The 10 Best Things To Do in Kintamani, Bali
Welcome to Kintamani, Bali!
Kintamani is home to the incredible Mount Batur, Mount Abang, and Batur Lake, creating a breathtaking landscape. Following major eruptions in the 1900s, Batur’s massive crater, now filled with villages, vegetation, fishermen, and farms, flourishes thanks to the lava's rich minerals. This underrated region of Bali should not be missed. From trekking up Mount Batur at sunrise to wandering through black lava fields, Kintamani offers some of the most unique experiences in Bali, promising unforgettable memories. Here are the 10 best things to do while exploring this spectacular region of Bali.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling please :)
Last updated: June 2026
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10 unmissable things to do in Kintamani, Bali
I was more nervous than I expected climbing onto this net, but that view made it completely worth it.
Note: If you are looking for general information on where to stay in Kintamani, how to get around, and more, scroll to the bottom for details on this!
Kintamani Tips:
There are a lot more flies than in other areas in Bali because of the altitude and agricultural land - they can be annoying.
It is CHILLY - bring warm clothing, especially for nighttime and early mornings. Temperatures can drop below 18 degrees Celsius (64 Fahrenheit) with a slight breeze.
The Mount Batur area is truly beautiful and peaceful. It feels magical being up in the volcanoes with the clouds and lush green farmland everywhere. It feels a bit less Westernized and more authentic here. I recommend spending 1-2 days here to fully experience the unique atmosphere that Kintamani offers compared to the rest of Bali.
#1: Trek up Mount Batur for sunrise
Me enjoying the sunrise through the clouds on top of Mount Batur in Bali. This is one of my favorite things to do in Kintamani.
The trek down Mount Batur in Kintamani was epic. There was so much black lava and incredible views of Bali.
One of the best things to do in Kintamani, Bali is to trek up Mount Batur, the island’s second-largest Volcano next to Agung. Although waking up in the early hours of the morning is not ideal for many people (including me), I do believe this trek is worth setting your morning alarm for.
Wake up at 4:00 AM and begin your 1-3 hour-long hike under the stars with a guide and flashlight in hand. I had read before that this hike can take 3+ hours for some, but my boyfriend and I had no trouble completing it in 1 hour! The hike is manageable for all fitness levels, though it can feel steep and challenging if you do not have much hiking experience. Having grown up hiking the White Mountains in the U.S. (4,000 feet up), this trek felt like a walk in the park for me. If you incorporate regular movement into your life, you should find it entirely doable. Beginning at 4:00 AM gives you nearly 2 hours for the trek. If you are having trouble, you can even hire a motorbike to take you up most of the way, covering about 70 percent of the hike.
The sunrise at the top of Batur is a dreamy mix of orange and yellow hues, but be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time to avoid climbing for a sunrise hidden by the clouds. We did have a cloudy morning but still enjoyed the sunrise through some of the openings in the clouds.
The hike down is also incredibly beautiful as you wander through the black lava and across the rims of the Volcano.
A guide is required for this hike, as the locals do not appreciate or like it when people attempt it on their own, and honestly, I do not recommend it given how dark it is. The guide knows the path well and can make sure you trek to the top safely. On top of that, the price was only 350,000 IDR (USD 23) and included water, breakfast, a flashlight, and coffee. If you prefer a jeep tour, you can find the best option here!
#2:Pinggan Sunrise View Pohon Cinta
The crater below Batur is full of life; villages, farms and fishermen all thriving thanks to the volcano's rich minerals.
Don’t feel like hiking early in the morning, or is trekking not for you? That’s okay! Try heading to Pinggan Sunrise View Pohon Cinta and watching the sunrise around Mount Batur for only 10,000 to 15,000 IDR (0.56-0.84 USD). This way you can wake up later in the morning (around 5:00 AM or so) and drive to an epic sunrise spot rather than hiking up to one. Again, be sure to check the forecast for a clear morning. Luckily, the chances for a clear sunrise view are higher here than on Mount Batur itself. The views during the day and for sunset are just as spectacular!
