How to Climb Batur and Agung in 2025: Prices, Guides, and Routes

Planning a trekking adventure in Bali? Climbing the Batur and Agung volcanoes isn't just a popular activity — it's a unique opportunity to watch the sunrise above the clouds, hike lava slopes, and reach Bali’s sacred summits. Since 2023, new regulations prohibit solo ascents. Everything you need to know about the routes, prices, and guide selection is covered in this detailed 2025 travel guide.

New Regulations: Why a Guide Is Mandatory

As of June 2023, a decree by the Bali provincial government (source) mandates that all volcano hikes — including Batur (1717 m) and Agung (3142 m) — are only permitted when accompanied by a licensed guide. Several reasons support this rule:

Tourist safety: Many trails are taken in the dark and even Batur includes some challenging sections.
Preservation of sacred sites: Volcanoes are believed to be the dwelling places of spirits, and ignoring local traditions may be seen as desecration.
Environmental protection: Guide supervision helps manage the human impact on delicate ecosystems.

Important! Being found on a trail without a guide may result in administrative penalties, deportation, and even a temporary re-entry ban to Indonesia. These measures have already been enforced against violators in 2024.

Cost of a Guide and How to Organize Your Climb

Climbing Batur: Price and Details

Batur is Bali’s most popular sunrise trekking destination. An official guide station operates at the base, near the village of Toya Bungkah.

Guide fee: approx. 400,000 IDR for up to 4 people (≈25 USD in 2025).
Includes: guiding, basic briefing, often a flashlight and light breakfast.
How to book: on-site, through your hotel, or in advance via TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, Gojek Travel, and other platforms.

Climbing Agung: Cost and Difficulty

Mount Agung is the island’s highest peak and a more challenging trek. Pricing varies depending on the route, season, and guide experience.

Price range: from 700,000 to 1,200,000 IDR per person (≈45–80 USD).
Often includes: transfers, breakfast, gear, and insurance.

Best Time to Climb: Timing and Routes

Batur Trek

Hiking time: about 2 hours each way.
Start time: around 03:30–04:00 AM to reach the summit for sunrise.
Trail difficulty: moderate. Suitable for most tourists without special training.

The trail is popular year-round — during peak season (June to September), expect dozens of groups along the path. Wear comfortable sneakers or light trail shoes. A warm top and wind protection are essential.

Agung Trek

There are two main trails for Agung:

Via Pura Besakih Temple: 6–7 hours one way. This climb reaches the crater rim and offers breathtaking views of Bali, Lombok, and Java — the longest and most scenic route.
Via Pura Pasar Agung: about 4 hours one way. This route does not reach the summit but still gives a powerful sense of the mountain.

Nighttime temperatures at the summit can drop to +7°C (44°F), and strong winds are common. Most treks start at midnight or around 1 AM to arrive for sunrise. Gloves, a windbreaker, and a headlamp are must-haves. Agung is physically demanding — do some warm-up treks if you're not used to high elevation hikes.

Why a Guide Is More Than Just Formality — It’s Your Safety Net

Even seasoned trekkers can face challenges on Indonesian volcano routes:

Fluctuations in humidity and pressure can affect hikers not used to tropical altitude changes.
Trails are poorly marked, especially on Agung. It's easy to get lost in darkness or poor weather.
Guides know how to respond to emergencies: injury, health issues, volcanic activity shifts.
They are trained in first aid and can coordinate evacuation with local rescue teams.
A guide helps you respect religious customs: they'll advise on where to remove shoes, appropriate clothing, and moments of silence.

Real example: In October 2024, a tourist on Batur experienced sudden dizziness. The guide quickly recognized dehydration, called for assistance, and accompanied the descent — preventing a minor issue from escalating into a serious medical case.

How to Choose a Good Guide: 4 Key Criteria

To make your hike not just safe, but enjoyable, consider the following:

Accreditation: Look for guides affiliated with the Association of Mount Batur Trekking Guides or other official bodies.
Tourist reviews: Reliability can be verified on platforms like Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Klook, Gojek Travel, and others.
Language skills: Make sure your guide understands English (or another language you're comfortable with).
What’s included in the price: Transfer to trailhead? Meals? Gear rental? Some guides offer convenient all-inclusive packages.

What to Bring for Your Trek

No matter which volcano you choose, here’s the minimum gear required for a safe and comfortable hike:

Flashlight or LED headlamp
Light windbreaker jacket and warm top
Trail sneakers or light hiking boots
1–1.5 liters of drinking water per person
Snacks: energy bars, nuts, fruit
Gloves and beanie (especially for Agung)

Summary and Checklist

Climbing Batur or Agung isn’t just physical activity — it’s a chance to connect with nature, culture, and Bali’s spiritual side. Remember: your guide is not only your trail leader but also your cultural interpreter.

Before your trek, make sure you have:

✅ A booked, accredited guide
✅ Appropriate shoes and clothing
✅ Night gear: flashlight, water, snacks
✅ Understanding of the route and your fitness level
✅ Respect for local customs and environment

Tip: Book your guide in advance, especially during peak season (June – September), to avoid crowds and save money.

Conclusion

Bali offers more than beaches and cocktails. A volcano trek might just be the highlight of your trip. With the right preparation, cultural awareness, and a reliable guide, you’ll gain an unforgettable experience worth sharing.