The Friday Photo: Sunrise on Mount Batur

Mount Batur is an absolutely classic volcano climb that, to my shame, we’d not yet done in Bali. It’s an easy enough hike, once you take the 3am start out of the equation: 2 to 3 hours up an occasionally rocky path. And you catch the sunset twice, first on the way up, then a second time from the viewpoint, as it appears over the top of Gunung Rinjani, Lombok’s sacred mountain.

Once you’re up? Explore the crater, grab some breakfast, hike to the true summit if you wish, feed the monkeys if you must, and cook bananas and eggs in the volcanic hot soil. Then amble down and spend the day easing away aches and pains at the hot springs by Lake Batur.

For maximum sleep, spend the night in Kintamani. All hotels can arrange transport to the start point if you don’t have your own wheels – although the trail is well-marked, you’ll need to hire a guide. Batur Lakeside Hut has decent lumbung rooms with a swimming pool, fishpond, a floating restaurant and sunset views, right on the lake; Segara is a well-priced cheapie.