masterthesis-playground/raft/corpus/topic=4__part=024__n=60.txt

[TOPIC] 4
[Stats] N=60 | Source=../data/original/reviews.tab


(1) Waking up at 1.45am, to get to the top of Mount Batur for the sunrise was definitely worth it!\nThe scenery you get from the volcano's top is simply stunning!\nIt's feasible for anybody being decently fit. Get a jumper, as it's slightly chilly in the morning (it was 15°C when I did it).\nOnly negative note: it gets quite busy. If you're looking to be on your own for sunrise, adapt your expectations! Dozens of groups are going up, in single file...
(2) First off, I'm not a very experienced hiker. Before my travel to Bali I did some easy tracks in the French Jura Mountains or in the Swiss alps. But even for me this hike was a joke. There is a clear track marked by tons of rubbish, which makes it easy to find your way up. However, the locals use the mountain as a money making machine and force you (if necessary with violence) to hire one of their \guides\" to ensure your \"safety\" on this hike. We didn't want to do the sunrise tour, so we went there in the morning when everybody was coming back down. The taxi driver dropped us at the office where the guides can be hired. The initial price they asked was 700k per person and we managed to bargain them down to 300k p.p.\n\nAs a result we got a young guide (contrary to the person that took the money, he was very nice, but couldn't speak English) who walked up with us while smoking one cigarette after the other and polluting the path with his empty water bottles. He had trouble to keep our pace and we had to interrupt the track several times to wait for him to catch up. The path is seamed with guards to ensure nobody would get to enjoy the mountain without paying for the guide.\n\nOnce on the top he showed us some of the volcanic steams and needed about an hour to recover. We were not allowed to explore the area or walk around on our own. When he wanted to head down, we asked if it was possible to go to another viewpoint which was around 10 minutes away. He took us there for another 100k. This view point was much better than the first one where a horrible smell came from the rubbish the guides are burning on top of their sacred mountain. I can imagine that the view is impressive for people which have never been in the mountains. It is nice and beautiful and one can see the traces of dried magma.\n\nOn our way back I slipped due to loose rocks and had my elbow bleeding. Needless to say the guide we were forced to book in order to ensure our safety did not have any kind of disinfectant or patches. Instead he took a leaf from a tree took it in his mouth and chewed it with the intention to rub the chewed leaf on my bleeding wound, which I refused.\n\nBack at the entrance gate, we said goodbye to our guide who was clearly relieved.\n\nOverall, the view from the top of the mountain was nothing special, but very nice and if it would be possible to hike it freely I would warmly recommend going there. The clear downside of the trip is the fact that the mountain is full of garbage that the guides are partly burning up there. With the useless and unprepared guide (we even had to provide him with water) that was restricting our freedom, the experience turned into something unpleasant. I would not go there again."
(3) This excursion is offered by many tour operators and hundreds take it every day.\nThe mountain is lovely and the views are breathtaking. But the excursion quality is very iffy and the way the unregulated mt Batur guides/tour operators behave like a mafia can make this a horrible experience. I dont think it is worth it, and it left a horrible taste in the mouth, ruined our last day and half in bali.\n\nWE used ubud sunrise trekking to do this and were ina group of total 9 people, morning of 5th aug.\n\n- we did not summit. At all. A 12 km hike (up and down) in vain, in the dark after waking at 1am and spending 500,000 IDR.\n\nThe queue of hikers was very long and once the hike started in earnest there was such a jam that in this tough terrain one moved one foot and then had to wait till the queue moved forward another foot due to the narrow track and the scree.. It was slow going in the dark (we all had torches) and not at all fun because of the sheer numbers. The hike itself is also not easy, and without the numbers one might enjoy that challenge - but even this was denied us.\n\nSince the queue moved so slowly we didn reach the summit in time for the promised sunrise view. We waited at a vantage point to see it well below the summit.\n\nAfter the sunrise though, our guides didnt offer to take us upto the summit at all. When we insisted they grumpily said ok, but were not happy. The group was being split amongst those going up and those not, so ultimately we didnt climb up.\n\n- then we were whizzed down an \easy\" track down the mountain to our van. There was little time to enjoy the scenery in a lovely place or appreciate the views.\n\n- the annoyance stems from the fact that there is an \"easy\" track that motorcycles use (You can pay to be taken up close to the summit , or down) which is broad, quite easy to walk. But these tour operators do not take hikers up this track and insist on that traffic choked, narrow hike that may not result in summitting.\nThis easy path is a continuation of an asphalt road that you walk a long for a km or 2 from the van parking ground. Where hikers are made to turn left and climb a scree filled, dirt track, the asphalt road continues to the right before turning into a level and decent dirt track whcih we came down later.\n\nIt seems that the tour operators collude with the bike riders in keeping the hikers off this easy track else, few people would hire the bikers.\n\n- the guides who take you up the mountain do not guide - they speak little english, tell you almost nothing about the mountain, region or much of anything. They do offer you help in the uphill/downhill should you need it- which to be fair is really nice. These guides are not part of the tour company, but belong to an association that has a stranglehold and have to be used.\n\nThere are other lovely things to do in Bali- why exhaust yourself, waste money on this? Pity that a gorgeous place and what could be a wonderful experience is ruined by the greed of the operators and guides."
