The Hidden Miracle of Bali: Hiking Trunyang Hill overlooking the Batur Caldera
For those looking for a track away from the crowds in Bali, Bukit Trunyan is on the must-see list. This is an underrated walk with stunning panoramas of the volcanic caldera of Lake Batur and the massif of Mount Abang - the landscapes here sometimes resemble the Jurassic landscape.
Short on the track
- Distance: 5.8 km (round-trip starting from Trunyang village)
- Altitude gain: 770 m
- Maximum height: 1,820 m
Travel time: 4-6 hours (actually 2-3 hours to the top if walking up with stops)
- Difficulty: medium to heavy
Where the trail begins and how to get there
The hill is located in the Kintamani district in northeastern Bali. The trip from the popular southern areas - Ubud, Sanur, Changu or Kuta - will take about 1-2 hours. The road as a whole is paved, but the last kilometers are winding, steep and in places with pits - more attentively on the steering wheel.
There are two starts:
From the village of Trunyang - the main and most logical. The trail runs away from a narrow alley in the depths of the village; there is a sign by the road.
Above the village is an alternative climb, which reduces walking by about 2 km and eliminates 200 m of climb, but you will have to go a little longer to the climbing point.
If you are not sure about the route, consider a guide: there are morning tours “sunrise trekking” in Trunyang, which are often complemented by bathing in hot springs near Lake Batur – a great option for self-employed people who want to add comfort and local context.
What to expect on the trail
The trail is quite steep and sometimes rocky - an awkward step can lead to a sprain of the ankle, but there are almost no dangerous cliffs. On steep areas, ropes are installed: they are not necessary, but they will help to save energy when climbing. Be sure to take insect repellent: in the forest there are mosquitoes, and on the plateau there are persistent small flies - it was here in Bali that I first encountered such annoying "flyers".
The feeling from the route is pleasant: the trail is rarely crowded - even on Saturday I met only a couple of tourists with a guide and a few local teenagers. As you get up from the village, you can hear quiet voices and singing during Hindu ceremonies, which adds a special atmosphere.
Time and pace
It took the author about 2 hours to the top with photo stops and rest; a brisk walk will give the result in 1.5 hours. For most, an adequate calculation is 2-3 hours one way, plus time to inspect the summit and return (the whole route is approximately 4-6 hours).
Types and continuation of the route
At the top, there are 360° views: Mount Abang (and its impressive rock wall), Lake Batur and the caldera, and in clear weather, Agung volcano is visible in the distance. The landscape of the valley near Abang resembles the Torean Valley near Rinjani – very impressive.
If you still have enough strength, you can continue from Trunyang Hill to the top of Mount Abang - this is a more serious task, because Abang is the third highest mountain in Bali.
Little advice.
- Good grip shoes and trekking sticks will help in steep areas.
- Repellent is mandatory.
- Water and a light snack - masthav: there are no services on the trail.
If you want to add stories, local information about religious rites and a safer way to get there, take a walk with a local guide: he will show you secret vantage points, tell you about the traditions of Trunyang and organize logistics (especially if you are planning a dawn exit or transfer from the lake).
Trunyang Hill is a great choice for those who are tired of the crowded climbs on Batur and are looking for a more secluded, but picturesque track. It’s quite possible to do it on your own, but a walk with a local guide will make the trip richer and easier to plan – especially if you want to sunrise on the top and swim in the hot springs after.
Text and photo:https://www.personalguide.ru/
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