After reading about other travel bloggers climbing the active volcano Mount Batur for sunrise, I knew this would be right up our street of must-dos in Bali.

After shopping around for the best prices, we booked our trekking tour with a company called Pineh Trekking through our hotel. This cost 250k IDR each for a guide, breakfast and transport.

* Be aware that there many rouge resellers pretending to sell this tour and for double the price so do your research.

All booked up and ready to go, now just the small matter of a very early wake up!

• 2 am – Hotel pick up to Pineh Colada Bali Coffee Plantation

• 3 am – Breakfast! Not sure if it was pre-hike nerves but I was starving. They served banana pancakes with chocolate sauce with your choice of tea or coffee.

• 4 am – A licensed trekking guide met the car to assist with our accent of around 2 hours from bottom to peak. Groups are normally 4 people per guide and we hiked with a lovely Chinese couple.

• 5 am – After a quick paced walk to the bottom of the mountain, the rest of the way was a steep hike/ scramble.  Half-way, we stopped for a much needed short rest and drink.

• 6 am – On arrival at the peak, we realised we were ahead of the crowds and had the pick of where to sit.  We were then served breakfast of banana sandwiches and boiled egg that had been cooked in the volcano steam!

• 6.25 am – Sunrise

• 9 am – The climb back down the mountain, was a lot slower due to the narrow paths and numerous tourists. Once we reached the bottom, we were driven back to Pineh Colada Bali Coffee Plantation and Organic Farm for our free banana fritters and to try a selection of tea and coffee.

Tips on what to bring

Wear layers – it really does get very very cold at the top of Mount Batur while you wait for the sun to rise. Climbing up and down you will get very hot and sweaty so thin layers and a big jumper/ jacket would be perfect

Torch – A bright head torch. Sections of the hike are a scramble and you will need to pull yourself up over rocks so keeping your hands free really helps.

Water – take more than you think you will need.

Do I need a guide?

Yes! These guides have walked up and down this mountain every day and know the terrain like the back of their hand. The path forks a few times and in the dark it’s hard to tell which one to pick. They also help pick out easier ways around difficult sections and will give you a helping hand should you need it.