Planning to hike Trunyan Hill in Bali? Here's how to get to the Trunyan Hill trailhead, one of the hidden gems in the Kintamani highlands.
Trunyan Hill is nestled in northeast Bali, near Mount Batur and Lake Batur, in the scenic Kintamani region. The starting point for this hike is reachable from major tourist hubs like Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, and Kuta. Travel time by car is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
While the entire road is paved, the final stretch becomes steep, curvy, and bumpy, so drive with caution especially during the rainy season.
Trailhead Options for Trunyan Hill Hiking:
1. Trunyan Village Trailhead (Main Route)
This is the primary starting point for the Trunyan Hill hike. Located right in Trunyan Village, the trail begins from a small alleyway marked with a signpost beside the main road. This route offers a more immersive experience and is the most commonly used by trekkers.
[View Trunyan Village Trailhead on Google Maps]
2. Upper Trunyan Hill Trailhead (Shorter Route)
For a slightly easier Trunyan Hill trek, you can start from an upper trailhead located higher on the hillside. This route cuts about 2 km of distance and avoids around 200 meters of elevation gain, making it ideal for beginners or those short on time. However, the road to this spot is rougher and takes a bit longer to reach.
[View Upper Trailhead on Google Maps]
Want a Guided Sunrise Hike?
If you’d prefer a stress-free adventure, consider joining a Trunyan Hill sunrise trekking tour. These guided hikes often include round-trip hotel transfers, an experienced local guide, and even a refreshing dip in Lake Batur hot springs after the hike a perfect way to relax.
What To Expect: Trunyan Hill Hike Difficulty & Trail Conditions
The Trunyan Hill hike in Bali is a steep and moderately challenging trek, perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a less-crowded alternative to Mount Batur. Expect a rugged mountain trail with loose rocks, uneven ground, and sharp inclines that require good physical condition and steady footing.
While the Trunyan hiking trail is physically demanding, it’s generally safe with no dangerous cliffs or drop-offs. However, due to the rocky and slippery terrain, there’s a risk of twisting an ankle or falling if you're not wearing proper hiking shoes or paying attention.
This trek is ideal for those seeking an off the beaten path hiking experience in Bali’s Kintamani region, with incredible views and fewer crowds than popular volcano treks.
Trunyan Hill Hiking Tips: What You Should Know Before You Go
If you're planning to hike Trunyan Hill in Bali, make sure to pack bug spray or mosquito repellent it’s essential. While trekking through the Kintamani forest trails, you’ll likely encounter mosquitoes and, more notably, biting flies at the summit areas. These aggressive hilltop flies are unique to the Trunyan region and can make resting uncomfortable without protection.
On the bright side, this trail is one of Bali’s best-kept hiking secrets. Even on a weekend (I went on a Saturday), the trail was peaceful and uncrowded a welcome change compared to the packed Mount Batur sunrise treks. I only crossed paths with a foreign couple with a local guide and a few friendly local hikers.
For steeper parts of the Trunyan trail, you’ll find support ropes installed along the path. While not strictly necessary, they’re helpful for maintaining balance or giving your legs a rest on the incline.
Whether you're a casual hiker or an experienced trekker, Trunyan Hill offers a refreshing alternative to Bali’s popular volcano hikes, with stunning views and far fewer tourists.
Trunyan Hill Viewpoint & Hike Duration: What to Expect at the Summit
As you ascend Trunyan Hill in Bali, you'll likely hear the soft echo of Hindu ceremonies and temple chants from Trunyan Village below. This subtle spiritual soundtrack adds a unique cultural and spiritual ambiance to the trek, making it more than just a hike—it’s a soulful Kintamani trekking experience.
The hike to Trunyan Hill summit typically takes 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace and the number of stops for rest or photos. I personally took about 2 hours, including breaks. Experienced hikers might complete it in as little as 1.5 hours, while others may need more time due to the steep terrain and elevation gain.
At the top, you're rewarded with breathtaking 360° panoramic views of Mount Abang, the sparkling Lake Batur, and Mount Agung in the distance. This spot is one of the most underrated viewpoints in Bali a quiet escape from the crowds of Mount Batur.
One of the highlights is the massive cliff wall of Mount Abang and the lush green valley below, which looks remarkably similar to the Torean Valley in Mount Rinjani, Lombok’s famous trekking route.
