masterthesis-playground/raft/corpus/topic=4__part=002__n=60.txt

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


(1) The trek started at 3:30am. There were a lot of visitors who wanted to see the spectacular sunrise. There is definitely a lot of walking but the way up is not as hard as I expect it would be. Hiking usually takes 2 hours depending on the phase of your walking. There are stops if you would want to rest and drink. The climb could get a little bit hard so a good pair of shoes is advisable. It could also get too cold so make sure to bring a jacket. All the walking will get you worn out but the view on top is definitely worth it! Spectacular sunrise! Definitely one for the books. It is not for everyone but a must do if you're in Bali.
(2) First of all, you need to be fit! I knew that and taking into account that I reasonably strong, I ask a driver to call a guide to assist me in climbing. I must say that the price was cheaper that most of the companies offer (60$ vs. 110$), however I think you can go down to as low as 40$.\nRegarding actual climb. The most scary part is a last few hundred meters, but just don't think two much about that because it is totally worth of it! Also, descending (which I was worried the most) appeared to be less scary than i expected, just do not look far down, only few steps ahead of you. Also crowd effect and a help from you guide may help you to fix your fear! After all, you go there to challenge yourself so fear is a totally legitimate and sweat part of it!\nSO, if you feel young (you may be any age, even 65), fit and looking forward to test yourself just go for it!
(3) My original plan for my Bali trip this time was purely for diving. But luckily one of my diving buddies met on the trip suggested Mount Batur trekking to me and that gave me the perfect closure of this mini getaway. 

\n\nMy guide’s name is Bazir (+62 877-6038-1082), very responsive and helpful when I reached out via WhatsApp. I only found out afterwards his business is a family run business where his dad and his brother take care of the transportation while he lead the climb. Family business always a big plus in my mind when I try to look for a tour company overseas. 

Day (or should I say the night) will start at 2 or 3am depending on where you stay. Pick up was smooth and Im glad that I managed to take a quick nap on the ride to the starting point. 

\n\nThe ascend wasn’t extremely challenging but do expect some slippery volcano rock path every now and then. Overall the ascend should take you 1.5 to 2 hrs to complete. 

I was spoiled and booked myself a 1 on 1 tour with Bazir just to make sure I can stop / rest or take photos whenever I want. 

Amazing sunset, comes with nice hot coffee while u wait for the sun to show up (NOTE: the summit can be very windy so even though it is about 16 degrees c, highly recommend to pack a decent wind breaker / jacket otherwise you will be shaking like I did on top). 

Monkey will come by to say hello and steal your banana, but generally not too aggressive and was a fun experience. The downhill trekking was easy and you will be surrounded by local villages and gorgeous view too.\n\n

I also picked the Batur Natural Hot Spring option. Was a great idea where you can just relax and have a nice dip into the warm (not hot) volcano heated hot spring to let loose some of those tensed up muscles. 

Highly recommend you guys if you are looking for a well mannered, professional, caring and polite tour guide to do this hike. Bazir is an obvious choice.
(4) This is definitely a trek/hike and not just a walk and you definitely need to wear at least trainers but preferably walking boots as at the top it is very sandy/ashy and really hard to walk on.\n\nAlthough it was quite a hard trek the views of the beautiful sunrise were worth it at the end.\n\nWould also say take a few layers/jackets to wear as it is really cold at the top but you get quite warm walking up and then walking down when the sun is up it is also quite cold.\n\nWe had our own guide just for the 2 of us and he was lovely and really helpful at the top when it got quite hard to keep a steady footing.\n\nDefinitely worth doing when you visit Bali, one of my favourite things we did while we were here.\n
(5) started climing at 3:20 AM, had no breakfast, had the idea that we will get breakfast on the summit, the guide does it every day, and we were pretty fast. Had massive stomach problems and it was terribly cold. Here my advice, bring cloth to change as you will sweat, bring toilett paper (should you look for relief - there is no bathroom on the summit just a place behind the hut). the path is slipery and tricky in the middle of the night with torch lights. the breakfast was not very good - but the sun rise was magnificent and worth the exertion. make sure that you enjoy the hot springs spa after the climb - its directly on the lake - what a relaxation after the climb
(6) My wife and I were perhaps the lucky ones after having   that have seen nothing once at the top but we had a great view and a stunning sunrise!\n\nThe trek was good fun and our guide was friendly and interesting to talk to which helped to pass the time.\n\nAt the top we were made coffee by our guide who had also Brough us both breakfast which we ate as we watched the sun break through.\n\nAn amazing morning and would recommend taking the gamble... I can imagine it would be frustrating if you got to the top and couldn't see anything for cloud but if the weather is on side it so worth it! Absolutely beautiful.
