Oct 2026 - Satriya - Junior Product Executive

There are some journeys where reaching the destination is only part of the experience, and my trip to Mount Batur in Bali was certainly one of them. I left my hotel in Kintamani at around 3:30 AM for the short drive to Pura Pasar Agung Batur, where the trek would begin. It was still dark and quiet outside, and I could hardly imagine what the mountain would look like a few hours later. At around 4:45 AM, I put on my headlamp and set off into the darkness, ready to discover what was waiting at the top.

The trek took around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the summit. Although the distance was not particularly long, the rocky trail and loose sand made it more challenging than I had expected. Some sections were quite steep, and I had to pay attention to every step. Good hiking shoes made a real difference, especially on the slippery ground. Walking through the darkness with only my headlamp lighting the way also added a sense of adventure, as the surroundings gradually began to appear.

After reaching the summit, I took a short break to catch my breath and enjoy the view. From Mount Batur, it is possible to see Mount Abang and Mount Agung, while Mount Rinjani can also be seen in the distance when the weather is clear. The sunrise was particularly beautiful, with the sky slowly becoming brighter and the surrounding mountains emerging from the darkness. This was the moment that made the early start feel worthwhile.

The weather was not extremely cold, but the wind at the summit was surprisingly strong. It made taking photos difficult, and loose sand sometimes blew into my eyes and nose. I would definitely recommend bringing a windbreaker, even if the temperature does not feel particularly low.

After spending some time at the top, I started making my way down, which took around 45 minutes. The descent was faster, although the rocky and sandy trail still required careful steps. By then, the sun was already higher in the sky, and the mountain looked completely different from the one I had seen before sunrise. I also stopped around the Batur monument for some photos, where I happened to see a monkey trying to steal food from a stranger’s backpack. It was a funny little moment that added something unexpected to the morning.

Looking back, Mount Batur was more than just a hike to watch the sunrise. It was the experience of waking up in the middle of the night, walking through darkness and finally watching the sun rise over the mountains. Despite the challenging trail and strong wind, I would definitely do it again.