Parking is available on site, and the drive from the main Kintamani area takes around 20-30 minutes. Aim to arrive before 5:30 AM for the best chance of catching the sunrise above the clouds.
#3-4: Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur & Lake Batur
One of the most beautiful parts of Kintamani is that you not only get a near-perfect view of Mount Batur but also clear views of Mount Abang and Batur Lake, which sits in Batur’s crater.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur, a floating temple on this lake, is the best spot to capture a view of your landscape from below. The entrance fee is 20,000 to 25,000 IDR (about 1-1.50 USD). You must have your shoulders and knees covered to enter. Unfortunately, the temple was under construction during my visit, so it was not open.
Canoes are available for rent nearby if you prefer a view from on the lake. It is an incredible feeling to paddle amongst the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, feeling like you are encompassed within them. The canoe pricing is 150,000 IDR for 1 hour (just under 9 USD). Swimming is not permitted here; the lake is designated as a spiritual body of water.
There is a lovely Warung nearby to the lake, Warung Mina. The owner here is lovely and accommodating. She made a special vegan and gluten-free dish for me and even offered some free fried bananas. I highly recommend stopping in when you visit the lake.
The road down to the lake is quite bumpy, so be prepared for that on your scooter.
#5-6: Penelokan Main Road & Crater cafes
Montana Del Cafe, one of two epic cafe views in Kintamani, Bali.
Paperhills, the other cafe with an incredible view of Mount Batur in Kintamani, Bali.
Penelokan Main Road offers the most incredible viewpoints of Mount Batur and its massive crater below. On a clear day, every crevice and feature of Batur's landscape is visible in stunning detail. A picture truly says a thousand words, perfectly capturing why this spot is a must-visit. There is a large bridge along the road where you can snap great photos of Batur, but I recommend heading to one of the many roadside cafes instead. Enjoy a meal or coffee while soaking in the view. I suggest going twice; once during the day for a crisp view of Batur and again in the evening to catch the sunset over the landscape.
Pro Tip: Dress warmly! It can be very chilly up here, especially in the evening. I always wore long pants and a light coat.
The view from the popular restaurant Montana del Cafe is a picture-perfect moment, offering a giant net suspended over Batur’s crater to sit on and gaze out at the view. If you are afraid of heights, this photo-op may be a bit nerve-wracking! I surprisingly found myself a bit skeptical climbing onto it at first. But the views are just unbeatable for capturing an epic memory. The menu offers coffee, smoothies, smoothie bowls (vegan and gluten-free if you take off the granola), brunch, lunch, and local options.
Another great option is Paperhills, which offers daybeds, an infinity pool, balcony seating, and more. The food here has more variety with Western and local options. I prefer this menu over the Montana del Cafe one. I found that as a gluten-free, vegan girl, I had many more options than just a smoothie bowl.
#7: Stargaze
Another incredible thing about the Kintamani area is how dark it gets at night compared to the busy areas of Bali. The sky here is something else entirely. On a clear night, you can see it completely covered in stars with just a glimpse of the galaxy overhead. Stargazing is one of my favorite things to do here, especially from down in the crater. Head outside your accommodation and lay a blanket out, or enjoy the night sky during your hike up Batur. Either way, it is unforgettable.
#8-9: Experience Black Lava & Batur Geopark
Touching actual lava from a volcano eruption is a bucket list tick.
Me wandering through the black lava fields in Kintamani, Bali.
Mount Batur’s eruptions (more so the major one in 1963) have left fields of dried black lava all over its crater, and if you are similar to me, touching lava is a bucket-list tick. You can join an ATV tour over the black lava fields as part of your Batur sunrise hike or, if you prefer the free and less bumpy option, you can drive along the roads that run through the lava fields and stop off on the side of the road to get a closer look. The massive black hills and bits of rubble lying around are truly incredible, especially for rock lovers like me.
