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Day Eight, Monday, March 23
Yaaaawwwnnnn… It’s a 1:00 AM wakeup call and hotel check out. At 2:00 AM you and your companions depart for the trek to the top of Gunung Batur at an altitude of 1717 meters (5633 feet). Your hike begins around 3:00 AM with a professional local guide who expertly escorts the group through the rugged climb.

Arriving at the top of the cinder cone, you arrive in plenty of time to greet the rising sun. From here, the view is magnificent. You can look down into the mouth of this still active volcano which erupted as recently as 1994. Looking to the east you can see all the way across the straits to Gunung Rinjani towering over the island of Lombok. Spectacular views to the south east, reveal nearby Gunung Abang and Gunung Agung.

What could be more perfect? Sun salutations at the top of the mountain! Lisa and Laz will lead the group in morning yoga practice and sharing with each other the power, spiritual insights and blessings of this moment.

By now you’re probably feeling a little hungry. There is a small warung near the top where you can stop for a well deserved breakfast of eggs that are cooked in the hot, steamy fumes escaping from the earth’s interior. In the light of day, the hike back down is faster, easier and with the expansive views, even more fun.

You’ve had a strenuous, tiring but profoundly gratifying morning, how about bit of relaxation and pampering for those tired (maybe even sore) muscles?

At the bottom of the trek down, there is a wonderful hot springs and spa. Now is a great time to loosen up and unwind with a leisurely soak in the warm waters and a great massage. Hungry? Lunch is included. Take your time, enjoy the view, the relaxing hot soak, the restorative massage and the delicious food…

When you’re completely sated, you take the afternoon drive south to Tanjung Benoa on the Bukit peninsula and check in to the Mata Hari Terbit hotel. Feel free to snooze along the way…