If you are looking for some adventure while vacationing in Bali, consider doing one of the sand volcanic hikes. Not only is this one of the best ways to increase your heart rate, it is also an incredible way to take in the beautiful landscapes sand offers.
And so, although volcanoes may not be the first type of hiking ground that comes to mind when you think of hiking, let the record show that this is not an experience you want to miss. Every step you take will be absolutely worth it!
A role in the top sand volcano hike
Remember that it is a role for three volcanoes to trek in the sand – More to come, don’t worry. However, before you start this adventure, it is important to remember that they differ in all the difficulties and length of the trip. That being said, they all offer breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit.
When to climb a volcano in the sand: April to September (dry season) is the best time to climb any volcano because in wet season the tracks become muddy and slippery, making it difficult or impossible to climb.
Generally, it is best to look at the peaks around sunset, so start climbing very early in the morning. If possible, choose a date near a full moon for extra light, but you can climb the volcano at any time of the month.
What to bring: Warm clothes, good shoes, water, snacks and a headlamp.
Top 3 Sand Volcano Hike
Batur Mountain – The easiest climb
Mount Batur Hall is the easiest sand volcano hike out of the three volcanoes and offers spectacular views of Batur Lake and the sea. It is also the most active volcano in the sand, so check to see if it is safe to climb before leaving.
Most people climb as an organized tour, but you can do it yourself if you want. If you decide to track a volcano without a guide, be prepared to deal with local guides in Kintamani, the city from which the trek begins, who have a reputation for being extremely pushing and doing almost everything to prevent people from reaching without a guide. Summit
The track starts out as a muddy path, but as it gets steeper, it becomes more rocky, and after a while the vegetation is confined to the grass that grows mainly in the rocks. Before reaching the summit, a small vendor sells food.
At the top, the views reach as far as Mount Rinjani, and if you have a guide, he can cook you an egg boiled in volcanic steam before landing.
- Difficulty: The track is straight ahead, so if you are in decent shape then you are not supposed to have many problems.
- Length of travel: It takes one to two hours to reach the top of this sand volcano and the same time to descend, but you should also include time to enjoy the view and explore the rim of the hole.
- Location: An hour’s drive north of Ubud.
If you decide to hike with a guide, there are several add-on options, including sunrise hikes with natural warm springs, sunrise hikes with breakfast, or sunrise hikes with white water rafting.
Mount Agung – The highest point on the sand
The trek starts at half past one in the morning on the steps of the temple. Bring a torch or especially a headlamp, because the first part of the journey through the forest is particularly dark. After about three hours of walking in the dark, you should reach the summit as the sun begins to turn the sky orange. Especially on windy days, it can be very cold at the top, so be sure to bring extra warm clothes.
As you begin to descend, the sun will intensify, and you will be greeted by a man selling semi-cold food at the temple where the trek ends.
- Height: 3031 m
- Difficulty: You need to be fit for this track because it is a fairly long climb with some steep parts.
- Travel Length: It takes about two to four hours to reach the summit and a little less to descend.
- Location: An hour’s northeast journey from Ubud
There is an option to book a Mount Agung Sunrise hike with breakfast.
Mount Rinjani – Spectacular volcano in Lombok
The classic Rinjani volcanic trek takes two nights and three days and the three most spectacular. And it’s a solid sand volcano hike.
On the first day, walk along the volcanic rim from the entrance to the national park. The first half of the day goes through the jungle, where curious monkeys will see you, but no matter how close you get to the rim, the vegetation is confined to the grass and small bushes. When you reach the rim, and if you still have some breath left, the spectacular view of the hole will take away your remaining breath.
Spend the next day exploring the hole for a few hours where you can swim in the blue hole lake or relax your muscles in the nearby hot springs before climbing to the opposite side of the rim.
On the third day, you will get up early to reach the peak at sunrise. On a clear day, you get a spectacular view of Lombok, Gili Islands and the sand as the sun begins to warm you up.
Back at the camp, you will have breakfast before descending through the grass and farmland to the village of Semblun where the track ends.
- Difficulty: Rinjani Climb is a difficult track with some steep sections, especially the last bit of the summit, where the sandy surface makes walking difficult, so you need to be in good condition to reach the summit of Mount Rinjani. An easy option, but with an equally good view, is to track only the rim, which is easy because the track is good most of the way and without too many steep sections.
- Travel Length: Classic lengths are three days and two nights, but you can do a two day, one night or some trip up to a week. In the latter case, you will spend more time trekking in the vicinity of the volcano and inside the hole.
- Location: Mount Rinjani is located in Lombok. It is a 90-minute boat ride from Bali and an hour’s walk to the foot of Mount Rinjani. From Gili Islands, you will need ten minutes by boat and one hour by car. You are not allowed to climb Rinzani without a guide, so you have to go on an organized tour, which can be easily arranged from Bali and Gilis.
Mount Katur – Hike with main view
Located northwest of Bali, this picturesque location is surrounded by many spectacular waterfalls, lakes, as well as a botanical garden that you can easily explore. One of the most illuminated temples in Bali, Lake Bratan Temple (Pura Ulun Danu Bratan) is also located here.
When you start hiking, you have to remember that unlike Mount Batur and Mount Agung, this volcano is actually extinct. That means you won’t see any cool lava eruptions or cook your eggs on the lava rock – sorry.
- Height: 1 247 m
- Difficulty: This particular mountaineering is not a leisurely hiking or serious hiking challenge. It’s somewhere in the middle. But remember that you can ask for some patience training in advance!
- Travel Length: This hike is by no means a long one or even an over-night for that matter! Think of it as a fun day trip because, on average, it will take you about three hours to get to the very top, where you will meet the most stunning view yet.
- Location: Your journey will start from Lake Bratan in Guwahati (literally translated as “Japanese Cave”).
Batukaru mountain
If you’re looking for a second-highest mountain in the sand, look no further than Batukaru Mountain. This dormant volcano sets itself apart from other volcanic eruptions in the sand because it has some very unique terrain that will surely amaze and delight you! From shady forests to hike peaks and views of craters and lakes – all you need to do to form a peak.
- Height: 2,275 meters
- Difficulty: This particular mountaineering is ideal for those of you who enjoy walking through the woods and surrounded by tall trees. The rocky terrain and steep curves make for a rather difficult and arduous mountaineering. Luckily it only hoke one day though
- Travel Length: This trek is about five hours long, so don’t forget to call it a leisurely hike, as it is nowhere near it. So, make sure that your fitness level is relatively high so that you can go to the top at the best time.
- Location: Mount Batukaru is an extinct volcano that is the highest peak in the Bedugul volcano area and the second highest mountain in the sand.
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