(7) The view was insane is 100% worth a visit! We did climb it down to the beach which was still stunning but was the hardest climb I’ve ever done in my life, I wouldn’t say it’s worth it to climb all the way to the bottom as the view is stunning without the climb and without the pain you’ll be in the next day.
(8) Mount Batur the most beautiful thing I’ve seen, we stopped at a Resturant had the best view ever sorry don’t remember the name of the Resturant it was a buffet style they had a terrace looks over the lake and the mountain I didn’t want to leave the best weather ever, not sure people go out then go right back again I hear them complain it’s cold! It was fresh air at its best!! Then my driver took me 300 meter up close to the mountain to show me where people start climbing around 4am to get on top of the mountain to watch the sunrise of course I’m in no shape for that enough to watch it from a far!
(9) Wake aerly in the morning..and we hike in dark time feel so hard to get on the top of mt batur...but we do step by step we arrived there...when we are arrived there feel alittle cold just waiting sun rice come up....\nNext 20 minut get light time it so nice everything we saw..lake batur.caldera.abang mt.bigges mt agung.and mt rinjani in a nother island..it's my memory will can't never forget until end my life...
(10) The trek up the summit was not tough but still need to be careful trekking in the night. The view at the top was amazing. The caldera was covered by the fog with outline of Mt rinjani in the horizon and Mt Abang and Agung almost superimposed as one. The summit and surrounding crater rim was crowded with lots of people moving in all directions after the sunrise.\n
(11) Due to mount ajung eruption we cant enjoy mount batur as we are avoided to visit there.We have to go slight downside of kintamani to enjoy lake and mount batur.it require some good physical activity.
(12) This hike was a lot easier than I had expected. Going up with my   took us a few hours but really it was nothing too physically challenging. Reaching the top at sunrise might put a bit of pressure in terms of timing and waking up early but the view is just incredible. Be sure to bring enough clothes for the climb though because at night there is no sunlight to bring warmth but once the sun is out everything gets a hundred times better. You actually get to see an incredible view, when I went the sun rays formed an incredible diffraction pattern through the sky.\n\nYou don't need specialized equipment to climb this mountain just a comfortable pair of shoes and a nice camera. If you go during a touristy time it will be tough to get a shot with you alone because there will be a lot of people wanting to witness the great view as well so bear that in mind.
(13) it was my first volcano and i enjoyed the view. I would recommend it to others and i would repeat it.
(14) Mount Batur is a mountain in Bali, is located in area kintamani bangli.in here many tourists visiting or do climbing activities, usually climb in starting at 3 or 4 am .because ascent to the top takes 2 hours from the foot of the mountain. beautiful views to be seen from the top of the mountain. Very thick clouds rolled like an unlimited ocean.and as the sun began to rise will complement the beauty.so would be a loss if you do not have time to visit this place.
(15) This volcano has been rumbling and puffing for quite some time. Some websites exaggerate the conditions and the warnings caused many tourists to change their travel plans. We took the advise of the resort and came anyway as the airport was reopened. The volcano has made a definite drop in holiday tourists but has not stopped any activity in the area. We did not venture close to the volcano!
(16) Mount Batur is a totally amazing place to visit if you enjoy nature. I recommend you get a guide even though you can do the walk by yourself the guide will help you up and down the Volcano and also tell you the history and interesting facts. My guide was a very friendly young man that was trying to earn money for an education and most guides rely on tourists for their living. The trek up the Volcano was tough I am 47 and i must admit i struggled up the steep mountain side and the day I went i was amazed just how many people trek the mountain each morning. When up the top of the Volcano it was an amazing sight watching the sun rise I cannot describe just how special this experience was. You can also see the steam coming out of vents in the Volcano and also smell the Sulpher. The monkeys are beautiful and playing with each other was also amazing. I recommend this experience to all you will not regret it although if like me you will feel it for a few days after.
