Chasing Sunrise: Our Mount Batur Jeep Safari Adventure

Mount Batur 4WD Jeep

19 June 2025

Blog & News

Waking up at 2:30am is rarely anyone’s idea of a holiday highlight, but trust us—this sunrise is totally worth it. If you're headed to Bali and want to experience Mount Batur without the 2.5-hour trek in the dark, then a Mount Batur Jeep safari is the perfect way to do it. With front-row seats to an epic sunrise, a drive through black lava fields, plus stops at hidden waterfalls, coffee plantations and iconic rice terraces, this tour gave us a day we won’t forget.

Here’s everything you need to know about the experience, why it’s different from a regular hike, and what makes it ideal for adventurous travellers looking for authentic, crowd-free things to do in Bali.

Why We Chose the Mount Batur Jeep Tour Instead of Hiking

Let’s be real—as magical as the Mount Batur sunrise hike is said to be, not all of us love a steep uphill climb in the dark. While we did consider the popular guided hike, the thought of climbing a volcano pre-coffee didn’t really fit the kind of relaxed, enriching vibe we wanted for our trip.

After digging around for alternatives, we came across the Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Safari. It offered everything we were hoping for: an Waking up at 2:30am is rarely anyone’s idea of a holiday highlight, but trust us—this sunrise is totally worth it. If you're headed to Bali and want to experience Mount Batur without the 2.5-hour trek in the dark, then a Mount Batur Jeep safari is the perfect way to do it. With front-row seats to an epic sunrise, a drive through black lava fields, plus stops at hidden waterfalls, coffee plantations and iconic rice terraces, this tour gave us a day we won’t forget.

Why We Chose the Mount Batur Jeep Tour Instead of Hiking

After digging around for alternatives, we came across the Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Safari. It offered everything we were hoping for: an early st early start (yes!), epic sunrise views (double yes!), plus a unique ride through volcanic terrain and hidden gems off the typical tourist route. Best of all? No sweating required.

The Early Start: Getting Picked Up Before Dawn

Our adventure began bright and early—Gede, our driver, met us at our hotel at precisely 3am. Even at that hour, he greeted us with a warm smile and the promise of a morning we'll never forget. The journey to the base of Mount Batur took about an hour and a half from our place in Ubud, and was surprisingly peaceful. There’s something quite serene about Bali in the early hours—quiet roads, cool air, starry skies. We even dozed off a bit, which helped!

Meeting Our Jeep Driver & Heading Up the Volcano

Once we arrived in the Kintamani region, just beneath Mt. Batur, we switched from the car to our private 4WD Jeep. That’s where we met Lya—our guide, driver, and resident sunrise expert. She welcomed us with hot drinks, a blanket for the ride up and, later, some fantastic photography skills.

The ride up the mountainside was smooth but exciting. The path winds up steep terrain with occasional views of the surrounding valleys slowly appearing in the moonlight. You could feel the elevation rising and the temperature dropping as we gained height.

Sunrise Over Mount Batur: A Front Row Seat

We arrived at the viewpoint early enough to snag the perfect sunrise spot, without the usual crowd of hikers around us. The 4WD climbs to a ridge opposite Mount Batur's summit and overlooks the entire caldera, Lake Batur and even Mount Agung in the distance. Absolute magic.

As the sky gently shifted from dark blue to fiery pink and gold, we sipped on coffee and watched Bali slowly awaken beneath us. You know it’s a good sunrise when everyone goes silent for a moment. That was this moment.

Exploring the Black Lava Fields

After a relaxed and awe-filled morning, it was time to head down—but not back home just yet. The Jeep safari includes a ride through Mount Batur’s black lava fields, remnants of its most recent eruption. Driving through this landscape felt like being on another planet. The sharp, jagged rocks stretch for kilometres, and the contrast between the dark lava and green hills in the distance made every turn photo-worthy.

Lya stopped at a few scenic spots and even set up creative angles for our photos. It was educational too—she explained how the eruptions shaped both the geography and spiritual culture of the area.

A Stop at the Local Coffee Plantation

On the way back, we made a stop at a family-run coffee plantation nearby. It was a chill and unexpected detour. We saw how traditional Balinese coffee is made, from bean-picking to roasting, and got to taste several types of tea and coffee, including Bali’s famous luwak coffee.

They weren’t pushy about buying anything (though we did take a bag or two home), and the tranquil garden setting made it a relaxing visit. A perfect little break before continuing our explorations.

Hidden Ulu Petanu Waterfall: A Quiet Oasis

Next, Gede took us to Ulu Petanu waterfall—a name we hadn’t even come across during our research. And that’s probably why it was so peaceful and empty! Nestled in a quiet valley, the waterfall drops into a shallow pool surrounded by lush greenery. It’s not dramatic like some of Bali’s bigger waterfalls, but the peaceful atmosphere made it feel personal and special.

We spent about 30 minutes here enjoying the shade and taking photos—and again, Gede was more than happy to help snap pictures of us.

Final Stop: Tegallalang Rice Terrace & The Swing

To top off what already felt like a packed day (even though it wasn’t even midday yet), we headed to Tegallalang, Ubud’s famous rice terrace. Zig-zagging green terraces filled the valley and created an unbelievable backdrop. It’s touristy, sure, but still stunningly beautiful.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try the Bali swing here—it’s that huge swing you’ve seen on every travel Instagram feed. We gave it a go, and yes, Gede was ready with the camera. The swing is optional and extra, but totally worth it if you’re in the mood for a bit more excitement and that epic flying shot.

Why This Experience Was Totally Worth It

There are plenty of Mount Batur sunrise tours in Bali, but this one checked every box for us. Here’s why:

Stress-free: No hiking, no gear to carry, no sweating before sunrise.
Diverse scenery: Volcano views, lava fields, waterfalls, rice terraces, and coffee farms in one trip.
Private experience: No big groups—we had the morning to ourselves with a guide dedicated just to us.
Local flavour: Our guide and driver were from the area and knew how to show us Bali off the beaten path.
Genuine connection: It didn’t feel rushed or scripted—our guides were kind, funny, and treated us like friends, not tourists.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour is perfect for:

Travellers who want a sunrise volcano experience but don’t want to hike
Families with kids or older travellers who prefer comfort
Couples looking for a romantic but easy adventure
Photographers and content creators looking for stunning backdrops
Conscious travellers who prefer local-led and intimate experiences

What to Bring for Your Mount Batur Jeep Tour

A light jacket (it’s chilly before sunrise)
Comfortable shoes (light walking involved)
Camera or phone with space for lots of sunrise shots
Some cash for the Bali swing or small snack stops
A smile (your guides will definitely give you one!)

Final Thoughts: Is the Mount Batur Jeep Safari Right for You?

This tour is a brilliant alternative to the traditional Mount Batur hike. It combines comfort, adventure, cultural highlights, and local connection—with some pretty unforgettable landscapes too. Whether you’re on your honeymoon, travelling with family, or exploring Bali solo, this is the kind of experience that brings the island to life.

So if you're asking, “Is the Mount Batur sunrise Jeep tour worth it?” – our answer is a big, resounding YES. Our journey was fun, scenic, relaxed, and full of warm Balinese hospitality. We started the day chasing sunrise and ended it with happy hearts, beautiful photos, and a deeper appreciation for Bali’s magic.

Next time someone tells you the only way to see Mount Batur at sunrise is by hiking… you’ll know better. Jump into a Jeep, and chase the sunrise your way.