Mount Batur is one of Bali’s most impressive natural landscapes. The active volcano receives thousands of tourists every week, both those who make the trek to the summit and those who take part in sunrise jeep tours on its black-sand slopes.
While the majority of tourists respect the environment during their visit, it seems that an increasing number of people are littering and failing to protect the landscape.
The mantra of ” Leave No Trace ” is not only for visits to the beach. Leave no trace really does mean leave nothing but footprints, especially on sacred landscapes like the slopes of Mount Batur.
Bali’s Mount Batur is, in fact, protected as a UNESCO Geopark and as a protected landscape by the Indonesian Conservation Agency (BKSDA).
Leaders in charge of the landscape have spoken to reporters about the increasing amount of waste that is being left along the trails of Mount Batur and at the viewing points.
Speaking to reporters, Kintamani Sub-district Head, Ketut Erry Soena Putra, said that the number of climbs and visits to the mountains in the Kintamani area continues to show positive growth, but that in this growth lies a problem: more littering, less responsible tourists, and tour guides.
He noted that this is a problem seen on Mount Batur but also across the wider Kintamani area, which is known for its rolling hills, forested hiking trails, and lakeside retreats.
Putra told reporters, “The Kintamani region, with its mountainous terrain, is indeed a favorite destination for climbers. However, a common problem is the continued presence of trash, due to a lack of awareness about bringing back the trash generated during the climb.”
He called on all climbers and visitors to Kintamani’s natural landscapes, especially Mount Batur, to take extra care to preserve the natural environment and go above and beyond to maintain cleanliness.
Putra praised those tourists who behave responsibly and thanked guides, local trekking groups, and local residents who are committed to raising awareness of the issue and who are arranging regular clean-ups throughout the area.
Putra told reporters, “I am grateful to the climbing community, climbing forums, and mountain guides who have helped carry out rubbish cleaning activities in the mountain areas.”
He added, “The most important thing is to raise awareness among every climber. Any trash brought up the mountain must be brought back down. This way, the beauty and sustainability of Mount Batur and Mount Abang can be maintained for future generations.”
As Kintamani becomes an increasingly popular area with tourists, leaders and the wider community are becoming increasingly aware of the need to prioritize environmental protection.
After all, one of the biggest draws to Kintamani for tourists is the natural beauty, from the peaks of Mount Batur and Mount Abang to the glistening waters of Lake Batur, through the forested foothills and the fertile farmlands.
In March 2026, the Bangli Regency Government, which is in charge of the whole Kintamani area, invested in cleaning up the trash at Lake Batur.
The Regent of Bangli, Sang Nyoman Sedana Arta, told reporters at the time, “We want to ensure that Lake Batur remains sustainable, its environment is healthy, and its water quality is good so that it can continue to provide benefits to the community.”
The clean-up took place at four key spots across the lakeside, starting at Jaba Pura Ulun Danu Songan, before moving to Pura Jati, Kedisan Pier, and Trunyan Village.
The event proved a success, with more than 5,000 people taking part in the community clean-up effort.
The teams not only clean up trash around the lakeside but also invest in supporting the aquatic ecosystem too.
A total of 10,000 tilapia seeds and approximately 1,000 liters of eco-enzyme were also released into the lake to help maintain water quality naturally.
Kintamani is an unmissable destination in Bali for nature lovers. While most tourists visit the area to explore the iconic Mount Batur there is so much more to enjoy.
From the world class coffee roasters on Jalan Penelokan, through the glamping spots along the banks of Lake Batur, through to the hot springs, and community-based agrotourism projects that are always eager for more visitors, this is one of Bali’s top destinations in 2026 and is worthy of an overnight stay…or more!
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