The Batur UNESCO Global Geopark is located right near the lava fields and is worth a stop if you are curious about the geology and history behind what you are looking at. Entry is sometimes included with your Batur trek, and the exhibits give you a much better understanding of just how powerful these eruptions were. If the entrance fee is not included in your tour, the cost is 50,000 IDR (2-3 USD). It is open Monday to Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM, Saturday to Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM, and closed on Fridays and public holidays.
#10: Soak in a Hot Spring at Toteme Glamping
The Mount Batur hot springs get a lot of attention worldwide, but I have to be honest with you. In the US, hot springs are a beautiful natural phenomenon heated by the Earth, so I had high expectations. Unfortunately, they felt more like a man-made tourist attraction with little upkeep, and the water felt unsanitary to me. I skipped both Toya Devasya and Batur Natural Hot Springs as a result. If your heart is set on relaxing in a hot spring, you can book your stay at Toteme Glamping and Hot Spring Kintamani. They have a hot spring pool with beautiful views and clean, natural mineral water.
Looking for other unique things to do in Bali? Check out Lahangan Sweet for an epic sunrise or sunset over Mount Agung. Read more about it here!
Planning Your Kintamani Visit:
BEST TIME TO VISIT Kintamani:
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
Kintamani’s rainy season is from November to March. It is rainiest, with less visibility from December to March. I do not recommend visiting during the rainy season because the trail can become slippery and dangerous, especially while hiking in the dark morning hours. Most of the trail is loose rock and volcanic dried ash, which is already a bit slippery with the wrong shoes, never mind while wet.
June to September is technically the best time to hike Batur, but it is also high season, with over 600+ climbers per day for sunrise. For an attempt at fewer people, you may want to try right before and after the rainy season (October/Early November and April/May).
This is also the best time to visit some of Bali’s best waterfalls!
HOW TO GET TO Kintamani:
Flying: Bali’s only airport, Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar is 67.6 KM (42 Miles) from Kintamani. When booking my flights around Asia, I always check Skyscanner for the best routes and deals. Not all regional airlines in Asia will populate on Google Flights.
Pro Tip: Many foreigners traveling to Indonesia receive a 30-day Visa on Arrival upon entry for 500,000 IDR (30 USD), which can be extended an additional 30 days for an additional fee. You can find more information on the countries that qualify and apply for this VOA online here.
From the airport, you need to order a taxi or rent a motorbike to reach Kintamani.
The drive can be as short as 1 hour and 40 minutes if you leave before 8:00 AM or after 7:00 PM and as long as 2 hours and 40 minutes. Motorbikes tend to be faster than cars because they can weave around traffic. But there are massive hills and curvy roads on the way there.
Taxi: You can order a local taxi, Grab (rideshare app), or GoJek (rideshare app) from almost anywhere in Bali to Kintamani.
Local taxis are available outside the airport or through your accommodation.
Grab is better than GoJek for longer distances (from my experience). I have had GoJek drivers arrive to pick me up and ask for more money, and when I said no, they turned around and drove away.
For either app, you can ride in a car or on the back of a motorbike. The motorbike is the cheaper option by far. If you have more bags or are uncomfortable being on the back of a bike weaving through cars for long hot hours, I do not recommend taking the back seat of a motorbike. You will also have to hold your bags unless they are small enough to fit in the front of the bike.
A car is a more comfortable option, but it can take longer with traffic. Car prices vary a lot depending on the time of day and demand.
Motorbike: Motorbike rental businesses are everywhere in Bali for you to choose from. Some are overpriced and untrustworthy, so be sure to read reviews. For my last rental, I used Bikago. They also do bike delivery and pick-up! You can arrange a rental through their website before you arrive. Bali Best Motorcycle is another great option, which you can arrange through WhatsApp.
Be aware that the roads leading to Kintamani are not in perfect condition; the infrastructure in Bali is not great overall. You need to be a confident driver, especially during high-traffic times when navigating around cars and other obstacles. If you have bags, you need to either wear them or place them by your feet while riding.