If you're seeking natural beauty, solitude, and a scenic reward, Trunyan Hill is one of the best alternative hikes in Bali.
Hiking from Trunyan Hill to Mount Abang Summit
If you’re still feeling strong after reaching the summit of Trunyan Hill, consider continuing the trek to Mount Abang, which stands as the third highest mountain in Bali at 2,152 meters (7,060 feet). This extended hike offers an even greater challenge and rewards you with some of the most epic mountain views in Bali.
The trail from Trunyan Hill to Mount Abang is more rugged and technically demanding, with narrow paths and steep ridges. Be extremely cautious there are sharp drop offs on both sides of the trail, and tragically, a local hiker lost their life here in 2024. It's essential to wear proper hiking shoes and avoid this section during rain or poor visibility.
Even if you don’t plan to summit Mount Abang, it’s highly recommended to hike at least to the saddle point between Trunyan Hill and Mount Abang. This ridge offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Kintamani region, with sweeping views of Mount Batur, Lake Batur, and lush volcanic landscapes all around.
This section of the Mount Abang trek is perfect for experienced hikers seeking a more remote and thrilling mountain adventure in Bali.
Trunyan Hill Entrance Fee & Guide Information (2025 Update)
As of 2025, there is no official entrance fee for hiking Trunyan Hill in the Kintamani region of Bali. However, you’ll be asked to make a voluntary donation at a small registration booth near the Trunyan trailhead. A contribution of 30,000 IDR (around $2 USD) is generally considered acceptable and appreciated by the local community.
Currently, a hiking guide is not required for the Trunyan Hill trek, and no one pressured me to hire one. This makes it one of the few DIY hikes in Bali where you can still enjoy the trail without mandatory guides or tour packages.
Important Note:
The Kintamani hiking area, including places like Mount Batur and Mount Abang, has gained a reputation for aggressive local scammers or “guide mafias” who often force tourists to pay for unnecessary guide services. While Trunyan Hill is still relatively untouched, this could change if the hike becomes more popular so stay updated and remain cautious.
For now, Trunyan remains one of the most accessible and low-cost hikes in Bali, perfect for independent travelers looking to explore off the beaten path mountain trails.
Best Time to Hike Trunyan Hill (Season, Weather & Sunrise Tips)
The best time to hike Trunyan Hill is during Bali’s dry season, which typically runs from April to October. This is when the weather is most stable and the trail conditions are ideal for hiking, with less rain, fewer muddy patches, and clearer mountain views.
I did the Trunyan trek in mid-April, and it was a perfect balance not too slippery, not too dusty. Trails were manageable, and visibility was great for enjoying the panoramic views over Lake Batur, Mount Abang, and Mount Agung.
For the best hiking experience, avoid Indonesian public holidays, when local tourism can slightly increase trail traffic. Overall, Trunyan Hill remains less crowded than Mount Batur, even on weekends.
Best Time of Day for Trunyan Hill Hike: Sunrise
The ideal time to start the hike is before sunrise, around 4:30 to 5:00 AM. On my visit, I left Sanur at 5:00 AM, arrived at the Trunyan trailhead around 7:00 AM, and reached the summit by 9:00 AM just before the Kintamani morning clouds rolled in. While that worked, I definitely missed the golden sunrise view.
Tip: Stay Overnight in Kintamani
To catch the sunrise without rushing, consider staying overnight near Lake Batur or in the Kintamani highlands. There are several affordable hotels and homestays near Mount Batur and Trunyan Village, which allow you to start your hike early without sacrificing sleep.
Bukit Catu Hostel
Villa Jempana
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Bonus Stop: Visit the Trunyan Skull Cemetery (Kuburan Trunyan)
While you're trekking around Trunyan Village, don’t miss a quick visit to the Trunyan Skull Cemetery, also known as Kuburan Trunyan or Bali’s Skull Island. This unique Bali cultural site features exposed human skulls and bones, placed under a sacred banyan tree in accordance with ancient Balinese Aga burial customs.
The cemetery is only accessible by boat from the main harbor at Trunyan Village, and the trip takes just 10–15 minutes.
You only need 30–45 minutes to explore the site, making it easy to combine with a Trunyan Hill hike or Mount Abang trek in one day. A visit here offers a rare glimpse into traditional Balinese spirituality and death rituals.
Read More: Guide to Visiting Trunyan Cemetery
Related Post: Top Things to Do in Kintamani, Bali
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