Is it worth hiking Mount Batur or better to take a jeep tour?
Based on 1 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 10 days ago
Based on 1 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 10 days ago
TL;DR
Hiking Mount Batur is exhausting — you arrive sweaty and face cold winds at the top. Cloudy weather can ruin the sunrise view entirely. A jeep tour is a less tiring alternative.
The hike starts around 2:00 AM and takes several hours of strenuous climbing. At the summit there are strong cold winds — even wearing a fleece and windproof jacket felt cold. Descent takes about another hour.
You arrive at the summit completely soaked in sweat, then face icy winds. Bringing a dry change of clothes might help slightly, but won't protect you from the cold at the top.
The sunrise is the main reason to hike, but cloudy weather means you see nothing. Expect to wait over an hour in cold wind with no guarantee of a view.
If you still want to experience Mount Batur, a jeep tour is the recommended option — no strenuous hiking, much less physically demanding, with the same scenery.