Mount Batur Viewpoints You Shouldn’t Miss

Mount Batur is an active volcano that sits in the heart of a vast caldera, surrounded by Lake Batur, rugged black lava fields, forested slopes, and spiritual landmarks like Pura Ulun Danu Batur. Whether you hike to the crater rim or simply enjoy the view from Kintamani’s ridgeline cafés, the panoramas here are breathtaking.

What most people come for is that perfect view of Mount Agung glowing at sunrise, soft clouds drifting over Lake Batur, and on a really clear day a glimpse of Lombok far in the distance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best viewpoints, from summit peaks to scenic roadside stops, so you know exactly where to go for those unforgettable views.

Best Mount Batur viewpoints

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Mount Batur Summit (Crater Rim)

How to reach: Requires a sunrise trek, typically starting from Toya Bungkah or Pura Jati.
What you’ll see: This is the ultimate Mount Batur viewpoint. From the crater rim, you’ll catch a 360° sweep of Bali’s highlands. You’ll see the Lake Batur below, Mount Abang rising across the caldera, and Mount Agung glowing in the morning light. On crystal-clear days, you might even spot Mount Rinjani on Lombok.
What it feels like: As the sun breaks over the eastern horizon, clouds gather in the valley below you. The golden light transforms the rocky terrain into something out of a dream.

Midway viewpoints (during the trek)

How to reach: These are the short rest stops about 20–30 minutes before reaching the summit.
What you’ll see: You’re still high enough to catch the glow of sunrise over Lake Batur, but close enough to see individual lava ridges and the pine-covered slopes below. These spots offer wide, open views with fewer crowds.
What it feels like: The horizon begins to light up, casting long shadows across the crater wall. It’s peaceful, slightly chilly, and a perfect place to pause and take it all in.

Higher summit points

How to reach: A 5–10 minute uphill detour after reaching the main crater.
What you’ll see: These vantage points are less crowded and give you an unobstructed, all-around view of Mount Agung, Lake Batur, the caldera rim, and far-off volcanoes.
What it feels like: Quiet and breezy. You would have probably left the crowd behind and stepped into your own private skybox above Bali.

Mount Batur Viewpoint (Kintamani Roadside Lookouts)

How to reach: No trekking required. Just drive to the Kintamani ridge south of the mountain.
What you’ll see: A dramatic view of Mount Batur's full cone, its black lava base, and the shimmering Lake Batur below. On clear days, you might even spot Lake Bratan and parts of eastern Bali.
What it feels like: Think breezy mountaintop café set in a cinematic panorama. Grab breakfast, sip Balinese coffee, and just soak in the scene.

Black Lava Fields (at the foothills)

How to reach: Accessible by 4WD jeep tours or hiking from the southern base.
What you’ll see: Towering walls of solidified lava, deep volcanic textures, and raw rock formations with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Batur itself.
What it feels like: It feels like you’re on another planet. It's dry, rugged, and great for moody photos or just wandering through Bali’s volcanic past.

How to get to these Viewpoints

You’ve only got two ways to reach the stunning viewpoints around Mount Batur: hike up in the dark for sunrise, or ride up partway by jeep. Each offers a different experience but both lead to stunning views.

Hike up on a sunrise trek

Start time: Most sunrise treks start very early. Your pickup from Ubud or nearby towns will be between 1:30 and 2:30am, depending on your location.
Route & duration: You’ll typically start hiking from Toya Bungkah Village or Pura Jati, reaching the summit just before sunrise. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace.
Views you get: Once you reach the top, you’ll get a 360-degree view of the volcanic crater, Mount Agung, Lake Batur, and even Lombok Island if it’s clear.
Experience: This is the most immersive and rewarding way to experience Batur. You’ll often stop for coffee or a quick snack before the hike begins, and guides usually offer flashlights, walking sticks, and even help with taking photos at the summit.

Recommended tours:

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Visit to Natural Hot Springs with Private Round-Trip Transfers
Mount Batur Sunrise Tour + Customisable 6-Hour Ubud Tour with Private Car
Mount Batur Sunrise Tour by Trek or Jeep with Natural Hot Springs, Luwak Coffee Tasting & Hotel Transfers

Explore by Jeep

Start time: Jeep tours also begin around 2am with hotel pickup, followed by a drive up to the black lava fields and onwards toward a sunrise viewpoint on the lower slopes of Mount Batur.
Route & stops: You’ll head out to South Batur/Kintamani, then ride through lava trails toward one of the drive-in sunrise viewpoints. Some tours let you upgrade to include a visit to a lava cave, coffee plantation, or even a nearby waterfall.
Views you get: The views here are more panoramic than elevated. You won’t reach the summit, but you’ll still see Mount Agung, the lake, and the caldera walls glowing with sunrise colors.
Experience: Perfect for those who prefer not to hike or are short on time. Most jeep tours also stop at local cafés with scenic terraces.

Recommended tours:

Mount Batur & Natural Hot Springs Private Sunrise Jeep Tourr
Mount Batur Private Sunrise 4X4 Jeep Tour

What you’ll see from the top

Sunrise from Mount Batur summit with trekkers silhouetted

Watch the sky glow gold as trekkers stand at the crater rim, silhouetted against the rising sun.

Morning light on Mount Batur's lava fields

Frequently asked questions about Mount Batur viewpoint

What’s the best Mount Batur viewpoint for sunrise?

The summit offers the most panoramic sunrise view, including Lake Batur and Mount Agung. If you prefer not to hike, the Kintamani ridge has excellent drive-up viewpoints.

Do I need to hike to see the sunrise from Mount Batur?

Not necessarily. You can book a jeep tour that takes you close to the summit, or visit roadside viewpoints in Kintamani without any trekking.

Can I see Mount Agung and Lombok from Mount Batur?

Yes. On clear mornings, Mount Agung rises dramatically in the east, and on the clearest days, you might spot Lombok across the sea.

Are cafés available near the viewpoints?

Absolutely. In Kintamani, several cafés are perched on the caldera rim, offering stunning views with a side of hot coffee or breakfast.

Is it cold at the Mount Batur summit?

Yes. Expect chilly winds before sunrise, especially between June and August. Bring a jacket or rent one at the base.

What’s the terrain like at the summit viewpoints?

It’s rocky and uneven with loose gravel near the crater edge. Good shoes are essential, and walking sticks are helpful for the descent.

Is the sunrise view guaranteed year-round?

The mountain is open year-round, but the dry season (April to October) offers the clearest skies. Cloudy mornings can still be atmospheric but may block sunrise.