A short fifteen minute drive from the village of Ubud is all it takes to visit the majestic Tegenungan Waterfall, a gushing fall where visitors can swim in the pools below or lounge on chairs close-by. Adventure-seekers can climb their way up to the middle level of the falls or opt for trekking all the way up to the top of the falls.

Upon arriving at Tegenungan Waterfall, you will need to pay an entrance fee of 10,000 IDR (price at the time of this posting) to gain access. After paying a nominal fee, you will then pass by a number of different street vendors, eager to get your attention in hopes you’ll buy their delicacies. Some sell clothing, others sell food in case you are in need of replenishment before you begin your hike. Walk past the vendors until you reach a set of stairs leading downwards. Follow the stairs downward, veering left when you reach the fork. Left will take you to the waterfall and the right will lead you to a temple.

After making your way down quite a few flights of stairs, you will finally reach your destination: The Tegenungan Waterfall. Pose in front of the comical sign that reads “Don’t worry be sexy, but not naked”, take a swim in the shallow waters beneath the falls, or pay to take a nap on one of the lounge chairs near the falls. Once you’ve had your swimming or basking in the sun fix, you can then choose to cross a small stream and continue up more steps to reach the middle and upper part of the falls or turn back around.

If you do choose to continue up the falls, wear proper footing as the rocks are wet and slick. I mistakenly wore flip flops and almost tripped a number of times. Additionally, be prepared to spend another 5,000 IDR (price at the time of this posting) to gain access to the upper part of the falls.

Whether you choose to explore the upper parts of the falls or stick to swimming in the water below, you will need to climb your way back up the stairs to complete your adventure. Your thighs and legs will be burning upon completion but I can assure you it is worth it in the end.

Tegenungan Waterfall Tips

Tip #1: Arrive earlier in the day to avoid crowds. Peak times are around lunch time.

Tip #2: Remember to tip your guide! Although it is fun for you to see the falls for the first time, they do this on a regular basis and are climbing up and down hundreds of steps for your enjoyment.

Tip #3: The waterfall is unfortunately not handicapped accessible. To visit the waterfall you must climb up and down 172 stairs.

Tip #4: You can visit the Tegenungan Waterfall without a guide, however if you are interested in having a guide show you around I would highly recommend Bali Volcano Trekking. This was just one stop on a well-planned all day tour we took.

Tip #5: Wear shoes with good traction for slippery/technical parts of the trail and the stairs. Also bring a pair of flip flops once are at the waterfall.

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Most weekends, it’s a stretch for me to wake up for an 8 a.m. hike, yet alone a 2 a.m. hike in a foreign country. But the adrenaline flowing through my veins this morning is enough to keep me awake and motivated to hike a steep volcano in the outskirts of Bali.

Hiking with our guide Jero

After an hour and a half ride along the desolate streets of Bali during twilight hours, we finally reach Mount Batur. We park in the dark woods, secure our headlamps, pull out our trekking poles, and quickly begin the steep ascent up Mount Batur. Although it isonly 3:30 a.m. in the morning, there arethrongs of people eager to complete the same challenge, which only adds to the excitement. Unfed, hungry, and determined to get the peak, our trek begins and our heart rates quickly elevate as we hike up the “easy” portion of the trail.

The trail starts off on a dirt trail and progressively transitions to rocky, jagged volcanic rock as weclimb. Though I am half-asleep, I have to pay careful attention to my footing to ensure I don’t twist my ankle during a misstep. Luckily, as time wears on, I become more alert and thus the journey uphill becomes more enjoyable.

Finally, after about an hour and a half of strenuous uphill climbing, we reach a small wooden shack where we will take a short break and wait for the sun to rise. At this point, mountain-peddlers come by offering soda and water. We are stocked on water, but this could be helpful for those that may need a little bit extra. After we sip our hot chocolate (included in the price of the trip), we indulge in egg sandwiches and fried bananas while watching the sun rise above the clouds.

After fully taking in the sunrise, Jero leads up a little further to the top of the crater. To our surprise, we are greeted not only by other humans, but also a plethora of monkeys. Side note on monkeys: don’t be fooled by their cuteness; these creatures are out for your water bottles and food and aren’t afraid to go for it.

Admiring the monkeys from afar was a half-hour endeavor. When we have our fill of cute, fuzzy creatures we make our way over to warm volcanic rocks. Here, the locals actually use the volcanic steam to fry bananas. The rocks aren’t oozing lava as one might imagine, but rather emit a cloud of steam into the air.

Walking back down the volcano feels like an entirely different hike in itself. Instead of hazily making your way through the early morning mist and darkness, you are treated to the sights illuminated by the brightly lit sky, such as the glistening Lake Batur below. Your guide will also likely take you past a mountain temple, made evident by a tattered flag.

Once you reach the base of the volcano, your tour guide will likely reward you with a trip to the nearby hot springs. This is generally also included in the price of your excursion and offers you an opportunity to lay in the multiple warm pools surrounding Lake Batur.

Overall, I’d highly recommend a sunrise hike up Mount Batur for those who are in good shape and looking to do something adventurous on their vacation. The experience is unique, and one of the highlights of my trip to Bali.

Hot springs reward

Mount Batur Volcano Trail Tips

Tip #1: Bring some extra cash. It is customary to tip your tour guide/s for this excursion. 40,000-50,000 rupiah should be sufficient.

Tip #2: Dress in layers. The early morning air is frigid but as your heart rate speeds up you’ll quickly want to strip down to something cooler. A windbreaker is also recommended in the event of rain (which just so happened to us).

Tip #3: Wear the right shoes. I brought my hiking boots which made it much easier for the technical portion of the trail where you will be climbing atop jagged volcanic rocks.

Tip #4: Do not attempt if you haven’t been hitting the gym. Although it is only 1,717 meters to the top of Mount Batur, the trek is strenuous and there are many portions of the trail that will leave your quads and calves burning.

Tip #5: Arrange your tour in advance. There are many travel agencies that offer similar packages that range on average between $60-75 USD. I used Bali Volcano Trekking and was very pleased with our tour guide. I’d highly recommend this company to anyone.

Tip #6: Keep in mind this is an active volcano. The last eruption to take place on Mount Batur was in 1968, however the trail was temporarily closed in 2009 after some activity was detected. Keep safe and stay up to date.

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