Trunyan Hill offers a hidden gem of a hike in Bali, revealing stunning sights of Mount Abang and the Batur caldera, reminiscent of a Jurassic-era landscape!
This path is situated near the well-known Mount Batur volcano but sees far fewer visitors, making it a lesser-known treasure for foreign tourists.
I recently embarked on this hike, and it was a fantastic adventure filled with challenges and some of the most beautiful views found on the island.
This guide will detail how to tackle the hike and what you can look forward to!
Quick Facts*
- Distance: 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 770 meters (2,526 feet)
- Max Altitude: 1,820 meters (5,971 feet)
- Duration: 4 – 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
*The above statistics are for a roundtrip starting from Trunyan village
Common views along the trail
Trailhead: Directions
Trunyan Hill is found in the Kintamani region of northeastern Bali.
It takes about 1 to 2 hours to drive there from popular tourist areas like Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, or Kuta in southern Bali.
The roads are mostly well-paved, but the final stretch can be tricky due to winding, steep, and bumpy sections with potholes.
You have two starting points for this hike:
- Trunyan Village. This is the primary trailhead, which I utilized. The hike begins from a narrow alley within Trunyan village, identifiable by a sign along the road. Map here.
- Above Trunyan Village. This alternative trailhead is located higher up the hill. Starting here offers an easier trek since it reduces the hike by about 2 kilometers and 200 meters in elevation gain, but it requires more driving as it’s situated outside the caldera. Map here.
Trailhead sign in Trunyan village
Entering the trail through this alley
What To Anticipate: Hiking Trunyan Hill
Hiking up Trunyan is quite steep and can be tough, with several chances to twist an ankle if you’re not cautious, although it’s not dangerous in terms of steep drops.
Don’t forget your bug spray: the forest has mosquitoes, and I came across a swarm of biting flies at the summit. These flies are aggressive and can be quite bothersome! Kintamani is the only location in Bali where I encountered such pesky flies.
Thankfully, I hiked on a Saturday when the trail was pleasantly uncrowded. This made for a lovely change from the massive crowds frequently found at Mount Batur these days. I only crossed paths with one couple of foreign travelers accompanied by a guide and a few friendly local teenagers.
The steeper parts of the trail include some ropes that you can hold onto. While they’re not essential, they can provide support if you need a brief rest.
View back down the trail
This aerial shot of the trail appears more intimidating than it is.
A view of Lake Batur from a higher perspective.
While hiking, I enjoyed the soft sounds of Hindu rituals and prayers coming from the village below, creating a calming atmosphere.
I made it to the top of Trunyan Hill in about two hours since I took several breaks. A quicker hiker might reach the summit in 1.5 hours, but most people should plan for 2-3 hours.
The summit boasts breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Abang, Lake Batur, and even Mount Agung far off in the distance.
What I love most is the majestic cliff wall of Abang and the beautiful valley below, reminiscent of the Torean valley at Mount Rinjani.
The sign marking the top of Trunyan.
The distant view of Mount Agung.
• Part 2: Hiking Mount Abang
Once you reach the top of Bukit Trunyan, if you’re feeling up for it, you can continue on to the summit of Mount Abang, which is Bali’s third highest peak.
The path gets trickier from this point onward, so exercise caution and be mindful of your footing. There are steep drops on both sides of the trail; a local hiker tragically fell here in 2024.
Regardless, it’s worth at least going as far as the saddle between Trunyan and Abang; the views from there are among the finest of the entire hike.
Mount Abang, as seen from Trunyan Hill.
Misty cliffs
Entrance Fee
As of 2025, there’s no fee to access the Trunyan hike, but visitors are encouraged to make a small donation at a registration booth located by the trail entrance. I contributed 30k Rupiah, which seemed acceptable.
A guide isn’t mandatory, and I wasn’t urged to hire one, but this might change in the future, especially if the trail gains popularity.
The Kintamani region is known for its scamming issues, with some locations like Mount Batur and Mount Abang pressuring visitors to hire guides. It could be just a matter of time before this becomes a requirement for this trail as well.
Red plant
Offerings in the forest
Best Time To Go
The ideal time to hike this trail is during Bali’s dry months, which typically run from April to October.
I visited in mid-April, and the conditions were perfect—not too wet or muddy, yet not overly dry or dusty.
Generally, the trail is not very crowded, but it’s best to avoid visiting during Indonesian holidays.
I believe the best time to start is at sunrise. I started a bit later than planned, and next time I’ll make sure to arrive earlier.
I left Sanur at 5 AM, got to the trailhead by 7 AM, and made it to the top of Trunyan by 9 AM. It worked out, but I missed the sunrise and barely got ahead of the clouds that usually cover Kintamani afterward.
If you prefer to stay close to the hike, there are nice hotels and homestays in the Kintamani region, allowing you to begin your hike early without losing too much sleep. I will include some recommendations below.
Where To Stay In Kintamani
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental
If you want to explore Bali safely and comfortably in a private car with an English-speaking driver, I highly recommend GetYourGuide.
Their rates start at 700k Rupiah (~$48 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing around Bali (up to 10 hours) for up to 5 passengers. This price includes the whole car, driver, and petrol, making it a fantastic deal. They also offer affordable airport transfers to hotels.
If you prefer to move around by motorbike, they have that option too. Their scooter rentals begin at 140k Rupiah (~$9), including a helmet, raincoat, and free delivery in Southern Bali.
We’ve utilized GetYourGuide for numerous tours and activities globally, and they are excellent! Highly recommended.
Book Now: Bali Private Driver / Scooter Rental
Bonus: Trunyan Cemetery
While you’re in the Trunyan area, consider visiting the infamous cemetery referred to as Bali’s ‘skull island.’
This eerie site is just a brief boat ride away from the main harbor in Trunyan village, making it easy to pair with the hill hike.
A trip to the cemetery takes around half an hour, so you can do both activities in the same day.
Read More: Trunyan Cemetery
Read More: Best Things To Do In Kintamani
Bodies are buried above ground at the mysterious Trunyan cemetery
More Bali Travel Guides
Thank you for checking this out! I hope you found this guide on the Trunyan Hill hike in Bali helpful.
Be sure to look at my other Bali travel guides while you organize your trip!
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