Trekking in Bali

Trekking in Bali

Some places you simply can't take a bike.... like a volcano. Bali's ancient and rugged landscape is well represented by Danau Batur, also known as Gunung Batur. The volcanic cones of Gunung Batur are located in mas

sive bowl-shaped calderas. The majestic Gunung Batur rises to a towering 1,717 metres, and remains one of Bali's natural wonders.

Best viewed in the early morning at sunrise, Gunung Agung Bali's highest and most revered mountain, is the island's ultimate trekking challenge. It is not difficult to climb, but you need a reasonable level of fitness. Start really early - a few hours before sunrise. You'll need a guide to take you up in the dark. The locals are well used to starting at 3am so don't worry. They'll show you a trick or two about avoiding loose shale under your feet, and even demonstrate how to boil an egg on the hot rocks!

Some of the locals (obviously triathlon candidates) will climb ahead of you (actually they whizz past) just to have a coke or water ready when you reach the top. They've made the effort to climb, so don't begrudge the slightly higher price for a drink! After all, how many people can say they sat on a volcano at sunrise and were waited upon?

Do remember to report to the police station at Selat before start off on your excursion, and drop by again on your return. A guide is necessary, and one can be pre-arranged in Selat or Muncan by just asking around the markets, or by contacting the Selat police station.