(4) At 12 PM on 30th April driver pick me up and driving to Pasar Agung Selat around 1.30hours from Ubud\nby the time we arrived the Guide Ketut introducing him self with smile and humble,he and his wife was climb Agung Mountain everyday as a Guide.The weather was not so good when we left Ubud,but by the time we arrived at Pasar Agung Temple the weather was perfect,They offering Hot Tea or Coffee before we start.Make sure before you make decision to climb the Mountain better you do exercise,my preparation around 1 month before I climb.Around 2 Am at 1st May 2013 we start Trekking,the step at Pasar Agung Temple is good warm up for your body,and stop around 1 minute we pray at The Temple get blessing for the journey.Is always good you go with Guide,,\nThe Trekking was good,if you have good physic.cold air and sweating all the body was turn on the adrenalin and spirit to reach the Summit,this quite challenging trekking for me than Batur Mountain,Guide Ketut and Nyoman ( wife ) so patient to guide me going up,every time we take a break they always offering fruits and bread and chocolate to give me some energy.\nThe torch that we have is helping a lots,our vision just 1 meter from our head to the Rocky road and slippery,make sure you wear your special boot,more save,,\nWe Reach the Summit at 5.30,,WOW its so COLD ,my preparation wear layer top,Jacket,Hat,hands glove and alots of water,,some nuts and chocolate,\nAt 6.10 AM the Sunrise coming up,wow all what i done to climb this mountain was worted with the Ambiance on the Top of the Mountain ,its so Beautiful,,Amazing View,,i am so Happy when i arrived,i am taking alots of picture including Rinjani Mountain in Lombok we can see from Agung Mountain,\nHot tea make me feel better and warming my body,,\nWe just spent maybe around 15 -20 minute and we get ready to going down,quite hard to go down and more slippery,so i decide i am crawling down sometime ,take around 3 hours to going down,,Happy feeling inside make me not so tired to going down,,,\nhere I would like to Thank You to Ketut and Nyoman you are The Best Guide for my Journey to Agung Mountain.
(5) A must-do when you're in Bali! We came during March 2020 so there weren't very many people (we were told only 150-200 people compared to the usual 1k+). The hike itself is a bit difficult and slippery due to the small pebbles, but get a good guide and you'll be okay. It's definitely a beautiful experience, but make sure to bring a jacket for the top of the mountain as it gets cold, especially before the sun comes up.
(6) A must do in Bali if you love amazing sunrises and really who doesn't?? Coconut and I climbed this in early June and the conditions were perfect, so time of year is something to look at, obviously avoiding what is now a very hard to predict rainy season. Not having done anything that would be considered trekking for over a year it was a 'nice' walk. Most of the hike is up hill with very little flat sections and for us we found it easier to take it slow and steady with little breaks compared to others who went hard but stopped a lot but it is really each to themselves. The guides seem to work it that everyone gets to the summit around the same time as to look out for each other. One thing is compared to sea level in Bali obviously it is a lot colder and was actually 6 degrees celsius at the top so come prepared, even with two shirts a hoody and long pants I was feeling it and consider bringing some dry clothes to change for the top as with any trek you will sweat a bit. Now as stated Agung was amazing, the views and sunrise were beautiful buuuut try as best as you can to find a good guide. Not to say ours was bad, we never felt unsafe and were provided with everything we needed including good headlamps, little snacks and tea but that was about it, after 4-5hrs of trekking a few banana fritters do not even touch the sides of your stomach, so either pack some food for yourself or use someone that has been recommended and you know what you will get. We used an agent to book for us and were told breakfast was supplied but that is also what they are told so we couldn't blame them just be prepared is all. Overall other than some sore 'ol' knees was an amazing experience and a highlight of our time here.
(7) It was a great experience trekking a volcanic mountain . Mount Batur this time. Awesome beauty of nature, sunrise, volcano crater etc. My guide yantz arii was very fantastic. She make sure every time that no one should left behind.