Always wear your helmet and carry your international driver’s license with you in case you are pulled over or stopped by local police. I have only been pulled over once for my friend not wearing a helmet.
Best MODE OF TRANSPORT IN Kintamani:
The best way to get around Kintamani is by motorbike. Points of interest are a bit spread apart, and the area is very hilly, so walking could take too long. Daily motorbike rentals are usually around 80,000/90,000 IDR (per day) for a small motorbike or scoopy. The larger the bike, the more expensive it will be. You will find better deals for longer-term rentals versus daily. Be sure to negotiate pricing, as some places will just throw out a higher price to see if you will take it. As mentioned, I rent my bike from Denpasar.
There are local taxis around, which you can usually hire from your accommodation or through Grab/Gojek.
Motorbike Driving Tip:
Always check the bike is working and take photos of any previous damage made to avoid any arguments with the rental places.
Keep in mind the traffic can be a bit chaotic and sporadic, and some of the roads are overwhelming or unpaved. So if you are not confident in your motorbike abilities, then hopping on the back of a bike via Grab or Gojek may be a better option.
Always wear your helmet. So many people do not wear their helmets, which blows my mind. Wearing your helmet could save your life.
WHERE TO STAY in Kintamani:
The best area to stay for Batur trekking and views is in the Kintamani region. I recommend either staying in Batur’s crater or along Penelokan Main Road. Penelokan Main Road runs alongside the crater with incredible views over Batur and its landscape. However, it is technically further from the trekking starting point–around 30 minutes or so. I chose to stay in the closest area to Batur, within the crater.
You can also complete the hike from other areas like Ubud, but you will need to wake up even earlier to arrive at the summit with enough time to hike.
There are also many “Glamping” options, which are quite popular in the area and can be great for stargazing at night.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler: Kintamani
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Black Lava Hostel and Lodge (dorm) or Mount Batur Homestay
Best Low-Budget: Hillside Bali (I stayed here and I loved it—I would recommend it to anyone).
Best Mid-Budget: The Lava Bali Villa or Pinggan Caldera or The Breezy Volcano
Best High-End Budget: Tira Vilagna Suites & Spa or Desa Oculus
Glamping: Pinggan Luxury Camp or Toteme Glamping
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my blog by booking through my links! :)
Frequently Asked Questions:
How MAny days do you need in Kintamani?
1 or 2 days is the perfect amount of time to spend here. If you trek up Mount Batur for sunrise, an additional night could be beneficial to rest and recover.
Many travelers combine Kintamani with a few nights in Munduk to explore waterfalls and rice terraces and Amed for the underwater world.
ARE THERE VEGAN or Gluten-Free OPTIONS in kintamani?
Yes, but honestly there are not too many, so you may need to get creative.
When you are eating gluten-free in the Warungs, you can order most dishes without soy sauce.
“Wheat” in Indonesian is “gandum.”
“Saya allergie kecap” means you are allergic to soy.
IS KINTAMANI SAFE?
Kintamani felt safe to me. It is a very busy tourist area because of Mount Batur. However, I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling, including:
Keep an eye on personal belongings and valuable items. Do not leave them in your bike.
Never forget your keys in your motorbike, and never leave anything valuable sitting out. Someone may steal it, especially monkeys.
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There have been recent cases of Dengue in the region.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear their helmets, and it could quite literally save your life.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Download an eSIM so you can use your maps. I always use Airalo for my eSIMs.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: +62 110 | Fire: +62 113 | Ambulance: +62 118 or +62 119
You can find a complete list of Bali Emergency #’s here.
Is Kintamani Worth Visiting?
Yes! Kintamani is worth visiting even if you do not trek up Mount Batur. The area offers some of Bali’s most incredible views.
If you want even more epic volcano views, you can hike this trail in Lombok!
Why Are There So Many Flies In Kintamani?
Kintamani’s rich, volcanic soil supports extensive agriculture, creating an ideal environment for flies. The combination of farming, livestock, warm temperatures, and composting attracts and sustains their large numbers.
