Gunung Batur

Gunung Batur is a volcano located in central Bali. It is set in a crater that was created from a series of eruptions, the most recent occurring in 2000. The crater also holds Bali's largest lake, Danau Batur. We took a bemo, the local minibus, from Ubud to the crater's rim on the morning of June 10th. From there we were planning on walking the 4km down into the valley of the crater, but we were able to catch a free ride on Made's (the guy who worked for the hostel we would be staying at) motorcycle.

That day we took a walk through some of the villages that are spread out along the circumference of the lake. It was a very peaceful walk because we were not in a touristed area and we were finally able to see what life was like in a village not dependent on the tourist industry. Their main source of livelihood is farming. We saw cabbage, corn, tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers growing. It was nice to interact with Balinese natives knowing that they were not looking to solicit us for anything. Most were friendly - they smiled, said hi, and allowed us to take their picture. Our walk was cut short by ominous rain clouds looming in the sky, and we were able top seek shelter in a warung just as the afternoon rain started coming down strong.

Kids flying a kite in the local village

The next morning we woke up at 3:30 am to summit Gunung Batur in time to see the sunrise. We had organized the hike with guide because we didn't know were and didn't think it was a good idea to look for them in the dark. We later realized that it would actually not be too difficult to do it on our own because there were many other tourists also making their way up the mountain at that time.

The sunrise was spectacular! At first the guide wanted to take us to a lower part of the mountain where a warung was set up so that the tourists could buy coffee and tea as they watched the sunrise. But I was able to convince him to take us to the highest part of the mountain, where their were no other tourists and Leslie and I could enjoy the sunrise on our own. We also had the best view with the crater, hardened lava flow, and sparkling lake below us. Most of the time we were surrounded by clouds and mist, but then, every couple of minutes, the clouds would clear and the view of the valley would open up. We also saw the Agung, the highest mountain in Bali, in the distance, framed with clouds.

At the sunrise summit!

After the sunrise we hiked around the area. It was really neat seeing the way the lava had carved out the valley, all the life that was able to thrive on an active volcano, and the steam pockets that dotted the mountain slopes. It was partially ruined, however, by the guides' inability to communicate properly and his lack of professionalism. For example, we stopped by a cave on our way down. Leslie and I asked if we could go inside the cave. The guide tried to make up some excuse by saying we couldn't because his flashlight didn't work. But Leslie had his headlamp, so he reluctantly showed us inside. Once we had gone in about 10 meters, the guide told us the real reason that he didn't want to take us in. He said that it was holy cave where people meditate and bring offerings. Had he told us this before, we would not have asked him to bring us in. On our way out, another guide started yelling at Leslie and me for going in. He also yelled out, trying to scare me when I was on a slippery stone, trying to make me fall. The guide also cut our hike short, implying that if we wanted to complete the trek as had previously been promised, we would have to tip him.

But despite this, Leslie and I were still happy that we had the opportunity to climb Gunung Batur...it was really amazing! One day we want to come back and hike on our own and bike all around the lake.