(8) I booked a tour for this attraction. I was picked up at my hotel around 1am. Journey to kintamani takes about 2 hrs plus as they picked up other group as well. We reached around 3am at some house and we had to walk to the base of the mountain. They gave us torch lights. There are 2 routes to reach the top of mount batur. As I was slow, I took a different route than the others. For every group, there is a guide so you don't have to worry. I reached the peak around 6 plus and the view is awesome! Worth every sweat and blisters!\n\nAt the peak, they served us bread, egg and fruits but be wary as there are monkeys who snatched our food. I managed to walk around the crater and hike down at the other side. Totally worth the money paid for!\n\nPlease be alert of your surrounding and take care of your belongings. Upon reaching the hotel, i realised that there is a cut (probably used a cutter) at the side of my bag. It was a nice cut so I don't think it got hooked somewhere. At the peak, there are alot of local selling drinks so just be wary.
(9) Great to explore the mount batur\n\nNice view even we don't have sunrise:(\n\nWill tray with a others day\n\nOnly 2 hours to get top :) very happy\n\n
(10) We visited Bali in 2011 and opted for a tour to Mt Batur and a visit to Monkey Park at Ubud amongst other places with a guide who seemed highly recommended in other reviews... NYOMAN GEDE MAHAYUNA.\nSuffice to say we had a BRILLIANT day and the tour was tailored to what WE wanted to do as opposed to what the guide wanted us to do! I simply can't recommend Nyoman enough... He was terrific... Very knowledgeable and very friendly.\nDO look him up on FB or contact me for his details as you won't be disappointed, as he really is one in a million!
(11) I guessed everyone here had said what I am going to say.My advise is you can start the lower one first (e.g M Batur,Bali) before coming to M. Agung if you are a beginner. Please keep in mind to keep the nature clean so everyone can enjoy as much as we want to. Keep all your litters in your bag for the time being and help to clear the rubbish if you saw any around.If you intend to go, I would recommend this guy, Gede from www.balisunrisetours.com.
(12) We experienced the place as highly touristified. The hiking is only possible if you buy a ticket for about 25$ per person which includes a personal guide also if you don't want one. We wouldn't go there again also if the view was great.
(13) I climbed Mount Batur today from 9:30 am with my boyfriend and a guide. The guide costed 350k rupies each after negotiation, it was recommemded by our driver. I would not recommend to climb the volcano because you are obliged to climb with a guide that you have to pay a lot and provide you with NO service. Our guide did not explain anything and was not interested at all in our safety. I often go trekking and I was wearing trekking shoes, for me the descent was very very slippery: you need to take your time, go very slowly and wear trekking shoes!\nI would recommend to climb mount batur only with a professionale guide (that deserves the pay), or to go alone if you are good trekkers.\nLandscape from Mount Batur is beautiful but the environment is full of litter.
(14) I knew it was going to be a bit tough because my fitness isn't as great as it could be but I did survive! We didn't get to see sunrise as it was very cloudy however it was still worth and beautiful in its own mysterious way. The hike took about 1.5 hours (for me) however we were told the average was about 2 hours up and 2 hours down. Our private guide (Coco) was amazing and very attentive. I don't know how it was booked as our driver organised it all for us. The second half was quite exhausting as it is very steep and the ground is soft and rocky.\n\nDefinitely recommend long pants, sneakers/hiking boots and a jacket for the summit (although I didn't bring one as I thought I would be okay - on the whole I was fine but there were moments of being chilly). We then walked through the craters and felt hot rocks producing steam.\n\nIt was definitely worth the effort but something you need to be prepared to commit to as it's a very early rise! (2:30am pick up from Ubud, 4am start). I would recommend it to everyone if they've got decent fitness and a persevering attitude!
(15) We started hiking at midnight. Tour guides treat you with hot coffee and fried bananas. Each of us had 3 liters of water (I had 2 liters of water and 1 liter of fresh coconut water) and some sandwichers, chocolate bars and nuts. First you have to go upstairs - many many stairs. after that you just walk on something like dusty sand (it makes you dirty and gets under shoes and clothes) for about 2 hours. then you are atill walk on the rock for a while and then you actually climbing up the mountain. It is very dark, milions of bright stars, very quet. We stopped every hour for 10 minutes to have rest. Afetr 3 hours u get very tired and it doesnt seem possible that you still have 2 hours to go uphill and then all this way down. Also afetr 3am, you are high enough and it is really cold there, the wind is very strong. It was about 10 degrees, I had 2 jackets but it didnt help much. You have to have really warm clothes with you. In the darkness the path seems dangerous and sometimes scary. On teh very top, teh wind is crazy, sand goes to your eyes, hard to see anth. But once you settle on the top, and sun goes up, it is getting warmer (well still very cold) and guides treat you with hot tea and boiled eggs. thats is the best breakfast ever. Theview is amazing, stunning. But you can't sit comfortably and enjoy, it is too cold and windy for it. Afetr about 30 minutes, we went down, and 1 hour later you can really enjoy the view, it is warm and the mountain protects you from the wind. With light you realize, the path is not that dangerouse. It takes only 3 hours to go all the way down. it is much easier than going up. At the bottom, you feel tired but not as tired as you were expecting. My legs next day were not too bad either. The journey makes you feel touch and strong and the view worth it. I would do it again.
