7 Stunning Hikes in Bali You Must Experience

Bali is a hiker's paradise with its diverse landscapes, including famous rice terraces, pristine rainforests, plantations, and charming villages. Although this compact and populated island isn't ideal for extensive multi-day hikes, the variety of day hikes and weekend adventures will keep you actively exploring.

In West Bali National Park and on the island's most challenging peaks and volcanoes, a guide is necessary. However, you can often explore remote areas on your own. Aside from the less inhabited 'Wild West,' Bali is filled with welcoming villages, making it easy to find supplies.

Here are the top hikes in Bali.

1. Sunrise Hike to Mt Batur

Best Hike for Captivating Photos

7km (4.4 miles) round trip, approximately 4 hours, moderate difficulty

Mt Batur is Bali’s most sought-after trek, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll appreciate the allure when you find yourself surrounded by fellow hikers, all mesmerized by the breathtaking sunrise view from the 1,717m (5,630ft) summit, overlooking the caldera lake and extending to Mt Agung, the island’s tallest peak, and distant Mt Rinjani on Lombok.

To catch the sunrise, aim to start your hike around 3am, reaching the summit just in time. Most adventurers join a tour from Ubud for convenience, despite the early start (typically around 1am to 2am, based on where you’re staying). The competition among tour operators ensures reasonable prices. Reliable companies like Balinese Sunrise Trekking and Tour and Indoglobal Adventure offer daily treks, while Mason Adventures provides a helicopter option for stunning aerial views over Batur.

While you can undertake this trek solo (it's quite straightforward), consider that the fees paid for guided tours support local guides in rural communities. Most tours wrap up by 9am, and you’ll definitely want to enjoy a hearty and healthy breakfast in Bali afterward. Don’t forget to bring water and an extra layer; it tends to be the coolest place you’ll encounter in Bali!

2. West Bali National Park

Best Hike for Wildlife Spotting

32km (20 miles), spanning 2 days, challenging (though shorter, easier walks are also available)

This remote region in Bali’s far west may challenge your perceptions of 'overcrowded' and 'overdeveloped' Bali. At Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park), you can choose between a leisurely two-hour walk or an adventurous jungle trek in a wilderness that once hosted tigers (with tales of them still circulating).

On Prapat Agung Peninsula, you’ll likely find yourself surrounded by herds of Sunda deer, common macaques, and elusive ebony leaf monkeys. While getting lost in the park's most visited area is unlikely, accessing the trails of West Bali National Park requires a permit and a guide. The closest park office is conveniently located at the entrance on Prapat Agung, near Sumber Kelompok village, north of Gilimanuk. Arrive the day before to organize your trip, allowing you to set off at dawn to enjoy cooler weather and better wildlife sightings.

Guide prices can vary significantly, so be prepared to negotiate. A skilled guide can assist you in spotting large squirrels (bigger than domestic cats), massive monitor lizards, and many of Bali’s approximately 280 bird species. Within the park, as well as on its more challenging peaks and volcanoes, having an experienced guide is not just a safety measure but can also transform an ordinary trek into an unforgettable journey.

3. Batukaru Overnight Summit

Best Hike for Bali Bragging Rights

19km (12 miles) round trip, 2 days, challenging

Standing at 2276m (7467ft), Batukaru is Bali’s second-tallest mountain and one of the island's least traveled peaks. There are two trails leading to the summit, both of which see minimal foot traffic and may become overgrown during the wet season (from October to February). Most hikers begin at Pura Luhur Batukaru on the southern side, while the northwestern trailhead at Pura Malen, situated at about 1000m (3280ft) elevation, is even more secluded.

With decent fitness, you can reach the summit in under four hours, allowing for a round trip in a single day if you start at dawn. However, for a more adventurous experience, consider camping at the summit. It can get chilly at the top, so bring a tent and sleeping bag, and make sure to carry ample water, as streams aren’t always reliable. Batukaru showcases unspoiled Bali at its finest.

4. Sekumpul Waterfall

Best hike for a waterfall swim

2.4km (1.5 miles) round trip, 1 hour, easy

The breathtaking Sekumpul Waterfall is tucked away just enough to escape the crowds that flock to more popular sites like Gitgit Waterfall, Banyumala Waterfalls, and Jembong Waterfall. Cascading approximately 80m (262ft) into a pool enveloped in ferns, Sekumpul consists of seven waterfalls that unite at this picturesque location—the name means 'coming together.' This spot offers more than just a hike; it’s the perfect place for a refreshing swim in one of Bali's most stunning natural settings. Even lesser-known waterfalls, such as Hidden and Fiji Falls, are easily reachable from the Sekumpul trail.

You'll find a ticket booth in the parking area to pay your admission fee. A three-tier pricing system is in effect. The entrance fee is about 20,000Rp per person (around US$1.50), which grants you 'view only' access to see Sekumpul Waterfall from afar. The 'Medium Trekking' option for approximately US$10 includes a guide, a donation to the local village, and access to swim at the base of the falls, as well as entry to nearby Hidden Falls. The 'Long Trekking' ticket (US$15) includes all of this plus access to Fiji Falls, though these are not as impressive as the other waterfalls.

5. Mt Agung

Best hike for pushing your limits

14.5km (9 miles) round trip, 10 hours, challenging

The trek to the summit of Mt Agung, along with up to 12km (7.5 miles) of its surrounding areas, has reopened following its eruption in 2018. At 3031m (9944ft) above sea level, sitting atop the world among the clouds, you may feel as if you're in the realm of the gods, as believed by Balinese Hindus. Even during calmer periods for mighty Agung, it's essential to check current conditions and hire a skilled guide. This climb is not for the timid; reaching the summit typically takes six to seven hours, while descending is noticeably quicker.

6. Campuhan Ridge Walk

Best accessible hike

3.2km (2 miles) round trip, 1.5 hours, easy

Despite its short length, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is remarkably varied, featuring picturesque rice paddies, fruit trees, jungle valleys, and even a temple (Pura Gunung Lebah). However, be prepared for some heat as there’s minimal shade along the ridge. Still, this walk offers a gentle experience that, while labeled a ridge walk, is manageable for small children.

The pathway is paved—though not smoothly enough for wheelchairs or strollers—allowing access even during the rainy season when the surrounding terraces and jungle trails around Ubud become too muddy. At the end of the ridge, you’ll find a few charming cafes and warungs (local eateries), making it easier to motivate kids with the promise of a refreshing smoothie. If you're in central Ubud, you won't need transportation to reach the trailhead near Campuhan Bridge, as it's less than 1km (0.6 miles) from Ubud Market. This walk is a favorite among Ubud residents, giving you a great chance to connect with the wonderful Balinese people.

7. Munduk’s Twin Lakes

Best hike for unspoiled lake views

8km (5 miles) one way, 3-4 hours, moderate

A stunning trail connects the two highland lakes, Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan, winding through shaded forest and along pristine lakeside paths. You’re unlikely to encounter many other hikers in this seldom-visited area, although the picturesque scenery and reflected peaks have attracted wedding photographers in recent years, drawn by both the beautiful landscapes and the easy accessibility.

Make sure to set aside time to visit several beautiful temples, including the charming Pura Ulun Danau Tamblingan. Bring a sarong to dress appropriately if a temple is in use. If you have a driver, you can complete the walk in one direction only. There are parking areas available by both lakes, allowing for pickup at the other end.