Many people love holidaying in Bali because of its beautiful beaches. However, traveling on this island is not just about hopping from one beach to another. Bali has diverse natural attractions. Batur Lake is one of them. This volcanic crater lake is one of the most sacred on the island.
Moreover, the lake also offers scenic views, cultural holiday experiences, and fun adventures. Exploring this lake is ideal for those seeking a break from the crowded beach towns. Moreover, this lake is also an excellent holiday destination if you plan to explore Kintamani and Ubud during the holiday.
What to Know about Lake Batur
Lake Batur is a volcanic lake inside the caldera of the ancient Mount Batur. The location of this body of water is in Kintamani, Bangli Regency, approximately 30 km from Ubud. As it is at the foot of a volcano, Lake Batur altitude is approximately 1,030 m above sea level.
1. The Lake Overview
Most travelers who have explored Lake Batur consider it a natural wonder. The extent of bluish, clear water in this lake looks magnificent, with hills and Batur Volcano in the background. This view looks even more splendid at sunrise and sunset.
At the shore of this lake, tourists will find a stunning temple and local eateries. They will also discover unique, traditional villages and other attractive tourism spots.
The lake has a varied depth of up to 88 m. Moreover, the temperature around these tourist attractions is cooler than the beach. Therefore, travelers planning to explore Lake Batur must prepare warm clothes.
2. The Best Time to Visit Lake Batur
Most holiday makers explore Batur Lake and the Batur active volcano at the same time because both tourism spots are in the same area. The best time to visit the Batur volcano and lake is during the dry season (May to September).
The lake offers its best panorama in the dry season. Its water looks clearest and bluest during those months. Moreover, the lake surroundings are lush green. The weather is also sunny. Therefore, tourists can explore the lake and the volcano without worrying about the rain.
3. How to Get to Lake Batur
Travelers can opt for several modes of transportation to reach Lake Batur. The drive to this lake may take 1.5 hours from Ubud or 2.5 hours from Denpasar. Below are several methods to go to Lake Batur.
- Renting Scooters: Going to Lake Batur by a rented scooter is affordable. However, it can be too challenging because some roads are steep. Moreover, it is dangerous for those who are not good at riding scooters.
- Private Driver: Renting a car and its driver allows travelers to reach Lake Batur more comfortably. However, this transportation method tends to be expensive.
- Public Transport: Travelers can also use public transport to reach the lake. If they depart from Denpasar, they can go to Ubung terminal and take a bus to Kintamani. After that, they can order an online transportation to get to the lake.
- Join a Tour Package: Joining a Batur tour package is ideal for you who want to travel without hassle. The tour typically includes pickup service, lunch, and a guide.
Things to Do in Batur Lake and Its Surroundings
Travelers can try several fun activities on Lake Batur. Moreover, they can explore many tourist attractions around the lake. Below are activities you must try while holidaying in this lake.
1. Relaxing in a Natural Hot Spring
Tourists must try to relax in one of the natural hot springs near the lake. Some Batur Lake hot springs you can visit are Toya Bungkah and Toya Devasya. Each of them has 8 to 10 pools of hot springs. Moreover, their temperatures range between 37ºC and 40ºC.
Bathing in one of those pools will give you a therapeutic benefit. The warm water will ease your muscles. Therefore, you will feel relaxed and no longer tired.
2. Explore the Lake on a Canoe or a Boat
One of Lake Batur activities you must not miss is exploring the lake on a canoe or a boat. Holiday makers can rent a canoe from a canoe rental near the lake. Canoeing in this lake is safe for beginners if they do it in the morning or afternoon when the wind is weak.
Typically, the wind on this lake is at its strongest from 12 to 2 a.m. A canoe tour in this lake also includes a holy jacket. Furthermore, those who love fishing can also book a canoe tour that includes fishing gear.
Those who want to explore this lake without paddling a canoe can opt for a boat tour. On the boat, travelers can enjoy the scenic view around the lake with more comfort. To get even more spectacular views, you can book a sunrise boat ride.
3. Visit Trunyan Village
Trunyan village is in Kintamani, on the east side of Lake Batur. People in this village have unique cultures, specifically regarding their burial process. In Trunyan, villagers do not bury dead bodies.
They just place the bodies on the ground near manyan trees in a cemetery-like area. Surprisingly, tourists won’t smell unpleasant odors from those bodies. According to the locals, manyan trees absorb the foul odors from dead bodies.
4. Visit Ulun Danu Batur Temple
Ulun Danu Batur temple is the second most sacred temple in Bali. This temple stands on the shore of Lake Batur. However, it was not the original location of this temple. Before 1926, this temple was at the foot of Mount Batur.
However, a massive explosion destroyed this temple and its surrounding village in 1926. Consequently, the locals rebuilt the temple near the lake. They built the Ulun Danu Batur temple to worship the goddess of the lake.
The Lake Batur Bali temple offers a lovely view with hills, a volcano, and a lake as its background. It also has an attractive architecture. Travelers can visit this temple at any time of the day since it is open 24 hours. However, the best time to visit the temple is at noon.
5. Join a Cycling Tour
Another fun activity you can do around Lake Batur is taking a cycling tour. Kintamani is the home of several cycling tour operators. They offer various cycling tour packages.
For example, you can opt to take a downhill cycling tour. This tour offers breathtaking views of the lake and the volcano. Another cycling tour allows you to explore traditional villages and coffee plantations on Mount Batur caldera.
Batur Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Bali. This lake not only offers a breathtaking view but also fun adventures. During a holiday on this lake, travelers can take a boat tour, explore the lake on a canoe, and go fishing. They can also visit a beautiful temple, traditional villages, and coffee farms.