(16) A mountain with a unique landscape. The historical eruption has made a large crater spotting the erected Mount Batur in the middle. The mountain is considered sacred as it is important for the source of ground water and rivers as well as the fertility of most agricultural soil. Near to the mountain it is the largest lake in Bali called with the same name as the mountain. Visitor will be delighted by the warm climate and the scenic view seen from the side of the main road.
(17) My group of two guys and two girls arrived independently on motorbikes for the sunrise hike at 3am. We started off on the path having read that it is very easy to do without a guide. Not true, but not because it's a difficult hike. We were immediately stopped by 8-12 men who stood in front of us and blocked our way. They immediately became aggressive and told us we needed to hire a guide for extornionate prices. We said we would do without a guide. Perhaps not wise given that the men were holding sticks threateningly.\n\nAfter telling them just once that we would not hire a guide because of their intimidation, i was butt-ended in the face with a stick and pushed back by two of them. I called them a mafia and was immediately surrounded. Thankfully my friend defused the situation and we backed off and hired a guide and did the hike.\n\nI regret giving money to this criminal monopoly that literally uses violence and intimidation to control the mountain. Shame on them and the local authorities that allow it to happen.\n\nIn hindsight, I now know anyone who hikes Mount Batur are aiding these criminals.
(18) Had a quick stop in a parking lot to see a the beautifully shaped mount Batur. Take out your cameras.
(19) Catch the sunrise with your lover from the top of an active volcano of Mount Batur is quite a surreal experience. Having the sky lights up bright red and the world changes colour and intensity, you will bath in the red glow. A good omen for your future relationship with the person next to you. From the top of the volcano you can also enjoy the crystal clear waters of Lake Batur below. Spectacular scenery and the vibration of the sacred earth filling your mind and soul, making a special bond between you and your lover. Located in Batur village of Kintamani District, your 2 hours’ effort will be paid off!
(20) Hired a car for the day specifically to go here. Car hire cost US$28 for the day plus petrol. If your not fussed on driving yourself get a car plus driver for the day at a cost of around US$40 Including petrol and waiting around for you.\n\nThe roads in Bali are not fantastic, very busy, mopeds coming at you at evey angle.\n\nFrom the coastal town of Sanur up to Kintamani volcano took about 2 hours as traffic is slow. The traffic eases after Ubud. We went up early morning to avoid the coach trips and the clouds which cover the top of the volcano.\nOn the way up to the Volcano there are coffee vendors offering free tasting of Kopi Luwak coffee, which is considered to be the most expensive in the world. The coffee beans are eaten by civet cats and then ex created and collected. Not too sure if I fancy tasting second hand coffee!\n\nPlenty of places en route to take photos, the view from the top offers fantastic views over the lake, the caldera and neighbouring volcano. There is a small information centre at the top with the history of all the eruptions, the last being in 2000.\n\nLots of stalls selling gifts, coffee shops and toilets.\n\nWell worth a visit
(21) Take a trip up to see the still active volcano, we took a tour which took about 2 hours to get there from Kuta. But so worth the view. Awesome. I was totally dumbstruck.
(22) This trek is not for the faint hearted nor is it for the untrained or under prepared. Starting at 1:30am we met our guide at the foot of the mountain. Despite being informed we would be provided with torches this was not to be the case and had a solitary hand torch, which we had brought from the hotel, between myself and my husband to guide us - a head torch is essential! I am female in my mid-late twenties and while no previous mountain trekking/climbing experience I would consider myself very fit, working out 4 to 6 times a week. However myself and my husband found this climb to be extremely challenging physically. The trek up begins with a mud path through a forest within which roots and sharp broken tree trunks infrequently appear on the pathway. The terrain then turns to loose stones where stable footing becomes increasingly hard to find - particularly on the route down. However it is the final two hours where the trek turns from challenging to dangerous. Climbing up almost vertical slope on our hands and knees we were reliant on the light generated by the night sky to find a route that didn't lead to one of us slipping off the mountain side. There are points where there is nothing beneath you. I can't emphasis enough that very difficult climb (not trek) made dangerous by the conditions. We saw a number of people turning back - some near the summit, because of how dangerous it becomes. At the top there is not a lot of room considering the number of people and guides in a small place with a limited number of spots to view the sunrise safely in the very cold conditions. The sun rises behind another peak of the mountain leading to more limited experience than expected. The route down is just as, if not more, difficult as the route up. Following the same path it places a lot of pressure on your knees over a further 5+ hour period. Overall neither of us enjoyed this experience and would not recommend it.
