Kintamani Bali: A Hidden Gem
Kintamani Bali is one of the island’s most underrated areas, offering fresh mountain air, stunning lake view hotels and restaurants, and the majestic 13-kilometer-wide volcanic caldera that has been home to the village since ancient times.
The main attraction in Kintamani is the renowned Mount Batur volcano, a favored destination for sunrise hikes. However, there are several other remarkable sights in the area, including temples, hot springs, and the expansive crater lake.
We spent a few days in Kintamani recently and found it to be a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of south Bali. This article will guide you on how to reach Kintamani, where to stay, and the best activities and sights in the area!
Where To Stay In Kintamani
How To Get There
Kintamani is located on the northeast side of Bali island.
It takes around 1 to 2 hours to drive from popular spots like Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, and Kuta in south Bali.
Currently, there’s no public transportation available to Kintamani; thus, the best options are to go with a private driver or rent a scooter by scooter.
How To Get Around
The sights in Kintamani are quite spread out, so having some mode of transport is crucial if you plan to explore the area.
The most common way to navigate is by scooter, which can be rented online or through a hotel or street vendor.
Most hotels are also happy to arrange a day driver and car if needed, and many tour companies include transportation within their packages.
Best Things To Do & See
• Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
The Mount Batur trek is a must-do for hikers visiting Bali.
Sunrise trekking is particularly popular due to the breathtaking views you can capture from the summit, often surrounded by a sea of vibrant clouds. Several Mount Batur tours provide hotel pickup and drop-off from key tourist spots in Bali.
Staying in Kintamani offers easier access to the volcano, enabling hikers to start later—around 4 AM—rather than the typical 1-2 AM launch required from other areas like Ubud, Kuta, or Sanur.
We enjoyed the convenience of walking directly to the volcano from our Kintamani hotel!
• Toya Devasya Hot Springs
This waterpark, located on the edge of Lake Batur, allows visitors to relax in natural hot springs.
The infinity pool at Toya Devasya boasts breathtaking views, making it one of Kintamani’s most scenic spots.
• Lake Batur
Lake Batur is a stunning volcanic crater lake directly opposite Kintamani village.
Beyond being a picturesque location ideal for drone photography, several tour companies offer canoeing adventures on the lake.
• Pura Segara Temple
This ancient floating temple sits gracefully on the edge of Lake Batur.
While it shares some features with the famous Lake Baratan temple in Bedugul, this one is far less crowded and has no entrance fee!
• Trunyan Cemetery
Known as ‘Skull Island,’ this fascinating (and eerie) ancient village across Lake Batur is where locals bury their deceased above ground.
• Kintamani Village Terraces
Inside the Kintamani caldera, you’ll find an array of picturesque crop fields growing onions, tomatoes, oranges, and more.
The optimal time for capturing stunning photos of these fields is shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when the sunlight creates long, dramatic shadows.
For panoramic views, consider descending the north slope of Batur or flying a drone!
• Volcano Dirt Biking
The southern slope of the Batur volcano features sandy black lava fields ideal for dirt biking. Numerous companies offer this thrilling adventure, along with popular ATV and jeep tours.
This is an exciting experience if you seek an adrenaline rush while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Indonesia!
• Mount Agung Trekking
If you are up for an incredible challenge, you can hire a guide and spend a full day trekking up Mount Agung, the tallest volcano and highest point in Bali. This intense hike is best tackled from Kintamani, a suitable base for the endeavor.
• Besakih Temple
This is one of Bali’s largest and most significant temples.
Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, parts of the temple complex date back thousands of years.
The drive from Kintamani to Besakih takes about 40 minutes.
• Marigold Fields
Near the Besakih temple, Temukus village boasts stunning marigold fields cultivated for Hindu ceremonies.
This area offers a striking contrast to typical palm and rice paddies, set against the backdrop of foggy mountains and vibrant orange marigold flowers.
Best Kintamani Bali Restaurants
Kintamani features many delightful lake view restaurants and cafes. Here are a few standout recommendations:
- Kintamani Coffee: A cozy coffee shop along the main road with excellent lake views and delicious food, making it an ideal breakfast spot!
- Pulu Mujung Warung: Offers an artistic, organic menu alongside some of the best dishes in Kintamani—along with remarkable views.
- Rejeng Bali: A lakeside restaurant directly on Lake Batur, serving fair-priced meals while providing an amazing ambiance. A top choice near the lake!
- La Vista Coffee & Roastery: A newer cafe offering stunning views of Batur volcano and Kintamani caldera from above, ideal for photography.
- Lakeview Restaurant & Hotel: Serves Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian cuisine with one of the best views in the caldera.
Other Tips
- Credit Cards: Most Kintamani restaurants, hotels, and shops do not accept credit cards; therefore, it’s advisable to carry cash.
- ATM: A few ATMs are found along the main road above Kintamani, as well as one at Toya Devasya hot springs, although their reliability may vary. It’s best to arrive with extra cash.
- WiFi: While most hotels offer WiFi sufficient for browsing, streaming might be limited. However, this is improving quickly.
- Cell Service: We experienced excellent reception with Telkomsel in Kintamani, even better than in Denpasar!
Kintamani Entrance Fee
Since 2022, locals in Kintamani have attempted to charge tourists a fee of 50k Rupiah per person to visit or pass through the main street.
This inconveniencing fee does little more than deter visitors, affecting local businesses negatively. Even Balinese residents from elsewhere are being subjected to this charge, but with some luck, you might avoid it by arriving early or taking an alternative route.
Unfortunately, these fees have had adverse effects on local business in Kintamani, putting many hotels and eateries at risk. It is hoped that local leadership will recognize the absurdity of these fees and eliminate them soon.
Best Time To Visit
Kintamani has pleasant weather year-round.
Situated at a higher elevation compared to other parts of Bali, it experiences temperatures that can be up to 10 °C cooler than at sea level.
The ideal months for hiking are from May to November due to reduced rain and improved mountain visibility. Nonetheless, the rainy season still allows for hiking but bringing a rain jacket is advisable.
How Long To Stay
You can visit the primary sights of Kintamani within a couple of days. However, many travelers find themselves wanting to extend their stay due to the refreshing mountain air and the tranquil pace of life.
Happy travels!
Where To Stay
There are numerous great budget-friendly hotel options in Kintamani. See below for a few recommendations.
One significant advantage of staying in Kintamani hotels is the easy access to Batur volcano, which allows for a later awakening for the hike.
This means starting your trek at 4 AM, instead of the traditional 1-2 AM required for day trips from other Bali regions like Ubud, Kuta, or Sanur.
We were fortunate enough to walk directly to the volcano from our Kintamani hotel in mere minutes!
Kintamani Hotel Recommendations
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental
For those who prefer exploring Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with an English-speaking driver, my top recommendation is GetYourGuide.
Prices start at 700k Rupiah (~$48 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That’s an all-inclusive price covering the entire car, driver, and fuel! It’s an excellent deal. Affordable airport transfers are also available.
For those who prefer motorbike travel, GetYourGuide offers scooter rentals starting at 140k Rupiah (~$9), including a helmet, raincoat, and free delivery in the south Bali area.
Having utilized GetYourGuide for various tours and activities worldwide, I highly recommend their services!
