The Gunung Batur is the active volcano which is located in the north-west of Gunung Agung area. This volcano is consisted of two craters. The first one is up to 10 km long and 13,5 km wide. In this crater the lake Danau Batur can be found. When it comes to the second crater its dimensions are 6,4 km by 9,4 km. It is estimated that this volcano is over 25,000 years old. The highest point of this volcano is approximately at 2,200 meters.
According to some of the researchers this volcano has been much higher. However, as a consequence of one explosion the current height had been reached. A small lake is created by the rain in the crater. It is worth mentioning that this volcano is still active. The lake with its dimensions 3 km by 9 km according to some beliefs is treated as the holly lake. In addition, it honors the goddess of the lakes Ida Batara Ulun Dewi Danu. This lake is definitely one of the most photographed places on the volcano.
It is interesting to mention that up to 20,000 people live in the villages next to the craters including Kedisan, Toya Bungkah and Kintamani. On the shores of this like the tourists can witness some of the oldest traditions and ceremonies on Bali. The top of the volcano can be reached from the western side of the lake. Here the village of Toya Bungkah is located. It serves as the starting point for the tourists who want to visit the top of the volcano. It takes approximately three hours to reach to the top of the volcano for the tourists who walk to it. It is recommended to start with the journey as early in the morning as possible. The reason for this advice is actually very simple. In order to enjoy the sunset on the top of the volcano you have to arrive before the sun shines this area. One more thing is to be taken into serious consideration by the tourists who come here in search for the genuine adventure. A local guide is more than an appropriate choice for climbing in the dark to the volcano top. In addition, the climbers have to dress properly, because of the significant temperature oscillations in this area. It is worth mentioning that the natural sources of water are very rare on the way to the volcano top.
Once on top the tourists can enjoy in the thermal waters. It is noticed that since 2009 the volcanic activities have been increased. This has been followed by the series of the small scale earthquakes. However, the current situation is far from alarming for the tourists. On the other side, the local authorities were obliged to change the status of their activities from usual control to the intense monitoring of the volcanic and earthquake activities.
The analysis of the volcanic soil and measurements of the samples from the craters has indicated that regardless of the periodic earthquakes the area is completely safe for the tourists. In addition, the volcanic activities which change the shapes and altitudes of surrounding landscapes occur very rarely once in tens of thousands of years. Therefore, the tourists with an intention to visit this area can come here without any worries for their safety.