(23) A beautiful trip to Mount Batur with a great and friendly guide named Dewata! The only bad thing was the weather..so pick a day with good weather!
(24) The lake and the mountain are very good for natural view. The restaurant food was good and the view of the lake from it was awesome.
(25) My fiancé and I done a sunrise tour of Mount Batur in May. I was quite worried about the trek as this is not something we usually do and while we do a moderate level of exercise we are not the fittest of couples. While the trek was strenuous at times and the terrain was uneven, it is totally doable even for people who are not avid hill walkers. We began the ascent at around 4am and with stoppage time it took us approximately 1 hour and 45 to reach the summit before sunrise. Even though at times we did struggle, this was 100% worth it. The sunrise was amazing and I was bursting with pride and happiness that we had accomplished this. At the top of the mountain there is a couple of stalls selling hot drinks and snacks and it was just truly wonderful enjoying a hot chocolate while waiting for the sunrise. It was so peaceful and a true once in a lifetime moment for us. The way back down was also hard work, many areas were covered in loose, black volcanic sand which was very slidey. For those people who are worried about the trek being too hard, I would say go for it. If we can do it so can you. My main advice is use a tour group that supply walking poles, take a head torch, take bottled water and wear sensible footwear. I would also suggest wearing layers as when you cool down at the top it can be quite chilly. Most of all have fun!!
(26) Its quite a hike up there but worth the view and beauty.\n\nThe views are mesmerizing in the early morning. Be sure to wear full length sleeves as it could be chilly there. Also you need good trekking shoes to make it at the top without problems.\n\nNote : You can do complete trek or ask your organizer to get the car upto the new built road and reduce the trek length and difficulty.
(27) Mount batur is one of the active volcano in bali. The drive towards the lake batur is wonderful. I couldn't try early morning trek but i ve heard its awesome with beautiful sun rise. One should definitely try it. Near lake batur is hot springs but I feel you can avoid it. Nothing great about it.
(28) We were taken here by our tour guide, we got here and had lunch and were admire the view and just be careful up here there are heaps of people trying to sell you stuff like clothes to wood stuff , they even harass you until you have closed the car doors, this was a bit too much. Took great photos of the lake and mountain
(29) Easy walk. Near the top my ties hurt (but I'm not in a good shape) and it was pretty steep.\nWorth it! I was lucky to see the mountain. On the way down, one of the guides held my hand because I was scared.\n\n
(30) we paid $70 for a guide to do this, guide was good, but expensive just to accompany you up a mountain path (you are doing the walking, not buying a cable car ride!). You can do it yourself by following the path just outside the Ayu Kintamani hotel in jaln. Puri Bening, Toya Bungkah which is down on the lake (way down from where all the day tripper busses stop for lunch). see attached photo. You need good hiking boots, my wife wore sneakers and slid around a bit, some people even went up in flip flops. Bring loads of water as it can get hot on the way up. Views are spectacular and total trek takes about 4 to 5 hours.
(31) I agree with the rest of the reviews - the view is splendid. For those seeing a volcano for the first time, this will be a beautiful place to visit. However, for those who have already seen a volcano, such as myself, it's quite unimpressive. I've hiked up a semi-dormant volcano crater in the Philippines and looked down the crater where there is now a lake, so seeing Mt. Batur from afar was a bit of anticlimactic. I also did not particularly enjoy the buffet lunch consisting of nasty food with flies all around. Hygiene really needs improvement at the Restoran Mutiara, which I'll review separately. The restaurant does not affect my review of the site itself.
(32) After the hours of travel, we reached Mount Batur volcano viewpoint. There's a restaurant where you can see the volcano view perfectly and restaurant has an amazing food menu. There are some Indian dishes on the menu too. Too happy to have them and the having food with the volcano view is superb. Can't imagine so much beauty with happiness anywhere else.
(33) I would love to say that the view was amazing, but unfortunately for everyone who went up for sunrise on the day I went was just total cloud. However, for me it wasn't about just getting the view it was about getting up there. I did struggle to get up there (I'm not exactly fit!), but for my own personal achievement I made it! It definitely was a great experience\nI recommend on finding out what the weather is going to be like. As for those who went the day before it was clear. If you think you don't want the disappointment take a tour a little later than sunrise as most of the cloud will have disappeared. Even if you don't get the sunrise it is a pretty spectacular view on the way down.