(17) we did not hike up the volcano and viewed it from the mount however it was still majestic. We visited in December and the rainy season is just starting. Beware that this is not the time to go for any sunrise tours as you will not get the best viewing due to the cloud. Despite having a lot of cloud coverage the wind blew the cloud away and revealed the volcano. The volcano is very interesting as you are still able to see the black from the last eruption. There is also a beautiful lake next to the volcano. Beware of the restaurants on mount batur though as they expect tips from foreigners!
(18) This is an active volcano which one can see while having a nice lunch at the nearby restaurant. You can see the clouds forming near the crater...The lake surrounding it is lake batur which is looks beautiful too...
(19) Mount of Batur is one of a destination in Kintamani Bali. The mount is not too high, but in the top you can see beautiful view. You can see mount Agung and mount Abang. And of course lake of Batur. Beautiful place.
(20) At least you need to be fit to go up there. Even if you are not that fit, make sure you are able to control your balance and endure some of rocky, stiff, slippery surface and some big steps. A good trekking footwear and a good torch, best would be the one that can be attached to the forehead. Going up is kind of tough that I almost had 10 breaks. To me, this is my first time doing trekking, so it's kind of tough. Make sure if you are doing the sunrise trekking, please wear jacket, it's kind of cold. There's 2 peak, 1 is the lower peak and the other is the summit. The first peak ideal for those with kids. To get a better view and satisfied your trekking journey, i recommend to go to up to the 2nd peak that is the summit! View is breathtaking! There's 2 way of going down, 1 is through crater walk and the other is from where you start. Crater walk is where you will be walking around the mount crater (basically this is kind of dangerous due to the path is very narrow, once you start walking and half way through it, you cannot turn back because all other trekker is behind you and the path is like a 1 way road, so choose wisely). The other way is going down from where you start, going down is not as tough as going up (if you want to compare, going up need more stamina. Going down need more balance). So far it's very tired but i really love it! Quote \Difficult route will lead to a beautiful destination.\""
(21) After reading all of the reviews and having recently returned from Everest Base Camp with a moderate level of fitness (I can run 5km well and attend cardio kickboxing regularly) I knew Mt Agung was a challenge. But I by far underestimated the physical endurance and the mental challenge that was Mt Agung. Just under the halfway point on the way up I thought we were on the difficult part of the ascent, but that was yet to come the last hour was torturous and I needed more self talk to see it through. We started at 1am and arrived at the rim at 6am, the Sunrise was phenomenal, breathtaking and well worth the effort to go up. The way down was hell, my impact on my knees was grueling. We took plenty of stops on the way down to take in the view. I would say this was the most physically challenging accomplishment and not for the reasonably fit or feint hearted. However it was a huge accomplishment. Watching the sunrise at the rim was nothing short of perfect a memory I'll hold onto forever.
(22) This morning at 2:15 am we got picked up by our driver. An other couple was already in the car. Al we had to do was pick up an other couple. The driver asked us to not tell the next couple what we payed for the trip because \they paid much more\". (Notice: we payed 350000 each. Including transport, banana pancake breakfast, walking guide and sunrise)\n\nTIP: book through your hotel (for us it was 350000) and definitely not online(500000)!\n\nThe walk was medium/hard (because of the deadline for sunrise), we got flashlights which were very handy but it's battery's soon died out. Luckily my boyfriend had one that worked:)\n\nThere were so many people the walk was like a traffic jam. So maybe in low season it will be a more exiting hiking experience.\n\nOnce up the mountain the view is amazing. You can see Lombok. The sky turns in to many colors and you see stars at the same time! Sun goes up and we got a banana sandwich and an egg from our guide.\n\nThen it's time to go home and maybe go to a plantation again to eat something, but our bus did unanimously decide to go to bed:)\n\nConclusions: good price if you book through your hotel\nDon't expect you are the only one\nGood pancake\nNice experience\nMedium to hard walk (we are a young couple in good health)\n\n"
(23) In the villa we were staying at we could view mount Agung early in the morning before the clouds rolled in and late afternoon. Some really nice photo shots to be had both morning and night. We did not climb the mountain trek.
