For families looking for an outdoor adventure in Bali, biking around Mount Batur offers a unique way to experience the island’s volcanic landscape.
Riding through lava fields, small villages, and lush countryside, it’s an experience that feels far removed from Bali’s beaches. That said, it’s more challenging than it might first appear.
Our trip didn’t go quite as planned—but it turned into one of our most memorable days in Bali.
Read on for practical tips for planning your biking trip around Mount Batur.
How to See Mount Batur
Many travellers opt for the sunrise hike, leaving in the early hours (often around 2 am) to reach the summit as the sun rises.
Alternatively, you can explore the area by bike, cycling around the base of the active volcano.
With younger kids who love biking adventures, the choice felt easy—at least at the time.
Cycling Around the Base of Mount Batur
Usually, I plan our adventures down to the smallest detail—but this time, I missed the mark.
Aside from organizing how to get there, I did very little research. I pictured a relaxing ride through the countryside.
That was not the case.
The full loop around Mount Batur is about 28 km—an ambitious ride with kids ages 9 and 12. The terrain was also more challenging than expected, with frequent elevation changes and uneven ground, especially in the lava fields.
Our Experience
The ride started off well. The first section was relatively easy, with gentle hills and winding roads. The boys loved picking up speed on the downhill sections and cruising into the next incline.
But it didn’t take long for things to get tougher.
As the climbs became steeper, we found ourselves hopping off our bikes more often to walk.
When the terrain levelled out, we passed through a small village and stopped at a local stand for fresh fruit and drinks—a welcome break. Luckily, it was a cloudy day with occasional light rain, which helped keep us cool. At this point, the boys were starting to feel it, but the promise of reaching the lava fields kept them motivated.
We continued our journey, and we reached a clearing with beautiful views of the surrounding rice fields and Mount Batur rising in the distance.
The Mishaps Begin…
With 15 km to go, things took a turn—Derek’s bike chain broke.
We called the rental shop, and they quickly sent a technician to meet us on the trail. While we waited, Derek half-rode, half-pushed his bike until help arrived. Thankfully, the repair was quick, and we were back on our way.
Tip: Just before the lava fields, you’ll reach a T-junction. Continue left. The road to the right leads uphill to the crater. After this point, the trail becomes much quieter, with no cars and only the occasional motorbike.
The Lava Fields
Reaching the lava fields felt like entering a completely different landscape.
Surrounded by jagged black rock, with stormy skies and distant thunder, there was an almost haunting feeling as we rode. It was beautiful—but also the most challenging part of the ride.
For inexperienced off-road cyclists, the terrain is tough. Loose rocks, uneven ground, and small but frequent climbs made it difficult to maintain balance. I took a fall and injured my knee, and had to walk the remainder of this section.
After about 5 km, we made it back to the main road—just in time for the skies to open. Rain poured down for the rest of the ride, and we arrived back at the shop completely soaked.
What was meant to be a 3-hour ride turned into a 5-hour adventure—but somehow, we all ended it smiling.
Tips for Biking Mount Batur
- Bike Rental: We rented from C-Bali Canoeing and Cycling, located across from the lake near the start of the route.
- Choose mountain bikes with gears and suspension—essential for the terrain
- The shop closes at 5:00 pm, which can limit timing if you want to visit the lava fields in the late afternoon when the sun casts its light upon them.
- Route Direction: Ride counterclockwise. You’ll tackle the hills first and finish with a more gradual descent. It also allows you to reach the lava fields toward the end.
- Traffic: The initial section on the main road can be busy. This was one of the more stressful parts with the kids.
- Sun Protection: Shade is limited—bring hats, sunscreen, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your neck and hands.
- Stay Hydrated: There are shops and fruit stands early in the route, but none in the second half. Bring enough water.
- Lava Fields: Expect uneven terrain, loose rocks, and steep sections. Encourage kids to go slowly and walk when needed.
Getting to Mount Batur
Located about 1.5 hours from Ubud, Mount Batur requires some planning to reach.
You can book a tour that includes transportation and a guide, or arrange your own driver. We chose the latter, hiring a private driver to take us, wait while we biked, and drive us back to Ubud.
Important note—while it’s easy to find a ride to Mount Batur, it can be difficult to arrange transportation back to Ubud. Be sure to organize a driver who will stay for the full duration of your ride.
One for the Memory Books
Not every adventure goes according to plan—and this was one of those days. But somewhere between the broken bike, the injured kneee, and the rain-soaked ride back, it became one of our favourite memories in Bali.
If your family is up for a challenge (and a bit of unpredictability), biking Mount Batur might just become one of those stories you’ll be telling long after the trip ends.
Ready to Explore Indonesia?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• 4-Week Indonesia Itinerary with Kids
• 16-Day Bali & Gili Island Itinerary with Kids
• Deep in the Sumatra Jungle: A Family Orangutan Trek in Indonesia
• A One-Day Family Adventure in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
• Fun Things to Do with Kids on Gili Island, Indonesia
• 3-Day Ubud Itinerary with Kids
• Fun Things to do with Kids in Ubud, Bali
• Learning to Rice Farm: A Family Experience in Ubud, Bali
