Billy Bagus
Aug 06, 2025
Sunrise in Bali is a full-sensory experience. Picture golden light sliding over volcanoes, rice fields sparkling like they’ve just woken up refreshed, and temples slowly emerging from the mist as if stretching into the day. Some people come for the peace, others for the photos, and plenty just want to feel that early-morning magic.
These are Bali’s most stunning spots to catch the first light, each one ready to steal the show in its own way.
Bukit Batu Madeg
If your idea of a perfect morning involves watching three volcanic giants glow together at first light, Bukit Batu Madeg is the move. Perched in Songan village, this vantage point gives you a sweeping view of Mount Batur, Mount Abang, and Lake Batur wrapped in sunrise glory. Pitch a tent or opt for glamping the night before, so when dawn breaks, all you need to do is unzip your tent and be amazed.
Gunung Payung Beach
Down near Nusa Dua, this secret sunrise hideout is for those willing to earn their view. Gunung Payung Beach demands a 500-step descent, but the reward? A pristine stretch of sand, soft morning hues reflecting off the water, and a massive sea cave that frames your sunrise photos like a pro. Just be tide-wise, because high water can turn the cave into a no-go zone.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
For a sunrise that looks like it was painted by the gods, head to the terraced emerald waves of Jatiluwih in West Bali. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is pure magic at dawn, as morning mist rolls over the paddies and the soft light dances across the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Bonus: It’s blissfully quiet, perfect for a mindful wander while farmers start their day.
Lempuyang Temple
You’ve probably seen the “Gateway to Heaven” all over Instagram, but nothing beats seeing it in person, especially at sunrise. Lempuyang Temple, perched high in East Bali, offers an ethereal view of Mount Agung perfectly framed by its iconic split gates. Get there before the crowds, and you’ll catch golden hues, cool mountain air, and the haunting sound of morning chants drifting through the clouds.
Lovina Beach
North Bali’s Lovina Beach flips the sunrise script with its black sand, glassy waters, and soft pastel skies. As the sun climbs above the Bali Sea, traditional jukung boats drift across the water. Some of them headed out for dolphin watching, whilst the others were just part of the scene. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and wonderfully low-key compared to Bali’s busy southern coasts.
Mount Batur
Ready to earn your sunrise with a sweat session? Mount Batur is Bali’s OG sunrise trek and still one of its most rewarding. Set your alarm for very early, hike under the stars, and arrive at the summit just in time to see the sun ignite the sky above Lake Batur and the surrounding caldera. With mist swirling through the valley and steam rising from the crater, this 1,717-meter climb delivers drama with a capital D.
Pinggan Village
For a dreamy sunrise minus the uphill struggle, Pinggan Village has you covered. Tucked in Bali’s highlands, this peaceful spot offers a jaw-dropping view of Mount Batur and Mount Agung, often floating above a mist-filled valley like a scene from a fantasy film. It’s a favorite among photographers, but still feels like a well-kept secret.
Sidemen Valley
Escape the tourist trail and embrace the village vibe in Sidemen Valley, where mornings unfold like a gentle poem. Roosters crow, farmers head to the fields, and the towering silhouette of Mount Agung slowly lights up above lush rice paddies and palm trees. It’s a slice of old Bali, served with a side of serenity and sunrise magic.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
A temple floating on a misty lake? Yes, please. At dawn, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in the Bedugul highlands becomes a watercolor dream. The lake’s surface mirrors the soft sky as the sun peeks over nearby peaks, bathing the entire scene in a warm glow. Bring a scarf, mornings here are crisp. But the chill only adds to the temple’s serene, sacred vibe.
