. Since you won’t have a guide, stay mindful of the terrain, obstacles and weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly, particularly in mountainous regions. If you encounter fog, heavy rain, or thunderstorms, do not go hiking.
Where is Bali?
Practical travel tips for Bali.
- Bali is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Bali Sea to the north.
- The island is only about 153 km wide and spans approximately 5,780 km².
- Best time to visit Bali: May-October (dry season).
- Climate: Tropical, average year-round temperature 30 °C
- ATM’s – easily accessible – use BIG Banks /don’t use No name ATM’s/. You will be charged a small fee for every ATM transaction.
- Respect religious customs
- Bring insect repellent with Deet!
Campuhan Ridge Walk.
This is a beautiful trail along the rice fields for those looking for a less strenuous yet picturesque hike.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is located in Ubud. This 2 km trail offers stunning views of the tropical green hills and the Wos River. The trail is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Along the way, you can soak in the serene atmosphere and enjoy the sight of rice paddies and local villages.
Distance: 2 kilometers
Hiking time: 1 hour
Top selling tours:
Hiking Mount Agung – Bali’s highest peak.
Mount Agung is the highest peak of the island and without a doubt the most challenging among all the hikes in Bali. This is a killer and should be approached only by experienced mountain climbers in peak physical condition. Mount Agung is an active volcano with the last eruptive episode in September 2017. Hiking Mount Agung was one of the best adventures in my life! I love Bali more than anything, and ascending this holy mountain at night was a spiritual experience for me to ascend this holy mountain. I’m a freestyle female traveler and I was hiking solo as usual, accompanied by a local guide. He said 30% of people approaching Mount Agung, turn back after the first hour of the hike.
Gunung is ‘Mount in the Indonesian language. Agung is considered w holy mountain with an amazing temple at the foot of it. Women should not be on the mountain during menstruation.
Two trails lead to the top of Mount Agung. The trail we took starts at Pasar Agung temple at an altitude of 1,490m. It is said the temple protects the island from evil spirits. Locals always start the hike with a long prayer.
The trail via Pura Pasar Agung leads through a jungle, then a forest and eventually a steep rocky terrain. It takes about 5-6 hours to hike up gaining an elevation of over 1500 meters to reach Agung crater rim at 3031 meters!
The ascent is extremely tricky and takes an average 8 hours due to steep loose volcanic gravel, which makes the trail very hard. Some people told me they couldn’t walk the next day after hiking Mount Agung 😉 This is one of the best hikes in Bali but make sure you are prepared for the challenge.
It is said only Rinjani in Lombok – the highest mountain in Indonesia is harder than Agung.
READ: A complete guide on hiking Mount Agung in Bali – the highest and most sacred mountain.
- STARTING POINT: 1500 metres above sea level.
- LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Hard to Extreme. Climbing Mount Agung is considered to be a very challenging and demanding trek with climbing sections.
- TOTAL ASCENT: 1500 m/or 1700 m via the long route,
- HIGHEST POINT: 3031 metres/or 3142m if approached by the long route,
- GUNUNG AGUNG PEAK: 3142 metres (the highest peak in Bali),
- There are no mosquitos at this elevation.
- Climbing Mount Agung Volcano is not allowed for women during their menstruation period – Mt. Agung is a sacred mountain.
Hiking rice fields in Bali.
Ceking Rice Terraces is the most beautiful rice fields hike in Bali. It’s located 20 minutes from Ubud north direction.
There are a number of hiking trails through the green fields and beautiful tropical forests. The longest route takes about 1-1.5 hours, including a coffee break along the way in Kubon Coffee place.
Mount Bromo hike.
MOUNT BROMO is one of the most iconic volcanoes in Indonesia is Mount Bromo, located in East Java but it is easily accessible with a one-day trip from Bali.
This active volcano sits within the expansive Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The hike to Bromo is relatively easy and can be done in a half-day. Adventurers typically start before dawn, trekking through the volcanic sand to reach the viewpoint just in time to witness sunrise illuminating the crater and surrounding peak of Semeru, the highest mountain in Java. The surreal landscape, often shrouded in mist, is a photographer’s paradise. It’s a must-do for those looking for dramatic views without extensive climbing.
Hiking active Ijen Crater.
Ijen Crater is an extremely popular volcano hike for a number of reasons and additionally, it is easily accessible from Bali.
It’s the only active volcano with a green acid-boiling lake at 300 Celsius degrees. If you take a night tour you will be able to see one of the most incredible phenomenon – the blue flames (blue fires). The best tours from Bali:
Kawah Ijen is a volcano that offers a different hiking experience. Located in East Java, the hike to the crater takes roughly 3 hours of steep trekking. What sets this hike apart is the opportunity to see sulfur mining operations as well as the stunning color contrasts of the lake against the sulfur deposits. The hike is best experienced in the early hours of the morning, when the blue flames illuminate the dark volcanic rocks. The unique landscape and the scent of sulfur add a different flavor to this experience.
Kintamani and Batur Caldera Hike.
If you’re seeking an adventure that combines hiking with cultural exploration, the Kintamani and Batur Caldera hike is an ideal choice. This moderate hike provides a closer look at the stunning landscapes formed by ancient volcanic activity. You’ll have a chance to encounter traditional Balinese villages, encompassing the beauty of Mount Batur, Lake Batur, and surrounding hills.
Yangapi Waterfall trek.
Yangapi Waterfall is considered as one of the best-kept secrets and top hikes in Bali. I’m sure you’ve seen those incredible cave waterfall photos on Instagram.. that was Yangapi.
The drive from Ubud to Yangapi Waterfall starting point takes about 1 hour north direction. There is a convenient parking site but I ordered Uber motorbike to get there. The trek leads through a wonderful jungle trail, and the incredible scenery along the path makes every step worthwhile. There is a stunning coffee place where we and my driver had lunch after the trek.
It takes about 30 minutes to hike down the cave waterfall. It is a unique attraction with almost no tourists which makes it the perfect outdoor attraction in Bali.
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