(24) You can go to some restaurants in Kintamani and do one of these cheap all-you-can-eat buffets for tourists. They will most likely have a terrace facing the still active volcano... nothing to say but that you'll have a breath-taking scenic view of that green landscape. You can also see the remainings of the recent 2010 eruption which left a huge black bed in the middle of this deep green scenery. Great pictures to be taken from this spot.
(25) At first we thought, it should be a nice trekking tour to the Vulkane batur, but it wasn’t.\nWhen you decide to make the tour, you need a dust mask it was so dusty! More than 200 people’s goes the small path up to the mountain, so you stand, walk, stand, walk and also motor cross bikes are driven on the small path.\nWhen you catch the top, you must have luck to see the sunrise. I recommend to check the weather forecast before you start and bring with you good shoes, warm clothes and a flashlight!
(26) I was having trouble deciding whether or not this was for me after seeing a lot of negative reviews in regards to what people call the 'mafia' of the mountain.\n\nWe decided to do it and we booked through our hotel. The whole experience was pretty much what I thought.\n\nAfter climbing Rinjani 4 years ago, this was a walk in the park and if you have reasonable fitness, it will be for you too. There are some steep sections towards the top, so wear appropriate footwear if you're unsure.\n\nSure, maybe you have climbed lots of mountains and feel it is stupid or unnecessary to pay for a guide, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, there is likely to be between 150-300 tourists and locals going up the same path, in the middle of the night. You might be an expert, but some people won't be. It is a lot safer to get a guide. Even if it is imposed on you. If you still feel that it is needless, then I can assure you, you will not enjoy this walk. Go climb another mountain. The guide book might say it is not compulsory, but those books are outdated the moment it is published - and remember, having 1000s of people walking through you village and fields of crops, and onto your sacred mountain, I feel it is only justified to take a guide from the village.\n\nOur guide was a really nice, young local lad who had a lot to teach us about the area and history who also wanted to learn from us our language and about our home country. Him, and all the other guides on the mountain that we came across, certainly were not aggressive in any way. It was a happy place. But perhaps this was because we booked in advance. We did see some people who tried to sneak into our group get followed and stopped by people on motorbikes.\n\nWhen we woke up at 1.30am it was absolutely hammering it down - and we did reconsider whether or not to do it because of the weather. But, it didn't rain near the mountain and we climbed under the stars until the top. It clouded over at times whilst we waited for the sunrise, but we did have some amazing views of Agung and Rinjani in the distance.\n\nOverall, I would recommend this to anyone who fancies a shorter walk with good views, and the more adventurous types should go elsewhere.\n\n
(27) Beautiful mountain, this place make you feel free, and the weather very cold, if the night i suggest you stay in your hotel/guest house wkwkwk
(28) Well.. short story.\n60k rupia entry fee per head incl kids over 13 just for starters at the 3 lame gateway drive through plus the parking fee of course.\nWalk past the pesty stall owners trying to sell you this and that, the bus loads of Chinese tourists and even more stall's with enormous rip off pricing you may reach an open area were one could go rockfishing instead of the ledge to have a view over a rock in the surf with a small resemblance of a build temple. Postcard cliche? Nope far from it. Just a black weathered rock with growth on it. \nNow you in ore exposed to the 5 to 8 local photographer pesting you for a pic on a hefty charge. Done?... walk back pass the shops now. Feel like ice cream or a walk to the toilet for the missus. No problem all there, also drinks and nick nack's.\nMagnum ice cream 6 bucks, the whole in the ground dunny is 2 dollars, we walked.\nSo folks. Do your numbers before arrival and bring your own stuff.\nWatching the surfers did more for me than visiting this rock in the surf. It is a typical tourist ripp off. If the tide is half way there ate local guides to walk you across for the usual - riceonforeheadblessing- into the little alcove beneath the lot. \n\nSeen a lot of temples on Bali. This was the least attractive and to my believes worst of all of them.\n\nWe won't be back ever
(29) Watch out for locals trying to scam your money. We went for a late morning trek to avoid the sunrise crowd. Got stopped along the way by a local with an expired (2015) tour guide license claiming that we had to pay 600K idr to go up the mountain. Outrageous to try and scam tourists and ruin people’s experience of Bali. I understand life as a local might be challenging but it’s all about money money money for these people. We ended up driving to a more legitimate agency and the guide brought us up and left us to find our way out at the bottom of the mountain. Agree with the below comment, not a good experience and not worth the hassle.
