As far as adventurous destinations go, Indonesia is definitely up there with the best in the world.
From active volcanoes to white water rafting, wilderness jungle trekking to world-class surf breaks, if you’re looking for adrenaline, there is plenty to be found in Indonesia, especially in Bali and Lombok.
It only takes a skim read of any old Indonesia bucket list infographic on social media to see ‘hike a volcano’ somewhere near the top.
Here at The Bali Sun, we like to encourage travelers to be a little more creative with their itinerary planning, but in this case, we’ll make an exception.
Hiking a volcano in Indonesia is an absolute must-do, especially if you’re looking to connect with nature, challenge yourself physically, and do something a little out of the ordinary.
Bali and Lombok are both home to active volcanoes. As volcano trekking is becoming even more popular in 2026, here at The Bali Sun, we thought it was about time to compare and contrast the island’s most famous peaks: Bali’s Mount Batur and Lombok’s Mount Rinjani.
Let us be clear, hiking to the summit of Mount Batur and hiking to the summit of Mount Rinjani are two very different endeavors.
Both are serious hikes in their own right, but Mount Batur can be summited in a few hours, whereas Mount Rinjani is a multi-day hike.
Hiking to the summit of Mount Batur for sunrise is one of the most popular adventure activities for tourists visiting Bali. Tourists start the hike between 2 and 3 am to reach the summit at sunrise.
Although the trail to the summit is well-trodden, it is treacherous in places and poorly signed. This is one of the many reasons why all trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed local guide.
Local guides will often offer full-package tours that include pickup and drop-off from hotels and accommodation, a small breakfast at the summit, a well-earned coffee, and all entry fees for the trekking route.
It is spectacular, and one of the bucket list activities in Bali that we here at The Bali Sun can hand on heart say is worth the hype. While the trek is strenuous, it is accessible to those with a moderate fitness level; take it all at a pace that you can handle is our advice, it’s not a race after all!
Then there is glorious Mount Rinjani. The tallest peak on Lombok is a serious multi-day trek for those who want to accomplish a serious expedition while in Indonesia.
It’s easy enough to travel from Bali to Lombok, either by fast boat or by a short flight. Mount Rinjani stands proudly at 3,726m above sea level and requires a high level of fitness and some hiking experience before setting off.
Mount Rinjani, like all Indonesian mountains and volcanic peaks, can only be explored with a licensed local guide.
As interest in hiking to the summit of Mount Rinjinai increases, more investment is being made in developing premium services for hikers. They even serve hotel-quality meals on their multi-day treks to the Segara Anak Crater at the volcano’s summit.
Rinjani Hero, for example, has been around since 2012 and has a premium trekking service available for tourists who want to experience the adventures Lombok has to offer, whatever their budget or desired level of comfort.
When climbing Mount Rinjani, it is essential that tourists opt for a reputable tour company with a strict set of Standard Operating Procedures and highly trained, experienced staff. It’s important for trekkers to decide which route is best for them.
There are several routes to the summit of Mount Rinjani, each offering a different level of challenge.
As you can see, there is a big difference between hiking Mount Batur and trekking Mount Rinjani, and it’s not only the islands where these peaks are located. Tourists who are looking to explore Indonesia’s volcanoes are advised to really do their research, to be honest about their abilities and fitness levels.
If you’re looking for our advice, and we may be biased given that we’re called The Bali Sun, but start with Mount Batur, then take on Mount Rinjani…Indonesia offers a lifetime of adventure after all.
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