Gunung Batur and Kintamani in Bali are among the island's most underrated regions, offering fresh mountain air, lakeview hotels and restaurants, and a breathtaking 13-kilometer-wide caldera where villages have been situated since ancient times.

The main attraction of Kintamani is the majestic Mount Batur, popular for sunrise treks, but the area boasts many other sights worth seeing, such as temples, hot springs, and the enormous caldera lake.

We recently stayed here for a few days and found it to be an excellent retreat from the hustle and bustle of southern Bali. This page will guide you on how to get to Kintamani, where to stay, and what to see and do in the area!

How to Get There
Kintamani is located on the northeast side of Bali.

It's a 1 to 2-hour drive from tourist hotspots in southern Bali like Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, and Kuta.

Currently, there is no public transportation to Kintamani, so the best way to get there is by private driver or motorcycle.

Getting Around
The attractions in Kintamani are somewhat spread out, so you might need transportation if you plan to explore.

The most popular way to get around is by motorcycle, which you can book online or rent from hotels or street-side shops.

Most hotels will also happily provide you with a day driver and car if needed, while tour companies usually include transportation in their packages.

Best Sights & Activities

• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
The Mount Batur trek is one of the most popular and exhilarating trekking experiences in Bali.

Sunrise treks are particularly popular because of the stunning views you can enjoy from the summit, often amidst a sea of orange clouds. Mount Batur tours include pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel in the main tourist areas of Bali.

Mount Batur is also a great place for a trek during your stay in Kintamani, as you can easily access the volcano. You can opt for a later start to your trek, meaning you can begin your journey at around 4 AM instead of 1-2 AM if you're coming from other parts of Bali like Ubud, Kuta, or Sanur.

• Toya Devasya Hot Springs
This is a water park on the edge of Lake Batur where you can soak in natural hot springs.

Toya Devasya's infinity pool offers one of the most enchanting views in Kintamani, with the lake and mountains as a backdrop.

• Lake Batur
Lake Batur is a massive caldera lake located opposite the village of Kintamani.

The lake is not only perfect for drone photography but also has tour companies offering kayaking on its waters.

• Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
This is an ancient water temple by Lake Batur.

It shares some similarities with the famous Tanah Lot Temple in Bedugul but is less crowded and has no entrance fee!

• Trunyan Cemetery
Nicknamed "Skeleton Island," this village is an interesting (and creepy) ancient site across Lake Batur where locals bury their dead above ground.

• Kintamani Village Terrace
Inside the Kintamani caldera are picturesque farmlands growing onions, tomatoes, oranges, and more.

The best time to photograph the fields is after sunrise or before sunset when the sun casts long, striking shadows.

• Volcanic Off-Road Motorbiking
The southern slope of Mount Batur has a sandy black lava field perfect for off-road motorbiking, with many companies offering this service. ATV and jeep tours are also popular.

• Mount Agung Trek
If you're really up for a challenge, hire a guide and spend a full day trekking up Mount Agung, Bali's largest volcano and highest point. It's an extremely difficult trek, and Kintamani makes a great base.

Drone Photo of Agung Caldera in Bali

• Besakih Temple
This is one of the largest and most significant temples in Bali.

Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, some parts of the temple may be thousands of years old.

It's a 40-minute drive from Kintamani.

• Marigold Fields
The village of Temukus near Besakih Temple boasts vast marigold fields where villagers grow flowers for Hindu rituals.

Instead of the usual palm trees and green rice paddies, you're surrounded by misty mountains and vibrant orange marigolds.

Best Restaurants in Kintamani, Bali
Kintamani has many great lakeview restaurants and cafes, but here are some of the best options:

Kintamani Coffee: A cafe on the main road with a beautiful lake view and delicious food. The perfect breakfast spot!