(34) This volcano is considered to be easier for trekking than Mount Agung. However, there are a lot of loose stones which make it a bit tough. There are two summits - one \false\" summit and the real one, which is about half an hour's trek from the false summit, up a very steep and sandy path. Just keep in mind that the trek down from the \"real\" summit, if you go around the crater, is pretty tough. If you are not that fit, I would not really recommend climbing all the way to the top. But I did it, so I guess it's possible. Plus the sunrise really is beautiful from the summit.\n\nJust ensure that you are wearing proper shoes and are carrying something warm, because it's really windy at both the summits."
(35) It is one of the sights to see but I arrived on an overcast day and didn't appreciate much of the beauty. There were lots of street vendors and I admired the view of the volcano and the lake but I am glad I didn't trek it a 2 am like I was planning to!
(36) Although a little bit expensive and more challenging than the lonely planet would like to say this is a must do. The view at the top during sunrise makes you forget how tired you are from climbing an hour and a half without a proper breakfast! I probably took a 100 pictures in an hour. A piece of advice don't sleep at \under volcano\" resort. Worst hotel EVER!"
(37) The sunrise hike is essentially a queue of hundreds of tired tourists scrabbling their way up a steep slippery horrible path, akin to a scratchy sand dune, with loose rocks all the way up, trying to hold onto a torch at the same time. Whilst the guides are good in showing the way and helping those who struggled, it is not a hike to be taken lightly (and I've climbed a lot of mountains). Good footwear is essential! As is plenty of layers of clothing - it is FREEZING at the top and no where to shelter. You are held up there for too long and aren't allowed to leave when you want, you have to wait for the guides.\n\nThe breakfast is extra cost for a banana sandwich and a boiled egg (which isn't cooked in the volcano steam but on a fire) but because it's so darn cold you have to buy it! I just held the egg to warm my hands just a little bit!!\n\nThe return walk is again slippery and tough going and all you want to do is get off the mountain but you have to go and visit the monkeys and the steam cave and the crater etc etc and the guides just won't let you go on your own.\n\nIn the car park at the bottom the tour company (which is different to the guides) tried to fit too many people in the cars and wouldn't listen when we said no. In the end we stood our ground and only took as many people as there were seat belts and finally after much stress and tension we managed to get off the hill and back to our hotels.\n\nAll in all, not a great experience, and the three stars are for the view at the top which was pretty special - although not exactly the place for quiet contemplation with the thousand other tourists up there with you!!
(38) Amazing sunset worth the hike choose the difficult path if you want a good hike do not book with bali sunrise treaking as you can get much better deal else where as they are over priced. The views are fantastic and you definitely worth the trek .
(39) Worth the climb..although note that it is not as easy as a lot of reviews make out. You will need good footwear (not jandals or sandals) and a fair bit of water (especially if you choose to do the climb in the day time).\nWe went up about 9am and were the only people up there and it was brilliant. We paid the extra to go around the rim and back down the other side and it was so worth it. The view from the top is good but the view around the rim is spectacular! Definately a must-do if in Bali :)
(40) What an adventure. We were picked up from our hotel in Kuta at 1:00 am. We drove 2 hours to reach Kintamani. Then we started hiking at 3:00 am, and reached the top at sunrise. It wasn't an easy hike, but it was all worth it when we saw the view from the top. 2 things are extremely important to do before you go on this tour. 1. Get some really comfortable running/sport shoes. 2. Take a jacket with you because it's pretty cold at the top. We were lucky enough that it wasn't so cloudy at sunrise, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to watch it. In short, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(41) What's there to say. Mount Agung is an active volcano which you can climb. The trip to the top takes around 1,5 - 2 hrs and the trip down around 3 hours. We only saw the volcano from the view, which was very nice. During rainy season, the view looks very mystical with all the mist in the air. A must see if you are in Bali.
(42) Mt. Batur is an active volcano situated in Kintamani. The view of the peak and surrounding lake is very good. You can also see the dust and ash spread around the mountain during last eruption. But apart from it there is not a lot to see at this place. if you love hiking/trekking then maybe its a good place for you as you can start trekking to the mountain early in the morning and I heard that you can have your breakfast at the top of the mountain. Seems nice idea provided the volcano is not dropping out lava :) . Apart from this there is nothing else here. If you are going to Monkey Forest or you are in this area and have some free time then maybe you can visit Mt. Batur. But if you are not going to trek, I suggest you avoid it.
