Camping in the Mount Batur Crater

Mount Batur is one of Bali’s most spectacular scenic areas. The area is made up of a massive caldera within which lies a dormant volcano (Mount Batur) which rises above a large crater lake. Hiking Mount Batur for sunrise is one of the most popular activities in Bali. People from all over the world make the trek to the peak to experience the sun rising out of Mount Agung and shining its rays over a misty Bali below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Batur

But…let’s say you are staying in Seminyak and you want to do the sunrise hike. The tour company will likely pick you up from your hotel at 1 am to drive you two hours up the mountain. Then you wait at the assembly area before beginning your hike. Summit Mount Batur, hike down, then a two hour ride back to your hotel which you’ll arrive at at about 9 am. Exhausting!

This is why camping in Mount Batur is such a great idea (specially in a campervan). Camping in Mount Batur is actually fairly popular with new campgrounds popping up all the time. Most of these are located along the caldera ridge and can be challenging to get to. Furthermore, they are about 30 minutes away from the starting point on some bad roads. This is why I suggest that anyone who wants to camp at Mount Batur and do the trekking should stay in the caldera near the lake.

The problem with this is that there are no official campgrounds in this area. Therefore Bali Campers has partnered with a local guy who operates a small eco-accommodation in the area. You can park the campervan on a nice little area near his place (the above picture was taken there). This cute little spot is easy to get to, near the road running through the caldera but still private and quiet. You can also use the restrooms at the accommodation next door. And whats great is, if you are doing the trekking, your guide will come right to the van to get you at about 4 am to take you to the trail head about 5 minutes away.

Cost to stay: 50k per campervan

Ammenities:

• Bathrooms with shower
• Good cell signal but no WiFi

There are a couple other good reasons to stay here as well. There is a restaurant just 500 meters from the camping spot called Rejeng Bali

https://goo.gl/maps/qxNsvRw19WZCasLP6

This quaint spot sits right on the lake with spectacular views of the caldera wall rising into the clouds. This is a “fishing camp” and people often go there to fish in the lake and then have their catch cooked up by the staff. If you aren’t keen to fish then the staff will happily serve you up a delicious meal off of their menu. This is a really cool family owned spot with great food, cold beer, friendly staff and great views. A must do.

Another must do in this area is Segara Healing hot springs. This Cute little spot is a family run hot spring which also offers some nice accommodation in a beautiful setting.

https://goo.gl/maps/8gzpTsfMDx7g7BBVA

Another hot spring option that is a bit closer to the camp is Batur Natural Hot Spring https://g.page/baturnaturalhotspring

It’s a much bigger, more commercial hot spring but if that is what you are looking for, give it a try.  100k per person.

I highly recommend a trip here for a dip in the relaxing natural springs. Komang and his family have run these springs for years and are well knows for their warm hospitality.

Trekking:

Trekking the Mount Batur area is spectacular but there is a bit of a dark side that comes with it.  The people of this area are very protective of their resource.  So while anyone with hiking experience could easily do the hike themselves, the locals don’t allow this.  If you try there will be consequences.  You can read here about the experience of those who tried, being accosted.  https://goo.gl/maps/tyv99f9S1drnMayj8

Therefore, definitely go with a guide.

Also note that there are two trekking options.  The more popular one is the Mount Batur trek which goes to the peak of Mount Batur.  The other is the caldera trek.  This trek isn’t as well known and is a bit longer but is, in fact, more spectacular.

We can arrange the trekking for you with great English speaking guides who will come to your camping area to pick you up.

Prices (including two light meals):

Trekking (Batur peak or Caldera hike): 420k/person

4WD Mount Batur sunrise adventure: 540k/person including hot spring

Mount Batur cycling: 480k/person including hot spring

We can arrange any of these tours for you.  We have relationships with the best guides in the area who will cut no corners making sure you have the best time possible.