(30) Jero was super guide, has a million of knowledge about volcano and his beautiful Island, over 1000 times climbing Mount Batur and he was really care to both of us. I every single step he “Jero” pull us up and always support us to made or trip to the top. He also really encouraging because of that, We made it and conquer Mt. Batur :)\n\nAlthough it was a hard and long walk of about two hours on a small path, it was worth the pain! The sunrise really beautiful and he “Jero” sever us delicious breakfast such as boiled egg in volcanic steam, banana sandwich, hot coffee and also grapes fruits. We saw a guard of volcano “Monkeys” who live in the crater. We really enjoy every step of this adventure and highly recommended Bal Trekking Tour Net own by Jero and he Jero to everyone as your guide in Bali.
(31) My wife and I attempted (and failed) Mount Agung in April, 2014. We went with a guide called Wayan (+6285237250607 or wayan.idguides@gmail.com) who was brilliant. Great company, informative and safe. We made it 2/3 of the way and ended up giving up, but settled in for a camp fire and view of the sunrise from above the clouds. Fantastic trip for two people at 650,000 rupiah per person (including pick-up/transport from hotel in Sanur). Train for it, and give it a go. We may try again one day...
(32) We started at 2 am reached the peak at 5+ 6am. I think we took some time to reach the peak bcos we took a lot of water breaks. DO NOT DO THAT. When u reached the peak there was no toilet and I had to hold it in till we went down which is about almost 2hour down becos it was a easier route. It is really tiring for people who don’t exercise much but the sunrise view is worth everything. The guides provide breakfast too! Hard boiled eggs and banana bread. I would do this again
(33) Quite easy trek, slippery sometimes because of the volcanic sand, but still possible even with converse.\n\nThe view is really nice. But probably not as breathtaking as the one on Mt Agung.\n\nMain issue here, there's too many people on the path. Basically, it's a long colomn of people with torchlights all the way up. So many that you need to stop every ten meters because there's someone slowing down the pack.\n\nSo it's a family trek, not for real trekkers who will definetely go for Mt Agung, harder, longer, higher.
(34) An exhilarating experience climbing up at sunrise with stunning views. It started off cloudy but soon cleared up and was well worth the physical work.\n\nGuides were great. Well experienced and put safety first.\n\nHowever do understand that this is a very commercialised attraction - it was so busy that we were climbing the mountain in a long single file queue one step at a time.
(35) We have just finished the trek, and it was fantastic. The mountain is a good steep climb, seeing the sun rise above the clouds, across the ocean is momentous and the place has a deep sense of spirituality and mystery to it.\n\nWe were incredibly fortunate to have a great guide - Gung Bawa (google him). His knowledge of the mountain is vast, his English fluent and his company very special indeed. He taught me how to integrate Yoga meditation into the climb itself to 'every step is enjoyable' and most of all to keep a smile on our faces throughout. Sitting with only the stars for light and Gung's stories was a joy. He provided endless delicious snacks, and at the top fried us fresh pancakes!\n\nGung is incredibly polite, sensitive, intelligent and anyone is lucky to trek with him.
(36) The view from the top as the sun was rising was breathtaking, definitely worth the intensive climb to the top. You can see how the sun rises and shines over the ocean.\nBe advise to that is not an easy climb, could get very challenging to reach the top. The path gets very steep and narrow.
(37) 2 hours tough trek up through dry soil and gravels was well worth it. Once we reach summit, 1717 metres, we were treated with fantastic view of sunrise and a sea of clouds. Return trek was not more tiring but more difficult because of steep slopes at some parts combined with dry soil. Be extremely careful, a good sport shoes is recommended and guide is definitely a must.
(38) Batur volcano is located at district of kintamani and regency of Bangli, its about 57 from denpasar airport, a lot of tourist visit this place because this was very famouse in the world, there are bot onlysight seeing even many people climb up to the top of this especially in the morning, we may start at 4 am, about two hours from stating point to the top,\nThis is only 1717m on the sea level, we have amazing view from here for the sun rice , surrounding by this area we have many hot spring water with the local people said good for medical aspecially skin problem
(39) Did not climb, but went for a nice views. We had a very nice private driver who took us there. Had lunch in Lakeside restaurant and views were amazing. It started to drizzle a little after a while, so we left.\nIf you need a nice, safe driver in Bali with clean, new SUV, you can contact Mr. Werta via email and he be very useful in getting around the island and airport pick up.\nContact him via email iwayanwerta@yahoo.com and he can take you anywhere you want to go.