(43) Me (25) and my boyfriend (31) climbed mount agung for a sunrise with a guide called Nyoman in the end of March. She did not speak English but could say the necessity things like \this way\", \"want to rest?\" and \"banana?\" :) It was enough for us.\n\nWe agree with most of the comments below, this trekking is tough, specially when you are going down, and the view is incredibly beautiful - but we also would like to point out that this is not as hard as it seems reading the comments :) I read every single one before our trip to Bali and got really scared, almost did not dare to do it.\n\nWe are two young people who like to ride their bicycle when the weather is nice but otherwise are kind of couch potatoes. No gym, no running for miles, and no special training before the climbing. A usual, everyday fitness and the fact that we really really wanted to do this was enough for us to make the hike a success.\n\nYou want it, you can do it.\n\nDuring the night while you are going up every harder etap could be followed by some rest on the stones. During the morning while you are going down the view and the monkeys help you forgetting about the pain in your legs.\n(as the matter of fact the 2days pain afterwards you must find something for yourself that helps :) )\n\nOne advice: don't do it with bad knees.\n\n"
(44) We booked this trip at a booth opposite hotel as the grand mirage hotel doesn’t offer this trip alone We were picked up at 1am from hotel and didn’t return until 1pm.The guide we had was amazing there were 5 in our group and we were the oldest it takes 2 hrs to get up the mountain by torchlight and some bits are not for the faint hearted as it is single track climbing rocks but it was amazing to see the sunrise then it’s s 2 hr trek back down which although easier is still tough I would highly recommend trip but you need to be fit well worth the money
(45) we started our hight with a tour guide leaving our hotel at 2 am and starting the hike at around 4 am. we reached the top around 6 am and had the most amazing view of the sunrise. myself and my partner are quite fit and didn't have any problems hiking. however there were many people throwing up on the side of the mountain. due to the crowds of people walking up the mountain we weren't going at a fast pace. I would recommend taking a jacket and wearing trainers as its quite cold at the top. would do it again!
(46) The French guy behind us on the way down summarised this hike truly as 'une catastrophe'. We did not see ANYTHING other than fog! We had left our Ubud hotel at 2AM, had hiked up there for almost 2 hours and were waiting in cold and rain for about 90mins for the sunrise that never came! Even with rain jackets we got cold, our trousers and shoes were wet! I had asked for the weather conditions in the hotel the day before and spoke with the driver who spoke with the 'locals in the mountain' but noone was apparently able to tell me what the weather is likely to be like on the mountain and that there hadn't been a proper sunrise for days! It's all a mafia!! I even don't trust the reviews here on tripadvisor. Besides, our guide was boring, not very knowledgeable and rather talked to his mates than us. Anyway: You are better off checking the weather in the morning and deciding spontaneously if you do the hike in daylight where you can actually enjoy the views (under the clouds). I am still annoyed how they spoilt a whole night and day of our valuable Bali time!
(47) I have never seen any volcano ever in my life, so when I heard that Mt Batur is an active volcano which is around 56 km from Kuta Beach Bali, I immediately decided to go there. Our Car driver Ketut is very gentleman in nature and drive very safely. We reach their around 1PM and enjoyed the view of Batur Lake and Mountain sitting in a restaurant where you will get good buffet lunch in decent price (IDR 1,00,000 per person)\nIt was good experience to see a active volcano where last eruption happened in 1993.
(48) We drove about an hour north of Ubud past the famous terraced rice fields ( so you could combine this into one days trip if time is short). We departed fairly early in the morning which turns out to be a great idea. The skies were bright blue and later it clouded over so our views and pictures were much better. The volcano mountains appear quite lush except for the recent lava flows ( from the 1990's). The town of Kintemani is a great viewing spot but as noted in many guides, the souvenir sellers are willing to stalk you. Next we drove down to the lake. The lake is pretty but strangely lacking in boat activity. I am not sure why. We enjoyed a visit to the hot springs. It was built up in pavilion-like pools just at lake level. We enjoyed the swim and the beautiful location.
(49) We enjoyed the beauty of Mount Batur and the volcano from a distance as it happened to be around the time of the volcano eruption in the region.\nIt’s amazing even in wet and windy terrain n a must see. There are lots of little cafes and restaurants that your driver can take you to sit and enjoy a cuppa in the most scenic spots.
(50) This hike was so fun, incredible views and definitely worth the early morning wake up! Our guides were friendly and nice, and on the way back down we stopped and played with the monkeys halfway up the volcano. overall amazing experience
(51) The views are lovely of the cliffs and coast line. And that's where is ends, really hot, after we paid our ticket price, a local man said follow me, and took us down the trek to the cliffs, however I didn't think we had a choice, because we weren't in a tour group I thought we had to stay with him. His English was poor and didn't say that much. And then at the end he said you must pay me $15. Which we were going to tip him anyway (def not that much though cos his time wasn't worth it) disappointed that he asked for money when we didn't even want his service!
