- Address: South Batur, Kintamani, Bangli, Bali, Indonesia
The lithospheric plate junction at the turn of the Indian and Pacific Oceans is marked by periodic earthquakes of varying thickness and volcanic eruptions . On the territory of Indonesia, there are many of them, both extinct and active. The craters of some have long been flooded by lakes, others climb down the mountaineers. On the island of Bali, the most popular peak is Mount Batur.
What is interesting about the place of interest?
The volcano of Batur, or Gunung-Batur, is located on the island of Bali in the province of Indonesia with the same name. On the map you will find the volcano Batur in the north-eastern part of the island in the Kintamani area. Here rises the "breathing mountain" surrounded by several villages.
Gunung-Batur is a volcanic basin (caldera), whose height is today 1717 m. Its external diameter is 13.8 * 10 km. One of the oldest lakes on the island of Bali is located exactly inside of Batura - it's already more than 20 thousand years! There are also other volcanic formations and craters. The lake has an interesting crescent shape. The main cone of the volcano rises 700 m above the terrain and consists of 3 craters.
At present, according to all signs, the volcano is considered to be active: periodically in its vicinity ground tremors are fixed, and in the craters appear cracks or holes through which the release of gases or ash. The latest most noticeable outlier was in 1999-2000. The ash column rose about 300 m in height. And in June 2011, many fish in the crater lake died: a large release of hydrogen sulfide was recorded. The last eruption of the volcano Batur happened in 1968.
Batur Volcano in Bali for tourists
This mountain is considered to be one of the most popular natural attractions of the island. Excursions to Gunung Batur are very popular. During the ascent, you can make a lot of unique photos like the very crater of the volcano Batur and the lake, and the magnificent landscapes that you will open.
At 3 km from the main road at the foot of the Batur volcano there is a temple Pura Tampurhyang and hot springs (before them there is a path about a kilometer from the temple ). Tourists visit it on the way back after the descent.
The Gunung-Batur crater is in relatively easy access, which does not require special preparation and time. The ascent of the volcano Batur will take you just over two hours. Usually tourists start climbing the mountain around 4 am to catch the dawn at the top of the Batur volcano and even have breakfast there. It is very beautiful and romantic, and not so hot. Many take fresh eggs with them, which can be cooked in hot air streams.
How to get to the top of Batur?
You can get to the volcano in the following ways:
- Come to the foot of the volcano by taxi or a rented car and accompanied by a local guide to climb to the top. One guide can not take a group of more than 4 people. The guide services will cost you about $ 40. Experienced travelers are advised to bargain in order to reduce the price.
- As part of the official tour, which are sold in any office of the travel agency. The price of the issue for each tourist is within $ 25-35. The tour includes a shuttle to the volcano, an English speaking guide and breakfast.
- Unaccompanied, independently climb the volcano Batur, having studied the route in advance. Be vigilant, the ascent to the volcano of Batur can itself be dangerous. On its slopes is the HPPGB group, which aggressively imposes the services of its guides. And in case of refusal they threaten and even use violence and can spoil the transport left in the parking lot. Experienced tourists start climbing slightly away from the main start and earlier, as much as possible unnoticed.
On the island of Bali, the volcano of Batur is not the most outstanding height, but definitely the most beautiful scenery!