Everything to Know about the Volcanoes of Bali

If you want to spend a day away from the crowded beaches in the South, you can head into the heart of Bali to find incredible landscapes, active volcanoes and grand mountain ranges that run around the island.

Sitting on the ‘ring of fire’, Bali is home to a number of volcanoes including one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes – Mount Batur.

Whether you are an adventure seeker who wants to take a volcano tour in Bali and hike the mountains or simply sit enjoying a coffee with a beautiful view of the mountain range, I have all the information you need.

From the best mountain to hike for beginners, to the most active volcano, here is everything you need to know about the volcanoes of Bali.

Mount Batur

Mount Batur is the most famous of Bali’s volcanoes as it is the most popular mountain hike on the island.

It is also the most active volcano, with mini eruptions happening every few years.

With a scenic lake view, even the tourists that don’t want to tackle the hike will come to take in the magical scenery and enjoy a cup of coffee from a mountain view cafe.

Hiking Mount Batur

The Mount Batur sunrise trek is one of the biggest draws for tourists to the volcano.

Starting in the early morning, an expert guide will lead you up the rocky trail to the summit of the volcano where you will be greeted with outstanding sunrise views – and a snack!

Considered a ‘medium’ difficulty hike, you don’t have to be a professional to try it out, but need a relatively good level of fitness.

Be sure to pack something warm as it can get very chilly before the sunrises!

Where to Stay Near Mount Batur

Whether you need a place to rest before your big hike, or want to relax in the shadow of the volcano with stunning scenic views, there are many accommodations around – and even on! – Mount Batur.

Here are a few of the best places to stay near Mount Batur –

The simplicity of this guesthouse is easily overlooked with the unbeatable volcano and valley views that surround it. Dip into the shared swimming pool and bask in the glory of Bali’s magnificent nature.

An expansive shared villa situated on the hillside beside Mount Batur, you can wake up each morning to foggy volcano and valley views – perfect!

Mount Batur View Restaurants and Cafes

For a quick bite to eat after a long car ride, or your early morning breakfast, these cafes and restaurants are a great place to stop off and dig into a delicious meal all while overlooking unbeatable Mount Batur views.

• Gunung Batur Geopark

• Sari Restaurant

• The Amora Bali

• The Lookout

• KAVA Kintamani

• Batur Organic Park Cafe

• Yomade Coffee

Mount Agung and Bratan Volcano

The 2 tallest volcanoes on Bali island are Mount Agung and Bratan Volcano.

Both active volcanoes, Mount Agung has been bubbling under the surface since its latest eruption in 2019 that famously brought the island to a halt.

Bratan Volcano, however, has not erupted in thousands of years – that’s not to say it won’t happen.

Mount Agung

Reaching up to the highest point of Bali, Mount Agung – also known as Gunung Agung meaning ‘Great Mountain’ – sits in the quiet rural area of Karangasem surrounded by vast jungles and just a short drive from the beach.

Due to its gigantic height, Mount Agung has a strong influence on the island’s weather including the climate and rainfall.

After years of sitting dormant, in 1963 Mount Agung had a huge eruption that tore through surrounding villages and farmlands.

Interestingly, the lava didn’t touch the mother temple ‘Besakih’ which is situated on the southern side of the volcano, reinforcing to the local Balinese that it was a spiritual eruption and they are being kept safe.

In 2019 bubbling smoke clouds and mini eruptions could be seen billowing out from the crater of the volcano, but it never properly erupted. Until now the island remains on alert!

Hiking Mount Agung

Hiking Mount Agung is definitely not for the weak hearted. Towering to over 3,000m above sea level, it is one of the hardest treks on the island.

Leading through tropical jungles until rocky pathways, hiking Mount Agung is perfect for an adventurer looking for a challenge. With incredible views from the top, it makes the up to 6 hour hike worthwhile.

Where to Stay Near Mount Agung

You won’t find any accommodations to stay on the volcano, or even in the immediate surroundings. But, here are some of my favourite hideaways where you have undisturbed views of the towering ‘Great Mountain’.

A private apartment with a pool overlooking expansive jungle views with the towering Mount Agung in the far-off distance, Palmterrace is a comfortable and relaxing getaway in the heart of Karangasem.

For couples, Hay House is a romantic and cosy bungalow-style space located among luscious fields. With a super simple bedroom and bathroom set up, the surroundings are the true star.

A beautiful bamboo private retreat overlooking expansive rice paddy and jungles views with the tip of Mount Agung in the distance.

