Bali’s volcanoes shape the island’s landscapes, its legends, even its rituals. And if you’re up early enough they can shape your trip too. Whether you’re chasing sunrise from a crater rim or rolling on wheels through valleys, these experiences are ones that go way further than the photo ops.

And the best part? They’re closer, and easier, to access than you might think. Many of these adventures are bookable on Traveloka and run by local guides who know Bali and its stories. 

Mount Batur’s sunrise trek is a rite of passage. Hotel pickups start around 1 am, with hikes kicking off by 2 or 3. You’ll reach the rim just as first light spills across Lake Batur and the silhouette of Mount Agung sharpens in the distance.

Climbing Agung is a different story. Treks start so early that they are - really - just late. We’re talking between 10 pm and midnight, with routes from Pura Pasar Agung (shorter, steeper) or Besakih Temple (longer, tougher). It’s colder. Harder. And at the top, far more dramatic.

Tours usually include hotel transfers, a licensed guide, headlamps, poles, bottled water, and a light breakfast - boiled eggs and hot tea at sunrise. Some Agung treks include offerings as part of the climb.

And yes, you’ll need a guide. It’s the law, and for good reason. Solo hikers have been deported. Others haven’t made it down. Always check volcanic alert levels, and trust the mountain if it says no.

The best time to hike is during the dry season from April to September. If you get it right, there’ll be dry trails and clear skies at the top day after day. But April to May and September to October really hits the sweet spot, with the shoulder months attracting fewer crowds, but still getting that beautiful weather.

More into thrills than treks? A volcano jeep tour might be your speed. These off-road adventures start from Toya Bungkah hot springs or the Kintamani district, where 4x4s take you deep into the hardened black lava fields left by Mount Batur’s past eruptions.

It’s not just about high speed and steep slopes. Licensed guides also teach you and other passengers about geology and local culture, pointing out formations from past eruptions, like the one in 1963.

Expect sunrise photo shoots, light breakfast breaks, and steep, rocky terrain that’ll give you butterflies. It’s a seriously great option for travellers who have accessibility needs, or simply just don’t fancy a hike. 

Why stick to four wheels when two will do? If cycling’s your thing, a downhill ride from the Kintamani plateau might just hit the spot. These rides start from the Kintamani plateau (it’s about 1,600 m up) and cruise on through a side of Bali that many visitors don’t see from the tour bus. 

You’ll roll through farms, markets, and coffee plantations, with a local guide sharing stories along the way. Most tours include hotel pickup, a mountain bike with helmet and gloves, bottled water, and breakfast - best served looking out over Mount Batur and the lake. Groups stay small - usually under a dozen.

All about that outlook but prefer to go solo? You can easily do it by stopping by one of these lookouts just before the sun pops up.

All climb and no soak make for some seriously tired legs. Luckily, many volcano treks end with a dip in one of Bali’s natural hot springs. And these aren’t just post-hike perks, they’re very much woven into Balinese culture. At some springs, locals still perform Melukat, a water purification ritual. Dress modestly, and tread lightly around offerings or quiet moments of prayer.

Popular ones include:

Batur Natural Hot Spring (Toya Bungkah): 3–10 pools warmed to 37–42 °C, some with waterfall spouts.

Toya Devasya Hot Spring: A lakeside resort with 7–8 hot pools, a scenic infinity edge, spa treatments, cafés and family-friendly extras. 

There’s so much more to Bali than the beach. If you’re ready to explore the wild, interior side of the island than Traveloka is ready to help.

From finding accommodation near Mount Batur or Mount Agung to adrenaline-fueled tours, you’re just a few clicks away from the Balinese adventure of a lifetime.

If you’ve heard about any of Bali’s volcanoes, most likely it was Mount Batur. It’s the island’s most climbed volcano and is famous for its sunrise treks and early starts. At over 1700m, it might seem unassuming - but don’t be lured into a false sense of security. She last erupted in 2000.

For the Balinese, Batur is sacred. It is a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Lake Batur below is believed to be part of this, as a divine reservoir. You’ll often see small offerings left at the trailhead and hear prayers.

The trek? Manageable, if you don’t have accessibility issues, taking around three to four hours to return. Pair with a stop at a hot spring, a coffee plantation, and Pura Ulun Danu Batur (a 17th-century temple by the lake).

While Batur invites you in, Agung asks what you’re made of. This is Bali’s highest volcano, with 3,031 m of switchbacks, steep forest, and raw terrain. Most treks begin just before midnight, aiming for the summit at first light.

Agung is the mountain you feel. Revered as the island’s “navel of the world,” it’s a spiritual anchor for the Balinese. A lot of the treks start from Pura Besakih at its base. Locals believe the ‘Mother Temple’ being spared during the devastating 1963 eruption was a divine sign.

The climb is no small thing. It’s 1,700 m up, with stretches that require scrambling and sure feet. But the sunrise from the top? Worth it.

At 2,276 m, Mount Batukaru hides in plain sight. It’s Bali’s second-highest volcano, mostly dormant and wrapped in rainforest. Treks take seven to nine hours round-trip and feel more like a pilgrimage than a hike.

On the way up, you’ll pass Pura Luhur Batukaru, an 11th-century temple that draws thousands of Balinese on foot each year. The trail begins near Pura Siva Temple. You might need a permit (IDR 25,000 or AUD 2.50), and it’s sometimes closed for ceremony or conservation.

When it’s open? Imagine long stretches of solitary calm and tangled roots.

Mount Abang is the quiet one. The third-highest peak in Bali at 2,152 m, rising from the eastern rim of the Batur caldera. You get sunrise views over the lake and across to Agung, with far fewer people to share them with.

The round-trip takes five to six hours through thick rainforest. It’s steady and peaceful, with jungle shrines like Pesawat and Andong along the way. No scrambling. No traffic. Just you, the trees, and the quiet.

Post-hike, grab a coffee from a nearby plantation or find a hot spring to sink into. A good kind of tired, with nothing else on the agenda.