Mount Batur is one of the several active volcanoes on the Island of Bali, located between two concentric calderas in the north west of Mount Agung. Its caldera is 7.5 kilometers wide and its rim is a popular location for trekking. Its peak only reaches about 1,717 meters above sea level, but it is still an active volcano with the last eruption recorded in 1968. Compared to Mount Agung, recorded eruptions of Mount Batur were described as mild or moderate. There is also Lake Batur, formed from a crater and now becoming a source of fish for villagers as well as a place for climbers and trekkers to enjoy the view from the lake by using traditional boats.
Climate
January and February are the wettest months in Mount Batur, while April to October are quite dry, perfect for climbing and trekking. The mountain feet has a tropical climate; which is why many coffee plantations are situated there. The higher the elevation, the colder and windier it becomes. Hawks and eagles are pretty common sights here, as well as mammals such as wild pigs and macaques. The higher areas have a more barren and dry look, with rock formations and solidified lava tracks.
What to See
Like at the nearby Mount Agung, the peak of Mount Batur offers another beautiful sunrise view. If you look around, you can see Mount Agung and Rinjani (in Lombok Island) as well as Lake Batur and the sea. Many people describe the climbing experience here as “climbing with the gods”; not only because of the stunning view that renders you a sensation like being at the home of the gods, but also because of the many traditional villages located near the mountain. The caldera is also the source of volcanic steam, with which trekkers and climbers love to boil eggs and serve them as an enjoyable breakfast after a good climb.
Trunyan is a village in Mount Batur that is famous for being the most original and untainted village in Bali. Instead of Hindu, the people here still practice animistic belief that has its roots grown strong for many thousands of years. Lake Batur is also a great place to visit; you can enjoy a surrounding view from the center of the lake by using a traditional boat, while watching villagers catch fish. Toya Bungkah is another traditional village worth a visit, better known as the hot spring village.
At the foot of this mountain, there are widespread coffee plantations, where the famous and strong Bali coffee originates from. Here, visitors can stop by and look around, as well as taste local coffee and herbal tea. Coffee plantations here are also famous for their Luwak coffee, which is a coffee produced from the excreted coffee beans of the civet mammal. Due to the animals picky diet of eating only the best coffee beans, and the slow tenderizing digestion process, the taste is more delicate, causing it to be dubbed as the best and most expensive coffee on the planet. In some countries, one cup of original brew of the Luwak coffee can cost you up to US$100.
Kintamani is a nearby town, located at the southwestern part of the greater Batur caldera. Here, you can buy souvenirs, try out typical Balinese food at local food stalls, find lodging accommodation or a guide for trekking and climbing sessions. The town is also a popular access point to reach Mount Batur.