A Pre-Dawn Adventure

The alarm buzzed at an ungodly hour, but the promise of a sunrise over Mount Batur was enough to get me out of bed. I had arranged for a 4WD jeep tour through Kintamani’s unique farming region, and the anticipation was palpable. At 3:30 a.m., Jero, our driver, picked me up from the hotel. The journey to the base of Mount Batur was long, but the comfort of the car and Jero’s friendly demeanor made the time fly by. As we ascended, the road became rocky, a testament to the volcanic landscape we were about to explore.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a warm cup of tea, a small comfort against the chilly morning air. Liong, our jeep driver, took over from there. The ride was bumpy, but the thrill of the adventure kept us all in high spirits. We arrived at the viewing point earlier than expected, securing prime seats for the sunrise. Liong, ever the helpful guide, took photos and provided flashlights to illuminate our path until dawn.

The Majestic Mount Batur

As the first light of day broke, the clouds obscured the sunrise, but the view of Mount Batur shrouded in mist was breathtaking in its own right. The mountain’s silhouette against the morning sky was a sight to behold, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at nature’s grandeur. Liong’s enthusiasm was infectious, and he ensured we captured the moment with plenty of photos.

After the sunrise, we ventured into the fields of frozen magma, remnants of past eruptions. The landscape was otherworldly, and Liong patiently waited for the crowds to thin out so we could take unobstructed photos. Our next stop was a serene lake, where we took a leisurely walk and snapped more pictures. The tranquility of the area was a stark contrast to the earlier excitement, offering a moment of reflection amidst the adventure.

A Soothing End to the Journey

The final leg of our tour took us to the natural hot springs, a perfect spot to unwind after the morning’s activities. Although I opted not to swim, the setting was idyllic, and I could see why it was a popular stop. Jero returned to pick us up, and on the way back, we made a brief stop at a local coffee shop. While I didn’t purchase anything, it was interesting to see the local coffee culture in action.

At my request, Jero also stopped at Subak Pulagan, a picturesque rice terrace that provided a stunning backdrop for more photos. Throughout the journey, both Jero and Liong shared insights into the local culture and way of life, enriching the experience with their stories. The tour was more than just a sightseeing trip; it was an opportunity to connect with the people and the land of Kintamani. For anyone seeking a unique adventure in Bali, I highly recommend the Mt Batur Jeep Tour.