The Photographer's Eye

A Balinese Getaway: Treat Yourself to a Sunrise Over the Volcanoes

Name: Jonathan Jagot
Age: 27
Specialty: has been sailing around the world for over 15 years…
Project: building the catamaran of his dreams!

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Published 26/09/2025

By Jonathan Jagot

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Issue: 204

Published: nov. / dec. 2025

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Leaving your anchorage in the middle of the night, securing your dinghy on the shore and then firing up your rental scooter in the thick tropical silence of Bali is an adventure in itself.

From Serangan, at the southern tip of the island, you have to drive up winding roads for over two hours, with a headlamp in your pocket and a thermos of coffee tucked securely in your backpack.

The actual ascent of Mount Batur is done on foot, starting in the dark, with your forehead against the still-cool wind thanks to the altitude. Reaching the 1,717-meter (5,630-foot) summit involves around an hour-long climb. That’s just in time to witness a spectacular sight.

To the east, the first rays of dawn slowly pierce the mist. Clouds cling to the ridges, floating above lakes and valleys, while the ghostly silhouettes of neighboring volcanoes emerge. Far from the hustle and bustle of the beaches, Bali reveals itself here in its rawest, most mystical form.

Photographing this moment is an attempt to capture a feeling, the changing colors of the ...

This article was published in the issue 204. To read the full article, purchase this issue or subscribe from $3/month.