Exploring Trunyan Hill: Bali’s Hidden Hiking Gem
Welcome to another insightful post by EbookParrot (EP). Let’s dive into today’s discussion about “Exploring Trunyan Hill: Bali’s Hidden Hiking Gem”. Trunyan Hill is a breathtaking gem in Bali, renowned for its stunning vistas and enchanting trails. As you begin this hiking journey, you’ll be surrounded by the vivid and captivating beauty of the natural landscape. The route meanders gracefully, leading you toward two majestic peaks, including the impressive summit of Mount Abang. Along the way, you’ll be captivated by panoramic views that unfold at every twist and turn, showcasing the lush greenery and the serene surroundings. Each step offers a new perspective, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural wonder that Bali has to offer.
Exploring Trunyan Hill: Bali’s Hidden Hiking Gem Satellite Map View
Trunyan Hill is a hidden gem in Bali that offers stunning views of Mount Abang and the Batur caldera. The landscape looks like it’s straight out of a prehistoric world!
Located near the well-known Mount Batur volcano, this trail attracts far fewer visitors—most foreign tourists haven’t even heard of it.
I recently hiked Trunyan Hill, and it was an incredible experience. While the trek is challenging, the scenery is some of the most breathtaking on the island.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about the hike and what to expect along the way!
Key Details*
- Trail Length: 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 770 meters (2,526 feet)
- Highest Point: 1,820 meters (5,971 feet)
- Estimated Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Trailhead:
Embark on an exhilarating adventure along this 15.0-kilometer out-and-back trail nestled near Bangli, Bali. Renowned for its challenging terrain, this route typically demands around 9 hours and 30 minutes to conquer. Despite its popularity among hikers, campers, and backpackers, the trail offers tranquil moments of solitude, particularly during the serene hours when the sun begins to crest the horizon.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the shimmering Lake Batur, surrounded by vibrant greenery and towering mountain peaks. One noteworthy destination is Trunyan Hill, whose summit rewards your efforts with sweeping panoramic vistas. From this elevation, gaze upon the iconic Mount Batur and the shimmering Lake Batur to the west, while to the south, Mount Abang and the majestic Mount Agung rise proudly. To the east, the coastline stretches out like a glistening ribbon, and on particularly clear days, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Rinjani’s silhouette across the sea in Lombok.
Sunrise at the summit of Trunyan Hill is truly mesmerizing, with the sky coming alive in brilliant shades of orange and pink. It’s a beloved destination for early morning trekkers and campers looking to wake up to a serene and unforgettable view. Along the trail from Trunyan village, you’ll pass the serene Pancering Jagat Temple, gracefully perched on the eastern edge of the village, adding a touch of cultural richness to your journey. This trail is not just a hike; it’s an immersive experience that showcases the breathtaking beauty of Bali’s natural landscape.
Where the Journey Begins
Trunyan Hill is situated in the Kintamani region of northeast Bali.
It’s about a 1–2 hour drive from popular southern spots like Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, or Kuta. The entire route is paved, but the final stretch requires caution, as the road becomes winding, steep, and uneven, with some potholes along the way.
There are two potential starting points for the hike:
- The main trailhead is located in Trunyan Village, which is the route I followed. The trail begins from a narrow alley in the heart of the village and is marked by a roadside sign, making it fairly easy to find. “VIEW_MAP_LOCATION”
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Above Trunyan Village, This alternate trailhead is seen partway up the hill. Now, starting from here makes the hike slightly smoother, as it cuts off around 2 kilometers of distance and 200 meters of elevation gain. However, it does require a longer drive to access, as it’s situated outside the caldera. “VIEW_MAP_LOCATION”
Trail Experience: What to Expect
The trail to Trunyan Hill is steep and physically demanding, providing a good challenge for seasoned hikers. Although there are no sheer drop-offs to worry about, the uneven terrain requires caution—it’s easy to twist an ankle if you’re not paying attention.
Make sure to pack bug spray! The forested sections have a fair number of mosquitoes, but what stands out the most are the relentless hilltop flies. They can be surprisingly aggressive and do bite. In fact, Kintamani is the only area in Bali where I have encountered flies this persistent.
On the bright side, solitude is one of the biggest perks of this trail. I hiked it on a Saturday and was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was. Unlike the increasingly crowded trails of Mount Batur, Trunyan Hill remains peaceful. During my trek, I only encountered a friendly group of local teenagers and one foreign couple with a guide.
The steeper parts of the path have ropes for assistance. While they’re not essential for experienced hikers, they do provide extra support and offer a welcome break for tired legs.
Overall, the hike is rewarding not only for its sweeping views but also for the sense of tranquility and off-the-beaten-path adventure it offers.
Reaching the Summit: The Experience
As I ascended Trunyan Hill, the peaceful sounds of Hindu ceremonies and distant village prayers echoed softly from below, creating a unique and spiritual atmosphere that deepened my experience of the hike. This serene ambiance was a surreal contrast to the rugged terrain, making the journey feel even more immersive.
The climb to the summit took me about two hours, during which I made several stops to rest and enjoy the views. A more seasoned or faster hiker could likely reach the top in around 1.5 hours, but for most people, a comfortable pace would mean setting aside 2 to 3 hours for the ascent.
Once you reach the summit, you are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. From the summit, a breathtaking panorama unfolds in every direction. To one side, a towering ridgeline rises from the clouds, its steep, forest-covered slopes forming the dramatic silhouette of a distant peak. Below, a vast, shimmering lake cradles itself within the caldera, its still surface reflecting the light like a sheet of polished glass. Beyond the far horizon, a sacred mountain pierces the sky, its presence both regal and remote. The expansive cliffs of the nearby highland cascade down into a deep, green basin, evoking the wild grandeur of valleys shaped by time. Standing there, it feels as if the earth has revealed itself in silent majesty—untouched, awe-inspiring, and eternal.
One of the highlights for me was the dramatic cliff face of Mount Abang and the lush valley stretching out beneath it. The scene reminded me of the Torean Valley near Mount Rinjani—a raw, untouched landscape that feels completely otherworldly.
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