MOUNT BATUR: Our first glimpse at a volcano!

It is so easy to get overwhelmed by things that surround you. The craze to see a volcano drove us across countries till we landed on the coasts of Indonesia. It was only at Mount Batur that we caught our first ever glimpse of a volcano.

While it is an active volcano, Mount Batur neither huffs nor puffs. In fact it sits very quietly in the middle of two concentric calderas. It was definitely not what we expected a volcano to look like. Too us it looked like a hill or at best a mountain. Mount Batur is for all purposes a sleeping giant. Don’t let looks deceive you. From what our guide Trish told us, this volcano has wrecked plenty of havoc each time it erupted.

EXPERIENCING THE MIGHT OF THE VOLCANO

There are two ways to see and experience Mount Batur. You can get down on your hands and knees (and you have to do just that at places!) and scale the impressive beast or you can peek at it from a safe distance. Whichever way you choose to do it, Mount Batur is bound to stun you for the view is spectacular. Avid trekkers choose to trek up the sides of Mount Batur make it up in the dark so that they can catch a glance at the sun as it rises in the morning.

There is a really nice view point from on top of the caldera which is easy to reach since it is at the side of the road. I have to warn you that if you are thinking of approaching by bike and you don’t have an international license then don’t. There are police waiting at the bend and the fine is hefty. Luckily we were forewarned and we chose to take a self planned tour for just the three of us. Our home stay owner’s son Trish kindly consented to be our guide and driver.

FROM OUR PERCH ON THE VIEW POINT

We choose the easier path. The view point allows you to see both the stratovolcano at the center as well as the lake at its side. One side of the Mount Bromo is painted black. This is because of the black sand deposition during the last eruption. Trish explained that the big trucks that passed us on our way up to the view point were actually carrying sand which had been mined from the side of the volcano.

Since Batur is a heritage site there is a lot of information available in the vicinity. Three charts are placed at the view point and they explain the geological interests surrounding Batur. While they are written in the local dialect, the English translation is also available.

Unlike Ijen, the lake at Batur’s foot was safe for habitation. Fish in the lake provide the four villages in the caldera with a source of income and food. From as far as the view point you can see people in the lake fishing.

A lot of local touts will try to sell you everything from fruits to sarongs and they can be very persistent. Trish warned us that they initially tell you that their fruits are free and then suddenly charge you for them. It was a warning that we heeded well. Try to ignore the touts and they will eventually go away.

THE THINGS WE MISSED

You can’t always see everything. Sometimes you just have to choose and leave the rest for another time and another day. In our case this involved skipping the volcano museum and a drive to lake Batur. Time constraints made it impossible.

MOUNT BATUR IN A NUTSHELL

• Don’t rent a bike to visit Mount Batur unless you have an international drivers permit.
• Don’t entertain the touts.
• The scenery is amazing but try and get there before the crowds do.
• If you have time visit the volcano museum.