Batur Natural Hot Spring, Toya Bungkah: Soaking Above Lake Batur

Coming down from the Mount Batur sunrise trek with sore legs and Kintamani's biting air, only one thing makes sense: a hot soak. The village of Toya Bungkah, on the western shore of Lake Batur, has several separately run bathing complexes — this article is specifically about Batur Natural Hot Spring, not Toya Devasya in the same village.

Sulphur pools facing Lake Batur

• Natural volcanic water: it emerges from springs at the foot of Mount Batur at around 50°C, then cools to a comfortable 37–40°C in the pools.
• Open panorama: tiered pools look straight out over the lake, with the silhouette of Mount Abang on the far side.
• Facilities: lockers, towels and changing rooms are usually included in the ticket; there is a restaurant and gazebos at the pool edge.

Best time and tickets

Two sweet spots: morning from 08:00 to 10:00, right after descending the summit, and late afternoon when mist starts creeping across the lake. Midday is busiest with tour groups. Allow 1.5–2 hours so you are not rushed.

Getting there from Penelokan

From Penelokan, take the descending road to Kedisan, then follow the lakeshore north to Toya Bungkah — about 20–30 minutes. Count 1.5 hours from Ubud. The descent is steep and narrow; a car with a driver is safer than a scooter in the rain.

Safety notes

• Sulphur can tarnish silver jewellery — take off rings and necklaces before soaking.
• Sensitive or eczema-prone skin should limit soaking to 15–20 minutes, then rinse with fresh water.
• Drink plenty of water; warm pools dehydrate you fast, especially after trekking.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: Toya Bungkah, Kintamani, Bangli — western shore of Lake Batur. View on Google Maps
• Hours & tickets: daily roughly 07:00–19:00 WITA (closed on Nyepi); around IDR 70,000 for domestic adults and roughly IDR 150,000–200,000 for foreign visitors, less for children.
• What to bring: swimwear, a change of clothes, flip-flops, a plastic bag for wet things, drinking water, and a light jacket because Kintamani is cold.
• Booking/Info: walk-ins are usually fine, but online tickets are often cheaper; search on Instagram

Soaking while mist drifts across Lake Batur is the most honest way to close a morning climb. If you want to stay a night in Kintamani or drift back down to Ubud, check AccessiaPass hotel vouchers to trim your room rate before you set off.