The volcano Bratan also called Buyan-Bratan, caldera de Caturo or caldera de Tjatur, is located at 2153 meters above sea level.
At the southern end it is masked by volcanoes advancing into the caldera «Ratan». This is a large caldera of unknown age in north-central Bali, Indonesia. 11×6 km and contains 3 lakes «Danau Tamblimgam» «Danau Buyan» and «Danau Bratan».
How to climb the Bratan volcano?
One of the most popular activities in the nature of the Batran volcano , is the hiking around the lakes. 2.096m of Mount Catur (also known as Pucak Mangu). The start of the trail is at Gua Jepang and it winds uphill on an initially gentle slope which becomes steeper and steeper as you go up.
It takes about 3 hours to reach the summit, and a little less to descend. It is not too strenuous and feasible for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The trail is well defined, so there is no need for a guide Unlike some of the more popular climbs in Bali, there is no con artist trying to convince you otherwise.
However, if you prefer to have a guide, you can easily contact one at Candi Kuning, the main entrance to the area. The lake covers the bottom of a volcanic crater and is a source of irrigation for the southern districts of the island. It is two hours walking and climbing the steep volcano, is hard if you are not used to it but there will always be a guide waiting for you nearby so you don\’t get lost.
The lakes of the volcano
The Batran volcano is famous for the lakes it contains among its different calderas, this volcano although it is less known than the previous ones, is still just as spectacular.
Lake Batran is located in the central highlands of Bali, at about 1200 m above sea level. Close to the Bratan and Catur mountains and near the town of Bedugul, is the second largest lake of the island. The temperature in this area is lower and usually cloudy, so it is advisable to go with some warm clothes.
However, the most interesting feature of Batran Lake is the great temple of «Pura Ulu Danau Bratan», built in 1634 in honour of the goddess of water and fertility Dewi Danau. It is a temple of great beauty where both Hindu and Buddhist cults take place.
When you arrive, the views are impressive, you can see monkeys trying to steal some food. Some local children who go upstairs with a backpack loaded with bottles to sell them. The crater has some holes, you can slip at any time during the trakking, so you must walk with very carefully without moving away from your guide.
Is the Bratan Volcano still active?
It is a inactive volcano, the effect of groundwater on magma is common on the basis of atmospheric static massive fractionation enriched in lighter isotopes. In subsequent years, several young volcanic cones formed in the central southwest of the complex, bringing the total number of volcanic cones within the complex to seven.
The mineral-rich volcanic soils, enriched with volcanic ash from the nearby Batur and Agung eruptions. With tropical climate of high precipitation, have made the whole caldera particularly fertile so that the whole region has a lot of vegetation or is under agriculture.
The landscape is beautiful and with its scalable peaks, walks through the jungle, quiet lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, temples, local markets and villages. It has an interesting tunnel carved into the mountain by Indonesian prisoners during the Japanese occupation of World War II, the area is totally ripe for exploration.