(40) Hiked to the sunset point. We stayed nearby so only had to get up for a 4 am start. Was a bit of a struggle for me because I did not sleep well the night before as well I had the Bali belly. However, I made it up in less than 2 hours as suggested. Our guide was very good who we got through the Villa Jempana where we stayed. He was very good to give breaks and to take pictures. The sunset was amazing and I am so happy it was a clear morning to see.
(41) Mount Batur and the surrounding area is a must go to if and when visiting Bali.\n\nThe area is so peaceful and the views of the volcano are stunning. Would highly recommend a visit.
(42) My first trekking experience. I woke up at 1:30 and the driver was waiting me for pickup at 2 am it takes 1 hour to there. You take breakfast (tea and poor crepe) then 10 minutes to mountain. Wear a jacket as it was cold, also keep sunglasses with you. In the mountain you will get another drink, egg and a banana sandwich, i did not taste, I recommend you give them to monkey instead. On the mountain you will find lovely monkeys they are friendly but watch your stuff as they may take them and run. Take care when moving down the mountain as it’s sliding. The trip to the hotel may take more than 1 hour. You will need full body massage thereafter
(43) I always go to sanur (karang) beach for sun bathing and me and my bf always love those guys at the beach who rent sun launchers. But this time i went with a friend and it was different guy approaching me for the sun launcher. I said i need one which is only 25k but then he pushed me to pay 50k for one or 2 persons. When i was alone previously, no one ever done that to me. Then he just walked away without getting me towel just like previous service i had. I called him asking for towel and he asked me to take it by myself. Few minutes later a white family came in and he provided them towels and they sat just next to me. Well, i might need to find another spot and give money to those genuine people and not racist.
(44) 1. An early morning hike in the dark is suggested for the sunrise views. The best season to do the trek is from April - July. Avoid rainy season, as trekking becomes difficult.\n\n2. It’s a medium level hike (moderately difficult can say) and will take you nearly 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top (totally depends on your fitness level). So, take breaks to enjoy the hike.\n\n3. Wear comfortable workout clothes/shorts. Proper hiking shoes are a must to avoid slipping where rocks and gravel are loose. And do carry woollens, and a headlamp. Also, carry water and some snacks.\n\n4. Carrying camera is a must to capture the most spell-binding vistas. But after clicking few shots, relax, and enjoy the magnificent views.\n\n5. You can book the hike with the local company. And it will include everything - pickup and drop off, local guide up the mountain, water, flashlights, and simple breakfast at the top. Generally, group tours are conducted, but you can also have private guide to hike at your own pace.
(45) You will have to get up in the middle of the night, drive to the foot of Mount Batur and then trek 2 hours to the top in a long trail of other tourists - but the physically challenging walk and the breathtaking view of the sunset is all worth it! I would recommend anyone visiting Bali, who are in good physical condition, to take this trip. Warning: We saw many people below 40 really struggling or giving up on the way up, so if you are not fit - don't go.
(46) I climbed Mount Batur, with my family, the scenery was incredible and I was very grateful, the guide gave me the best service, and my family, I was very happy to meet a very friendly, polite guide, for my next visitcontact Kris Bali trekking again. thank you for the good service during the climb.
(47) We went here twice and would recommend the same to you. We went for the sunset, parked and walked to the view point, we didn't have to pay for some reason, I think the people went home. However, we caught the sunset at perfect timing, I believe it was around 5 PM. A lot of people at the viewpoint and a lot of people walking up, they seemed so tired. Which made us a bit nervous about our next day. However, we didn't have any issues with the trek down. Take it slow! Don't get discouraged with all the people at the view point hardly anyone was actually walking down! Best time to the hike is later afternoon when it's not so hot and then you can walk up at sunset! Best way! Maybe 20 people on the beach. We would recommend not doing it in sandals we had Keen water shoes that we great for the trek! This is a must!
