8 Best Hiking Trails in Bali that will Leave you Breathless

Anytime someone hears Bali, they think about the vast blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the stunning white sand beaches. But, did you know that Bali has some of the most amazing hiking trails in the world? Its volcanic peaks, rice paddy fields, and lush jungles with rich flora and fauna make the place a hiker’s paradise.

There are many hiking trails in Bali that can take anything between a couple of hours to 8 hours to trek. While some of them are meant for serious hikers, anybody who wants to explore the countryside, can take short and relaxing hikes through the various plantations with the help of a guide.

In this article, we bring the 8 best hiking trails in Bali that will leave you breathless:

1. West Bali National Park: One of the most famous and best hiking trails in Bali, the West Bali National Park is a treasure trove of exotic flora and fauna. The trail takes hikers through the Prapat Agung Peninsula, which give one access to vast stretches of beaches and forests alike. Lucky hikers can spot a variety of fauna like wild pigs, Munkac or Barking Deer, monkeys, and black macaque, etc. The national park flows through large swatches of a conservation forest and mangroves. The national park is home to around 200 species of flora and over 300 species of birds. Treks usually last for 7 hours and have to be accompanied by a guide. March through September are the best times to hike the West Bali National Park.

Where: Buleleng Regency, Bali

How much does it cost: The entrance fee is INR 1000-1600. The cost of hiring a guide is separate.

2. Mount Batur: One of the top hiking trails in Bali, this trek is meant for sunrise lovers. Mount Batur is a volcanic peak and the second-highest point in Bali. Hikers can go for early morning treks to watch the sunrise from the summit at 1717m and gaze at the stunning expanse of the valley and the caldera lakes. While the 4-hr long trek is not considered very intense, it helps to take the help of a guide to navigate through the trail. Guides are available at the Pura Jati and Toya Bungkah. There are also a few natural hot springs along the way at Toya Bungkah and Tirta Sanjiwani.

Where: Bangli Regency, Bali

How much does it cost: The cost of hiking in Mount Batur is anywhere between INR 1000- 3500 per person depending on the season. The cost of hiring a guide is separate.

3. Mount Ayung: Standing at 3031 meters above sea level, Mount Ayung is the highest peak in Bali and home to a recently active volcano. It is, perhaps, one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Bali and offers a stunning view of the caldera and Mount Rinjani making it one of the best hiking trails in Bali. Unlike Mount Batur, the hike up Mount Ayung, is rather challenging, and it can take around 6-7 hours for hikers to reach the summit. Mount Ayung was closed for hiking since the volcanic eruption of 2018, but it opened to the public again in 2022. Hikers are still advised to keep themselves updated about the day-to-day status of the eruption before proceeding with the hike.

Where: Karangasem

How much does it cost: The cost of hiking in Mount Ayung is anywhere between INR 2500- 7000 per person depending on the season and route.

4. Sambangan Secret Garden Waterfall: This magical and best hiking trails in Bali, takes hikers through three majestic waterfalls – Kroya, Pucuk, and Kembar. Hikers can start the trek from the Sambangan secret garden waterfall car park and from there it takes around 3-4 hours to reach the waterfalls. The trek is comparatively easy and people can enjoy the view of massive rice fields and coffee plantations along the way.

Where: Buleleng Regency, Bali

How much does it cost: The cost of hiking in Sambangan Secret Garden Waterfall is anywhere between INR 50-100 per person.

5. Candidasa trek: For anyone who is tempted to book their tickets to Bali after seeing pictures of lush green rice fields, Candidasa is the place to be. Candidasa is located at the base of Mount Ayung. Hikers can take a leisurely walk through the rice paddy fields or trek to the Lempuyang Temple. Visitors are bound to spot farmers working on their fields as they cross small hamlets on their way. It usually takes around 2 hours to finish the hike, and it is much more beneficial to take a guide who has a lot a of knowledge about the route and rural life in Bali.

Where: Karangasem

How much does it cost: The cost of hiking in Candidasa is anywhere between INR 1000-2000 per person.

6. Mount Catur trail: Standing at 2096 meters above sea level, Mount Catur is a volcanic peak at the summit of which is the Bratan Caldera. From the top, one can view Bratan Lake, which is Bali’s second-largest freshwater lake. Just close to the lake is the famous Bratan temple. It usually takes 2-3 hours to reach the summit and takes hikers through the forest and a few beautiful plantations.

Where: Badung Regency, Bali

How much does it cost: The cost of hiking in Mount Catur is anywhere between INR 1000- 2000 per person.

7. Munduk’s trail: The Munduk trail takes hikers through many amazing waterfalls, the Ulun Danu temple, and the famous twin lakes – Tamblingan Lake and Buyan Lake. Hikers get the opportunity to explore the verdant rainforests of Bali on this trek which is considered one of the best hiking trails in Bali. There are also other small temples hidden in the jungle on the way to the lakes like the Dalem and the Telega Aye. April through October is the best period to visit Munduk.

Where: Munduk

How much does it cost: The cost of hiking in Munduk is free!

8. Tegalalang Rice Field Hiking: Another hike that takes visitors through the lush rice paddy fields of Bali, the Tegalanlang rice field hiking is very popular among hikers. The trek, which is the best hiking trail in Bali, offers a view of the beautiful verdant villages of Bali where farmers are hard at work in the fields. Hikers can also explore Campuhan Ridge on their way. Anyone who also wants to explore the coffee can go to Bali Pulina. The trail leads one to the stunning Gunung Kawi temple, which is also a UNESCO Heritage site.

Where: Tegalalang

How much does it cost: The cost of hiking in Tegalalang is anywhere between INR 2000-4000 per person.