Lake Batur is Bali’s largest and widest lake with an area of approximately 18 square kilometres. The large crescent shaped lake sits on the old crater of Mount Batur and is surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim, with an active volcano of Mount Batur adjacent to it. Located in the mountainous area of Bangli Regency on the south-eastern side of Batur caldera, the lake lies at the feet of two majestic surrounding mountains, Mount Batur and Mount Abang. The crater is situated approximately 500 meters above sea level, and a couple of hot springs can be seen surrounding the lake with one in the middle of the lake. The water is much cooler than the other lakes in Bali. Try to dip your fingers while boating in this lake to feel how amazingly cold the water actually is.
On the journey to the lake via Bangli or Tampaksiring road, the ashy residues and active hot springs indicate it is the remains of a volcano. As you get closer and continue over the last ridge, the massive outlining of the crater becomes visible, making you smile and awe at the same time. You can continue along the road from Penelokan, it continues right around the rim towards Kintamani to circle around the crater. The majestic and spectacular view of Lake Batur can also be viewed from Kintamani.
The only boat access to the lake is through the Trunyan village, home to the Bali Aga people. These local indigenous inhabitants are true descendants of native Balinese and have been isolated from the other inhabitants on other parts of the island. They communicate in the ancient language of Balinese and to date still practice traditional Balinese culture and religion. It is believed that when Bali Aga tribe people die, they are neither cremated nor buried, but laid under a sacred tree, the Taru Menyan, inside their open air cemetery. They members of the tribe believe that roots and the branches of this sacred tree helps to mask and remove the odour of the rotting, decomposing bodies.
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