A Real Look at the 2025 Mount Batur Volcano, Temples, Rice Terrace, and Swing Tour

by

A Real Look at the 2025 Mount Batur Volcano, Temples, Rice Terrace, and Swing Tour

Mount Batur sunrise over the clouds

So, you are probably looking at pictures of Bali and thinking about what to do, right? You know, there’s this one very popular trip that seems to pack in all the iconic sights: the ‘Mount Batur Volcano, temples, Scenic Rice Terrace and Swing’ experience. Honestly, it’s a bit of an everything-in-one-day kind of adventure. I actually did this whole thing and wanted to share what it’s really like, sort of like a conversation you’d have with a friend. At the end of the day, there are just some things you want to know before you commit to a 2 AM alarm. It’s a very long day, yet a very rewarding one. This is pretty much my brain dump of what to expect for your own trip in 2025, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your vacation vibe.

The Main Event: Seeing a New Day Start at Mount Batur

People watching sunrise on Mount Batur

Okay, so the day starts ridiculously early, like, 1 or 2 AM early. Your ride usually picks you up in the dark, and you know, you’re half-asleep in the car. But then you get to the base of Mount Batur, and the air is just so crisp and cool. Frankly, that’s when you really wake up. They give you a flashlight, and you just start walking up in a line with other people. The climb itself isn’t terribly hard, but it’s definitely a bit of a workout, so be ready for that. In a way, the darkness makes it easier; you just focus on the path in front of you. Reaching the top is honestly an incredible feeling. You find a spot to sit, and then, pretty much right on schedule, the magic happens. The sky just starts to change colors—from deep purple to pink and then a brilliant orange. It’s absolutely breathtaking to see the sun come up over the crater and the lake below. As a matter of fact, the guides often cook breakfast for you right there, using steam coming out of the volcano’s vents. I mean, how cool is that? You’re sitting there, eating a volcanically-steamed egg, and just looking out over this incredible scene. It’s a very special moment, for sure.

A Spiritual Break at a Traditional Balinese Temple

Tirta Empul Temple holy spring water

After the massive high of the sunrise, you kind of need to come down gently, you know? So, the next stop on this tour is usually a Balinese temple, and it’s a really nice change of pace. You go from this raw, powerful nature spot to a place that feels incredibly peaceful and put-together. For example, a common stop is Tirta Empul, the holy water temple. You’ll see local Balinese people in traditional dress, making offerings and taking part in purification rituals. The smell of incense is literally everywhere. The architecture is just so detailed and amazing, with stone carvings covered in a bit of moss, which makes it feel ancient. You don’t have to be religious to feel a kind of calm there, to be honest. It’s a very spiritual place that lets you see a small part of what Balinese culture is all about. You’ll probably be given a sarong to wear out of respect, which just adds to the whole experience. Honestly, it’s a quiet moment of reflection that’s very much needed after the early start.

Getting Lost in the Green of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Tegalalang Rice Terraces Bali

Frankly, you’ve definitely seen photos of this next place all over social media. The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are famous for a reason; they are just stunningly green. It’s like a sea of green steps carved into the valley. Walking down into the terraces is a pretty cool experience in itself. You can actually walk along the narrow paths that separate the rice paddies. It’s pretty amazing to see the old-school irrigation system, called a ‘subak,’ that the Balinese have used for centuries to water these fields. Obviously, it’s an extremely photogenic spot. You’ll see people getting that perfect shot everywhere you look. By the way, the sunlight filters through the palm trees in a really beautiful way. In some respects, it feels like stepping into a postcard. It’s more or less a visual feast and a complete contrast to the volcanic rock you were standing on just a few hours earlier.

The Pure Fun of the Famous Bali Swing

Person on Bali Swing over jungle

Alright, so next up is something that’s more about pure fun than culture or nature. The Bali Swing is, well, pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It’s a huge swing that sends you flying out over a breathtaking view, usually a jungle or more rice paddies. Honestly, it’s a bit of a thrill. That moment when they push you off the platform, and your stomach just drops a little… it’s a very exciting feeling. Then you’re just soaring, with the wind in your hair and this massive, open view in front of you. Obviously, this part of the tour is basically made for getting amazing photos. People often wear long, flowy dresses to get that iconic, dramatic shot. But even if you don’t care about the pictures, the sensation of flying through the air is just plain fun. It’s sort of like a perfect, lighthearted end to a day that started with a pretty serious physical and spiritual part. It’s definitely a bit touristy, but sometimes touristy things are popular because they’re genuinely a good time, you know?

My Personal Tips and What to Really Expect in 2025

Luwak Coffee plantation Bali

So, if you’re going to do this trip, I have a few pointers. First, you absolutely have to wear layers. It’s really cold at the top of the volcano before sunrise, but by the time you get to the rice terraces, it’s pretty hot and humid. Just bring a small backpack to stuff your jacket in. Good walking shoes are a must; seriously, don’t try the hike in flip-flops. Anyway, most of these tours also stop at a coffee plantation. Here, you typically get to sample different kinds of local coffees and teas for free. They’ll also offer you the chance to try Luwak coffee, which is famously made from beans that have been… well, eaten and excreted by a civet. It’s quite expensive, and honestly, you don’t have to try it if you don’t want to. Just enjoy the free samples. Finally, you should bring some cash. You’ll want it for tipping your guide, buying little souvenirs, or grabbing an extra drink somewhere along the way.

At the end of the day, this tour is like a sampler platter of what central Bali has to offer. You get a little bit of adventure, a dose of spirituality, a big helping of natural beauty, and a dash of pure fun.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • It starts very early: Seriously, be prepared for a 1-2 AM pickup. It’s worth it, but you’ll be tired.
  • The hike is moderate: You don’t have to be a super athlete, but a basic level of fitness is needed. It’s a dirt path and steep in some parts.
  • The views are unbeatable: The sunrise at Mount Batur and the green of the rice fields are honestly world-class sights.
  • It’s a long, packed day: You will be on the go for about 10-12 hours. It’s efficient, but you won’t spend ages in any one place.
  • You will see a lot: This is arguably the best option if you have limited time in Bali and want to see these major highlights without planning it all yourself.

Read our full review: Mount Batur Tour Review 2025 Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Availability for Mount Batur Tours)