(48) Me and my girlfriend arrived to Penelokan early afternoon by a Perama shuttle. We were amazed by the view and headed to Toya Bungkah with the intention of climbing Batur the next day in the morning. I've read all the bad reviews about the \organisation\" and the locals threatening tourists and all that but still wanted to give it try without hiring a guide. Since the hike is said to be easy this would have been perfectly possible too. My plan was to scout around for a less busy path up the mountain in the afternoon, so we have an idea how to avoid the hassle with the \"guides\". Even during my scouting I was told by several local men that I cannot hike alone and I have to hire someone for 1.000.000 IDR to take me up because they have an official organisation. I told them politely that I'm just walking around and that seemed to be enough but when i got a little closer to the foot of the mountain two men stood in my way and basically made it clear that if i don't want any trouble I'll have to leave. They were not really bothered by me mentioning police either. In the end we didn't even give it a try in the morning since we didn't want to ruin our holiday with a sour experience and a lot of shouting with aggressive locals. We also did not want to pay, even if they would have given us a more respectful price than 1.000.000 cause it felt extremely wrong to financially support a blood sucking, illegal \"organisation\" as theirs.\n\nBottom line, please avoid Batur if you can. Sure enough the scenery is staggering but by climbing Batur (even with a guided tour booked at your hotel, where you don't get to come across the local mafia) you will put some money in these criminals' pockets and support them. Choose Mount Agung instead."
(49) We climbed the less crowded 'private' root which was steep and unstable ground and times. Given I was wearing shoes with zero grip I came out relatively unscathed. There are a few stop of points to catch you breathe before the 'top' when rock and earth turn to volcanic ash. The view is great from the viewing point but better from the top. There are monkeys higher who seemed fine and not aggressive at all. Would definitely recommend going on this hike. Good bit of cardio, great view payoff at the top and if you're lucky you'll be back at your hotel for breakfast time.
(50) i wanted to get on here to relate a great experience i had trekking Mt batur. I ordered the trek for 1 person for Rp 600,000 from ubud and the pick up was at 2.30am. My Guide Komang was really good, attentive, helpful and reassuring. He also used his motorcycle to bring me halfway up the hike before we started to actually hike. He made sure that my welfare was taken are of at all times - the only thing i regret was that i did not know how much to tip him so my guideline was 10% of the overall fee (I dont come from a tipping country). However, I realised that most people here tipped around USD 10-20 and I wish I tipped him more as he really deserved it. I ordered the hike through Nick's Pension website - not sure if they can request Komang personally for the trek but if you do ever book the trip do try to request for him.
(51) We hired our own driver to drive us from Kuta to Mount Batur, about 2 hr plus ride. Went there close to noon time, lucky it wasnt that hot and quite cooling. We didnt have our lunch there as read some of the reviews foods aint fantastic & its just the view that people ate there. I think the fee for three of us excluding the driver is $30K, really forgot how much it is, going bali is totally paying entrance fees here & there.\n\nOur driver dropped us & we walked down against the direction of traffic to do our own walking & photo-taking, had awesome view of the lake & the mountain, clear weather with little or no clouds on that day.\n\nWe knew that some of the locals will charge you money if asked to help you take group photo, we met a group of malaysian tourists that are also trying to take group photo. Lucky, we approached & helped each other took photos.\n\nWe saw the locals used metal chain to tie puppies each & not together along the pathway, no ideas why they do that, & the puppies are wailing & are scared of people. One thing I dont like is that the locals that are trying to up-sell their products like to touch your arms whenever they walked past you.\n\nOther than that, it was a view worth going to.
(52) This was the only disappointing activity I did on my 3 week Indonesia trip. It's totally overpriced (there's a mafia behind it and they will become very aggressive) and you'll end up hiking the mountain with crowds of other people (read: a line of people climbing up to the top). You get to the top and there are hundreds of other people there to watch the sunrise. Views are nice but be aware that it is often cloudy / foggy so visibility is a hit and miss thing. Then hike back down with hundreds of other people. The hike only gets difficult for the very last bit but if you've done hikes before and are in decent shape it is easily doable (they said 2 hours and we did it in 1.5). Bring warm clothing since it's freezing and windy on top. It's also expensive for what you get, compared to other activities / prices in Indonesia and considering that in many countries you can go hiking for free with much better views... I really wouldn't recommend doing this. Save your money for better things!
