Mount
Batur, located less than an hour from north Bangli, is
a mall volcano that still active in this island. Created
by an eruption of Mount Batur approximately 30,000 years
ago. It sets in the hearth of a huge crater 14 km in diameter
and 65 meters deep.
The temple of Pura Danu Batur on the rim is dedicated
to the Goddess of the Lake. The lake often becomes shrouded
in mist but one can catch breathtakingly stunning views
from the many vantage points along the rim. Hot springs
at the lake's edge reach temperatures of 57 degrees Celsius
while the rest of the lake is somewhat cooler.
As the road rises steadily from Bangli or Tampaksiring,
nothing in the surrounding grey landscape of bushes and
garden plots suggest the presence of a volcano. But over,
one more small ridge a dizzying view awaits the eyes,
encompassing the crater and beyond. From Penelokan, the
main road runs right round the rim towards Kintamani,
the panorama shifting as circling around the crater. Danau
Batur is Bali's largest lake and cribbed with the calderas
of an active volcano named Gunung Batur.
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