Mount Agung View Restaurants

After a day of touring the island and lots of driving, sitting down for a delicious meal with a stunning view of Mount Agung would be the highlight of the day.

These few restaurants boast incredible volcano views with hearty menus.

• Mahagiri Panoramic Restaurant

• Ristorante Lereng Agung

Bratan Volcano

Nearly 800m shorter than Mount Agung, Bratan Volcano contains 3 beautiful lakes and is a popular hotspot for sightseeing and basking in hot spring waters.

The name Bratan is often used to reference a number of volcano peaks in the area including Mount Catur.

Situated in Bedugul, at the heart of the island, Bratan hasn’t had an eruption in thousands of years – so long ago in fact, the last eruption isn’t even recorded!

One of the most famous water temples – Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – is located on Lake Bratan in the shadow of the volcano and is the biggest draw to the area – perhaps even more so than the encompassing mountain range itself.

Exploring Bratan

There is a lot to see and do around Bratan Volcano including stunning lakes, water temples, hot springs as well as dormant cones within the volcanic complex that you can hike and explore.

Here are some of the best sightseeing spots –

• Lake Bratan – as mentioned above, Lake Bratan is home to one of the most famous water temples on the island. Filled with small temples, information about the holy site and additional activities, it is one of the must-see spots in Bedugul.
• Mount Catur – the 4th tallest ‘volcano’ in Bali, Mount Catur is considered an easy hike. Starting at Lake Bratan the hike leads you through thick forest until you reach the top with vast views of Bedugul and the lake.

• Bali Botanic Gardens – a grand 157 hectare botanic garden among the mountain range of Bedugul, Bali Botanic Gardens is a calm day out where you can see unique and rare tropical plants, flowers and sprawling lawns.

• Lake Bayun – the biggest of the Bratan crater lakes, Lake Bayun is surrounded by cafes and restaurants where you can dine with unbeatable lake and mountain range views.

• Lake Tamblingan – the lesser visited of the Bedugul lakes, Lake Tamblingan is a peaceful place away from tourists where you can enjoy amazing scenic views in a calmer, more serene setting.

Where to Stay Near Bratan Volcano

For a romantic escape with your loved one or peaceful relaxing retreat, the hotels and villas around Bratan Volcano are a beautiful place to look out over vast views and enjoy the outstanding nature of Bali. They are also the perfect place to rest before a big day of hiking!

Here are some of my favourite places to stay close by to Bratan –

A collection of cosy traditional bungalows and camping tents, this is an affordable spot to relax surrounded by unbelievable natural views.

Take a warm refreshing soak in the luxurious bathtub located on the expansive terrace overlooking incredible, out-of-this-world views. From its hillside position, this 1-bedroom apartment is the epitome of romantic stays in Bratan.

At these cosy and comfortable cabins, you will be staying right on the water with spacious wooden terraces offering views of the surrounding water and mountain views.

Bratan View Restaurants and Cafes

What is better than sitting back for a delicious Indonesian meal with views of the huge Bratan mountain range right in front of your eyes.

These are a few restaurants and cafes where you can sip a coffee and bask in awe of the grand scenery.

• Eco Cafe 2

• Mentari Restaurant

• Sande Coffee Break

• The View Restaurant

• Strawberry Hill Hotel and Cafe

Other Bali Volcanoes

There are a few smaller, lesser known volcanoes in Bali that lay dormant, or are a part of the wider mountain range around its famous siblings.

Equally as impressive, a hiker’s dream and more peaceful than the others, these are worth checking out if you have some extra hours to kill or would like to visit the more ‘untouched’ areas of Bali.

Mount Abang

Originally part of Mount Batur, after a huge eruption Mount Abang split from the huge volcano and now resides at the other side of the lake.

An easy, yet still challenging, hike for climbers, it is not as commonly visited by tourists.

Mount Batukaru

Mount Batukaru is located on the West side of Bali and is the second tallest mountain on the island.

Covered in thick forest and jungles, it is a challenging hike for those who don’t mind trekking vegetation.

From the top of the summit you will enjoy vast views of the whole island, including the tip of Mount Agung.

And..

There is also Mount Adeng, Mount Lesong, Mount Lempuyang, Mount Pohon, Mount Prapat Agung and Mount Sengayang.

Each holding their own spiritual significance to the island, these less famous volcanoes and peaks are still worthy of a mention.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, all the volcanoes in Bali that will challenge your fitness and humble your existence.

These huge and imposing mountains are dotted around the island only adding to the diverse and expansive scenery of Bali.

Whether you plan to hike to the top, or simply admire from afar, the volcanoes of Bali are definitely worth a visit.