(53) We had been here many years ago and it was foggy so we didn't get to enjoy the view so decided to return and let our children experience it. Glad we did, the sky was clear and the volcano and lake were lovely. It is a little chilly up there but refreshing change from the heat. The buffet is nothing to rave about, but an okay selection of food and toilets available after the long drive.
(54) During my three week visit to Bali, trekking up Mount Batur was an absolute must for my   and I. We're adventurous and like to explore, but are not avid hikers/mountaineers so we decided Mt. Batur would be ideal. We considered Mt. Agung, but realistically we're not trained enough to take on such a strenuous hike. Trekking up mount Batur at 2 am was an adventure in it self. I am actually very happy that we could not see the ascend up the mountain as I might've talked myself out of hiking up. It was higher than I anticipated once we got to the top by sunrise. If you are not fit, this trek is possible, but be wary it's very steep and the gravel is very loose so wear proper hiking shoes or prepare to face plant upon depending down the mountain. It's a lot more strenuous than it looks.Our guides were so amazing, patient and very knowledgable about Mt.Batur and the surrounding areas! We thoroughly enjoyed boiling our eggs in the volcanic steam and drinking coffee at the rest spot with our amazing guide Budi! We cannot wait to come back and trek Mt. Batur again as it was incredibly beautiful and captivating to witness the sunrise. We were very lucky to have had such great visibitlity,we were told its usually very cloudy and not many people get to witness the sunrise like we did! I recommend anyone who loves adventures and nature to wholeheartedly give the sunrise trek a try. A challenge well worth the money and the experience!
(55) We hired an independent tour ($110 for two pax) where we were taken to several tourist spots around Bali for 13 hours ( inclusive of buffet lunch and seafood dinner). Lunch was at a restaurant overlooking this majestic active volcano. A small portion where the lava flows have hardened and black that no vegetation seems to grow. The volcano is beside a huge lake and numerous other mountains.\n\nThe weather was very cool and the souvenirs peddled by ambulatory sellers were reasonably priced. Missed buying the cheap shirts. The government should take time to improve the culinary skills of the restaurants so it becomes palatable to international guests.
(56) You need to hire a guide to ascend the volcano. Best done for sunrise over Bali. Woke up at 1am, it’s a 1.5hr drive from Denpasar. Started hiking around 3am to catch the sunrise. Wear proper hiking shoes, the terrain gets rough on the way up, especially the 2nd half. I recommend bringing a small headlamp if you have, so you aren’t bothered with holding a flashlight during the ascension at dawn (it’s dark for the most part). You will get stunning views of the other volcano (Mount Agung) facing Mount Batur as well as lake Batur on the slopes of the volcano. Watching the sunrise from atop Mount Batur is majestic! Most tourists will have breakfast at the top of the mountain. I was grossed out to see how tourists are inconsiderate & filthy, PICK UP YOUR TRASH after, don’t let the locals do it. It’s about a 2hr hike (1-way) to reach the summit. You have to be in decent physical shape to climb up. This was definitely a highlight of my trip to Bali!
(57) The island of Bali is blessed with innumerable natural wonders of which Mount Batur tops the list. We reliably learnt that Mount Batur is veiled in thick fog post 4 PM. So reach the place well before that. The gargantuan mountain with the lake by its side makes one marvel at God's infinite powers. Oh my God! You get transfixed looking at it. As you stare at this gem of nature, you feel a sense of contentment and calmness course through your veins. It is glorious to say the least. The clouds start drifting across the mountain making the scenery even more spectacular. I fell in love with this place.
(58) One of the best things to do/see in bali! Batur is one of the most active volcanoesbin bali, and the views of the volcano can be breath taking. We could’nt do the hike upto the top, as we were short on time, but on our tour, we dinned on a restaurant on a hill top right opposite to the volcano, the best views one can get!\nIt was a clear day and so we could admire the beauty of the volcano and the lake as well!\nIf you have time i would suggest a sunrise hike which we missed!!! :(
(59) We drove by on our way from Ubud to Padang Bai (nominal entrance fee) and it was raining so didn't do the trek, biking or hot springs. Had lunch at a restaurant that overlooked the mountains, which was beautiful. Next time, would definitely try to budget more time for a sunrise trek or visit to the hot springs.
(60) Bali's highest mountain is certainly a challenge. Although this hike is not for the fainthearted (you are scrambling/rock climbing at the top) the views are breath taking and the trip is worthwhile.