A paradise on Earth, Bali features a TON of natural beauty.

There are beaches, oceans, forests, rice fields and waterfalls, along with friendly, smiling people and a super unique culture.

Sitting on the ring of fire, the island is home to several volcanoes and grand mountains, which are great spots for those who are wanderers at heart. 

Hiking in Bali is an amazing activity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the towns that don’t sleep.

Take the opportunity to sweat, reconnect with nature, meet fellow hikers and most importantly, see the enchanting beauty of Bali from a height.

Here are the best spots for hiking in Bali, along with the best tips and what to prepare! 

7 Best Hikes in Bali

Bali has trekking for both novice hikers and more experienced mountaineers.

Some hikes can be done alone without a guide, but don’t just go on a whim. Do your research, be sure of your physical and mental strength, and be prepared! 

1. Mount Batur

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Hike duration: 2-4 hours

Location: Bangli

Height: 1,717m

Mount Batur is the best known volcano to hike in Bali. It also has the widest caldera in Indonesia!

From the peak of Mount Batur, you can look out over the beauty of Lake Batur, with a view of Mount Abang and Mount Rinjani behind it.

A Mount Batur sunrise trek will, of course, start in the early hours of the morning. It is recommended to stay nearby so you can have that little bit extra sleep, and save energy for the adventure that awaits. 

The pathway up the volcano is a combination of large rocks and super slippery sand, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes!

It is advised to go along with a guided tour to hike Mount Batur. They will usually start from Toya Bungkah, as it is the easiest and shortest path to get to the top.

When you’ve reached the top, you can settle in for a hot drink and await the MAGNIFICENT sunrise views that have made this hike so popular.

If you are a newbie, Mount Batur is a great place to start your hiking career.

2. Mount Agung

Level of difficulty: Hard

Duration: 3-4 hours via Pasar Agung Temple
7-8 hours via Besakih Temple

Location: Karangasem

Height: 3,142m

Mount Agung is a sacred mountain for the Balinese Hindu community.

You must follow the rules of local residents if you want to try the hike yourself. For example;

  • Hiking is prohibited during ceremony times at Besakih Temple and Pasar Agung Temple.
  • A home-brought lunch must not contain any beef products.

It is much easier and recommended to use a local guide to lead you on the hike.

There are two routes to hike Mounta Agung – the Besakih Temple route and the Pasar Agung Temple route.

The Besakih Temple route is generally more favored as you can get to the peak, an altitude of 3,142 masl. While the Pasar Agung Temple route only reaches the second peak of Mount Agung, an altitude of about 3,031 masl.

You can continue climbing to the top peak from the first, but the difficulty level is higher. It is more suited for professional climbers, or those who frequently climb mountains.

3. Campuhan Ridge Walk

Level of difficulty: Easy

Duration: 1-2 hours

Location: Gianyar

Walking the Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the best things to do in Ubud.

Its beauty is even more charming in the early morning, just after sunrise. There is a hint of mist in the air, the weather is cool and you can watch as nature begins to wake up around you. 

There are two paths that can be taken to reach Campuhan Ridge Walk.

The first path starts at Gunung Lebah Temple, near the Blanco Museum. From there, you can turn onto the paving road at Ibah Villa & Luxury Spa, and just follow the path to the Campuhan Hill trail area.

The second path starts at Keliki Village, Tegalalang District with many cafes, villas and refreshing rice fields. 

If you have some time to kill while you are exploring Ubud, this walk is easy, beautiful and calm.

4. Twin Lakes – Tamblingan and Buyan

Level of difficulty: Moderate 

Duration: 2-6 hours

Location: Tabanan

Just slightly north from Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Bedugul, there two lakes that run side by side – like twins.

Lake Tamblingan and Buyan Lake are separated by a kilometer of forest, and a natural pond called Telaga Aya. 

The hike will start from Candi Bencingah to Buyan Lake, through a protected forest area with dense trees.

You will pass by several temples in the middle of the forest including Ulun Danu Temple and Telage Aya Temple, a unique sacred temple in the forest.

Rent a canoe or boat to head out onto Lake Tamblingan, and enjoy the beauty of Pemulung Agung Temple.

5. Mount Catur/Mangu Peak

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 2-3 hours 

Location: Badung

Height: 2,096m

Before changing its name to Catur, local people knew it as Mangu (you will find both names on Google maps). 