(52) Okay, I'm not the fittest of the bunch so this was always going to be hard work but wow, i was not ready for the journey that lay ahead. Having said that, if i can do it, anyone can do it! It did help that my partner was there pushing me on (literally at some points) but also the guide we had marvellous. She told us she did the track once a day. honestly, I can't praise her enough, i gripped her hand nearly every step of the way.\n\nThe first part is fairly okay, i did get a bit out of breath but i was able to keep up with the general pace. But from half way up it was hardcore mountain climbing. My partner (who is fit and trains) was sweating and panting at some parts, this made me feel a lot better! A few people also dropped out, however this climb is very do-able!\n\nOnce we were at the top there is coffee and cold drinks for sale, you will 100% will need one or the other if not both!\n\nThe view is amazing, hope for a clear day without any clouds!\n\nWe were luckily enough that the monkeys also came up for a visit too, in my opinion this was great. Although not an animal lover, if you are thinking of doing something like the Monkey Forrest in UBUD then don't, do this first and you'll probably save yourself the money.\n\nThe cost was 300,000IDRS per person and having spoken to others this seemed to be normal rate without any haggling. It was worth every penny!\n\n2 hour up and 2 hours down, it's long but worth it. Oh and expect your body to ache if you are unfit as I am!\n\nAlso, the team who we booked through (can't think of the name but it was just a shop on a road in ubud) the driver stopped off at the paddy fields and also at a coffee plantation for a taster of coffees, this was at no extra cost. Breakfast of pancake and coffee was included before we hiked up. We were also give a banana an egg and bread for the top of the mountain - although many chose to feed theirs to the monkeys.
(53) This is the only active volcano I've ever seen and I must say it was pretty cool and well worth the trip. It was pretty surprising how close in proximity the villages are.
(54) Mount Batur is well worth a visit, however beware of the tourist traps. Our driver was informative and very pleasant. He suggested various stops along the way - a shop where we could buy a sarong so that we could visit the temples, the coffee plantation and a restaurant for lunch. Both the shop and the plantation were very expensive, the restaurant way overpriced and oval a pretty poor standard of food and cleanliness.\nWe later learnt that the drivers get quite a hefty commission for taking tourists to these places. By all means visit the plantation but don't feel obliged to buy the coffee or tea as you can purchase it so much cheaper ( 70%) elsewhere. Avoid the recommended restaurants at all cost, there are lots to choose from when you get to the volcano. There are also street vendors selling sarongs at the volcano so you can buy a sarong there and at a knock down price (don't forget to barter!!)
(55) We went with on a private trek with bali trekking tour, and were really happy with what they provided, and can recommend them if you are doing the trek. The good thing about a private trek is that you can decide the pace yourself. We spent about 1,5 h going up, and I think it varies quite a lot how long it takes you. We went up on a really windy day and it was freezing at the top, even though we wore proper clothing; long pants, layers of t-shirt, long sleeved t-shirt (technical) and a wind jacket. I feel bad for the people up there in shorts and t-shirts. Wear appropriate shoes (sneakers or hiking boots)- no converse, flip-flops or sandals! I totally recommend to hike this to see the sunrise, even though you have to get in the middle of the night - it is worth it :)
(56) I didn't like it to much the tour company, driver was crazy early morning but the mount for itselfs worth it! It is a good steep climb by the morning, very peaceful and challenge, once you get there doesn't stay with your group listening guides talk, walk around, see all the views... Medidate! So cool. Strongly recommend bring your personal 5 stars breakfast!
(57) It can be a little tough because of the loose rocks, but the view is stunning! Expect loads of people climbing up with you (all the travel agencies offer the same tour at the same time), but once you get to the top, there's plenty of space to everyone to sit and contemplate the sunrise.
(58) We elected to do a sunrise tour where we watched the sunrise from a viewpoint overlooking lake Batur and Mt. Batur, then hiking up after everyone that had hiked up in the middle of the night was coming down, it was the right decision for our family!!! We absolutely loved the views on the way up and the fact that no one else was up there.\n\nThe hike wasn't easy, but dang was it beautiful!!
(59) There are literally hundred of people \climbing\" the mountain. It's ridiculous that you need a guide to go up there. It's very very easy. Mass tourism and mafia. Definitely a one time experience for me."
(60) Our hotel organised the trip for us. I suggest to shop around for prices. Our taxi collected us from our hotel at 2pm it was a 1.5hr drive. Once at the base we were offered coffee and jackets. We had water and breakfast included. I'm no hiker but I found it to be okay, definitely tiring but I was expecting it to be alot worse. We weren't lucky enough to watch the sunrise as it was too foggy. Once the fog clears up the view is amazing! Overal experience was very interesting.