Best Walking Trails in North Bali

When visiting Bali, your journey feels incomplete without embracing its breathtaking natural scenery. One of the best ways to enjoy it is by taking a walking trail. Each step brings you close to nature, letting you soak in the island's charm at your own pace. From misty mountains to hidden waterfalls, here are some of the best places for walking trails in North Bali. 

1. Mount Batur

Located in Kintamani, Mount Batur is one of Bali's most iconic active volcanoes. Standing at 1,717 meters above sea level, it is considered one of the beginner friendly mountain to hike on the island. A spectacular sunrise view, often accompanied by a magical sea of clouds blanketing the creter floor. Mount Batur is also recognized as part of UNESCO Global Geopark, know for its impressive double caldera formation. To enjoy a pleasant hiking experience with favorable weather, it is best to plan your trek during the dry season, which falls between May and September. The journey to the summit usually takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours. If you want to catch the mesmerizing sunrise at the peak, you should start your hike early, around 3:00 to 4:00 in the morning.

2. Mount Lesung 

Nestled near lake Tamblingan in Munduk Village, Banjar, Mount Lesung is an ancient, inactive volcano with an elevation between 1,865 and 1,885 meters above seal level. The trail takes you through lush tropical rainforest filled with Bali's unique flora and fauna. Along the way, you can catch glimpses of the serene Lake Tamblingan at the mountain's foot. Beyond its natural beauty, Mount Lesung also carries cultural significance, with ancient temples scattered accross the area, each with its own history and spiritual meaning. This mountain offers two hiking routes: the Tamblingan trail and the Munduk village trail. The Tamblingan route passes along the Mue River and rewards hikers with stunning views of Lake Tamblingan from the summit. It is the shorter option, taking around 2–3 hours to complete. The Munduk village trail, on the other hand, is more challenging, with rocky paths and dense undergrowth along the way. This route takes about 3–4 hours to reach the top, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy adventure and a tougher challenge.

Source: https://www.bali.de/wandern/gunung-lesung/

3. Batu Kursi Hill

In Pemuteran Vilage, Gerokgak, you will find Batu Kursi Hill a scenic spot overlooking Pemuteran Bay and Vast rolling grassland. The landscape changes with the seasons: golden brown in the dry season and vibrant green in the rainy season. At 700 meters above sea level, the hill is not only a natural attraction but also home to sacred temple. Locals believe it to be a place of prayer for blessings, especially for those seeking positions of responsibility. It is most enjoyable to go hiking here either in the early morning to catch the sunrise or in the late afternoon to watch the sunset. Reaching the summit takes only about 15–30 minutes, and the trail itself is not too difficult. However, hiking at midday especially during the dry season is not recommended, as the sun can be extremely hot and there are very few trees along the path to provide shade.

Source: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/

4. Sekumpul Waterfall

Often called one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, Sekumpul is also the tallest. Located in sekumpul Village, Sawan District, the journey to reach it requires effort: about a 300-meter trails through the forst and descending 350-365 steps. But once you arrive, you are greeted by a pristine cascade of water surrounded by lush greeny, a soothing, unforgettable reward for your walk. The best time to enjoy a walking trail at Sekumpul Waterfall is in the  morning, when the air feels crisp and refreshing, and the water flows crystal clear. Morning light also adds a magical touch, making the waterfall sparkle beautifully against the lush green surroundings. It is not recommended to visit during the rainy season, as the trail can become extremely slippery and dangerous.

Source: https://images.world-of-waterfalls.com/Sekumpul

5. Twin Lakes Viewpoint

North Bali is home to the stunning “Twin Lakes”. Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. The best vantage point is the Twin Lakes Viewpoint, where you can admire both lakes from above, framed by dense tropical forest. These lakes were once a single body of water until a slide split them into two separate lakes. Today, they rest quietly in the extinct volcanic caldera of Bedugul, offering one of the most serene walking experiences in Bali. The ideal time for a walking trail in this area is in the morning, between 6:00 and 10:00 when the mist has started to lift, allowing for clear and stunning views. Alternatively, you can come in the late afternoon, from 3:00 to 6:00, when the sunset paints the sky and the mist slowly drifts down over the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere. Visiting during the rainy season is not recommended, as heavy mist often blankets the area and blocks the breathtaking view of the lake.

Source:https://images.wanderon.in/gallery/