There are many safe hiking routes around the mountain, as well as special routes for climbers to reach the peak.

Incredibly, there is a temple at the peak of Mount Catur. It is still actively used as a place of worship for the local residents!

Take a rest in the gazebos, while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. 

The most commonly used track is via Desa Petang. It is through a route known as the Bedugul Japanese Cave.

This route is super comfortable for climbers, with pathways that are neat and smooth. Even novice climbers will be able to handle this hike in Bali. 

If you choose this route, you will ride through Pelaga Village, which is a hidden gem and mostly unvisited by tourists.

6. Mount Lempuyang

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 3-4 hours

Location: Karangasem

Height: 1,175m

If you’ve ever seen the famous Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple, there is much more to it than just a photo spot. 

The gates are situated by just one of the temples located on Mount Lempuyang. There are 7 in total, with the tallest being 1,700 stairs up.

If you choose to pass by the tourist trap to explore something a little less visited, you can challenge yourself to the tall hike.

Along the way you will meet some of Bali’s macaques monkeys, but are not as cheeky as their counterparts in Uluwatu. Even so, you must always keep yourself and your belongings safe.

The path isn’t difficult, but climbing almost 2000 stairs will certainly make you sweat.

When arriving at the main temple, you will be greeted with a view surrounded by mist, giving a mystical atmosphere.

The Balinese believe that those who ascend to Lempuyang Temple with a heavy heart will never reach the top, or always encounter obstacles. 

7. Taman Nasional Bali Barat

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 2-6 hours

Location: Buleleng

West Bali National Park (TNBB) is one of a number of nature conservation areas in Bali. It is a huge landscape, comprised of dense forest, sea, beaches and mountains. 

From Denpasar, it will take you about a 3 hours drive.

To climb in the park, you have to use a guide. Usually a West Bali National Park tour will last 3 to 4 hours. You can spot native animals like Bali starlings, deer, langurs, long-tailed monkeys, and partridges.

There are a few popular trails – Gunung Klatakan Trail, the Tegal Bunder Trail and the Prapat Agung Peninsula Trail .

If you want to end your journey at Mount Klatakan, then choose the Gunung Klatakan Trail. This route can take up to 5 hours.

For beautiful Balinese birds, try the Tegal Bunder Trail.

Or, choose the Prapat Agung Peninsula Trail which is said to have one of the most magical coastal walks in Bali.

Tips for Hiking in Bali

  • Stay hydrated! Bringing an adequate supply of drinking water is important. Thirst can have big consequences such as muscle cramps, weakness, thirst, and loss of consciousness.
  • Wear long clothes! As tempting as it is to sport some shorts in the hot weather, you will want to protect yourself from bug bites and monkey scratches. 
  • Be sure you know your route if you aren’t going to use a guide. Do your research, and be sure you can handle the hike. 
  • Use a guide! We know you are an adventurer, but hiking routes can be very confusing at times. There is nothing wrong with using a guide. They will take you on a safe path and ensure your safety until the end of the hike. 

What to Prepare for Hiking in Bali

  • Manage your expectations – although not a main attraction, it is still possible for a load of people to be hiking in Bali when you are. 
  • Bring a raincoat – it’s a tropical rainforest around the mountains, with a high chance of rainfall. If you hike during the day, chances are you will encounter some rain in the afternoon. 
  • Always check the weather forecast – check it in advance to be sure to miss any potential problems (though the weather can always change).
  • Learn about signage and wayfinding in Indonesia – different countries may have different signage. In Indonesia, directional signs use a green background, and road signs use yellow background.
  • Bring your favorite hiking equipment – if you have a favorite brand, it may not be sold or rented on the island, especially for boots. It’s recommended to bring your own if you have a preference.
  • Stay healthy – eat healthy, take vitamins and stay active so you can keep up with your hiking buddies. 

Final Thoughts

There you have just 7 of the hikes in Bali! They differ from difficulty, to landscapes and attractions.

Choose one that suits your abilities. Don’t push yourself too hard to climb to the highest location, without considering health and abilities.

Actually, there are still tons of tracks and trails to list, but we’re leaving you to find them on your own. Bali is full of hidden hot springs, ravines, and waterfalls waiting to be discovered.

Just like other natural places in Bali, the mountain is also a sacred place for the Balinese. Always be polite and act appropriately, even at the highest peak where people can’t see you.

 

Featured image: Mount Batur