Mount Batur Volcano

Mount Batur (or The Kintamani Volcano) is an active volcano and a very popular trek. The captivating Mount Batur surrounds the 13-sq-km Batur caldera lake. Those with a penchant for adventure can take a winding road down to the lakeshore. This leads you to Toya Bungkah, Ulun Danu Batur temple, and a collection of hot springs.

The Kintamani area consists of 3 main villages, namely Penelokan, Batur, and Kintamani. There are also some old Balinese villages around Batur Lake, often referred to as Bali Aga villages. Penelokan is a popular stopover. It serves as a vantage point at the southernmost part of the crater rim. From here, you can enjoy the sweeping views over the magnificent Bali volcano.

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Penelokan serves as the best site to enjoy the panoramic views. You can see Batur's rugged features of dark lava slopes and black molten rocks from the village's roadside. The lush green vegetation and the blue-green coloured lake serves as a stark contrast.

Mount Batur is popular for climbing. You can observe the sunrise from the ridges of this Bali volcano on early morning treks. From up high, you can enjoy the vista overlooking the large and beautiful Batur caldera to the northwest. Lake Batur is on the southeastern side of the volcano. The lake is 16 km wide and is a popular fishing spot.

Batur's village of Toya Bungkah has hot lakeside hot springs, known for its curative mineral water. It is a popular choice among trekkers to spend the night before hiking up Mount Batur in time to watch the sunrise.

West of the adjacent Mount Abang is the secluded old Balinese village of Trunyan. It's a place that's known for its ancient burial traditions using an open graveyard. The Pancering Jagat Temple is an interesting site here.

Good to know about Kintamani

The fertile Kintamani area is a top producer of fruit and vegetables in Bali. This highland area is around 400 metres above sea level. Kintamani is also known as the largest bamboo producer on the island. The giant petung type of bamboo harvested here is widely used for making Balinese furniture.

Lake Batur is the main source of irrigation water for most of Bali. Locals also breed freshwater fish here. The water temperature at the Toyabungkah hot springs can reach up to 45°C. Kintamani is in Bangli, the only district on the island without a shoreline.

Enjoy the best panoramic views from this Bali volcano from 10am to 3pm. Hiking up Mount Batur usually takes 3 hours. Official guides are recommended as a safety precaution. Like Mount Agung, Mount Batur is active. Be sure to check its volcanic activity alert levels before planning a trek.

Location: Kintamani, Bangli, Bali, Indonesia

Ari Gunadi | Compulsive Traveller

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