Mount Batur Guide and Natural Hot Spring

We opted to go for the Mount Batur sunrise trek and hot springs. Our driver, Tomblos, was in contact a couple of days before to confirm contact information and pickup. He was at our hotel before the pickup time and we left promptly. It was 2:30am and he drove us through Ubud and out through the pitch dark countryside with confidence. We arrived at the start point in time to have a hot drink at the café while our guide Yulia issued our equipment - stout bamboo walking poles and a head torch. We shouldered our backpacks and Yulia checked we had rain jackets before setting off. Leaving on the road, we quickly turned off to a farm track which led us to the start of the path up to the summit. I had been having difficulty, needing my asthma inhaler almost immediately. After a short while trying to push on through it I decided to turn back because I didn't want to risk the others in our group missing sunrise or cause any problems or danger to anyone on the path. Yulia checked I knew the route back and called Tomblos to meet me at the foot of the path. I started back, and encountered several groups on their way up who each checked I was OK and knew where I was going. Everyone was incredibly helpful. Tomblos met me at the road as I couldn't remember if we'd turned left or right there, and we walked back to the cafe. I felt safe and very well looked after at every moment, which allowed my partner to continue to the summit with peace of mind. The hike was his Christmas gift after all! My partner did confirm that it was the right decision; the path got steeper and harder going (but he also confirmed it's worth it). Which brings me to my suggestions: 1. If you have asthma, perhaps reconsider 2. Hiking boots or sport shoes are recommended. I believe there's a misinterpretation that sport shoes includes fashion trainers. Many on the path were wearing flimsy fashion shoes that couldn't support their wearers with the steep slope and looser surfaces. I would NOT recommend trainers. We wore tough hiking boots and needed them 3. Make sure to have some cash with you. There are vendors along the way and at the top and they got up earlier than you did :) Special mention for our younger guide, Gede - you're the OG and thank you for staying with my boyfriend. He was wowed by your ability to run up the mountain and I was impressed with your photography. Well done on both counts. We have awesome memories of this morning because of you!

I recently joined a sunrise trekking tour at Mt. Batur, and it was an incredible experience. My driver, Mr. Andi, was professional and drove us safely to the meeting point. Our guide, Mr. Jordan, was fantastic, helping our group of four (including fellow travelers from Europe) reach the summit in just 74 minutes. The sunrise, though not perfect, was breathtaking. Mr. Jordan surprised us with a delicious breakfast at the top, which made the moment even better. Out of nowhere, a group of monkeys appeared, rushing to grab our leftovers. They weren’t aggressive or interested in our belongings—just there for the food. It was such an unexpected and memorable encounter! After descending, we had a relaxing soak in the hot springs before wrapping up the day. The tour was very well-organized, and both Mr. Andi and Mr. Jordan went above and beyond. Highly recommended!

Tour guide name Gusmang is very good service for us. This trip is very amazing and memorable. We have a good sunrise view and and hotspring experience.