Lake Batur, Volcanic crater lake at Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia
Lake Batur is a volcanic crater lake in the Kintamani region of northern Bali, sitting inside a large caldera alongside the still-active Mount Batur. The lake is enclosed by steep dark slopes covered with lava fields, and its water surface changes color through the day depending on light and clouds.
The lake formed thousands of years ago when a volcanic cone collapsed and left behind a wide crater that filled with water over time. The whole area, including the lake and the volcano, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2012 as part of the Bali Cultural Landscape.
The lake sustains local fishing communities whose boats dot the water daily, while its flow supports the rice paddies and gardens that terrrace the slopes above. People here have built their livelihoods around this water for generations, and you can see their presence in small wooden structures and nets along the shore.
The lake sits at elevation and the weather can shift quickly, so visiting in the early morning gives you the best chance of a clear view. Footpaths along the shore can be uneven and slippery after rain, so firm shoes are a good idea.
Hot springs and gas vents lie beneath the surface of the lake and sometimes bubble up visibly, warming small areas of the water. Local fishermen know exactly where these spots are and tend to avoid them when setting their nets.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
