Kintamani is a mountainous region located in the north east of Bali, in the Bangli regency. It is most famous for its mount Batur hike that we have covered, in details, in a previous blog post that you can read here.
Making it to the region of Kintamani might take you a few hours by car, depending on where you start from: count over 2h from the southern part (Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta etc.) and about 1h from Ubud.
Due to its high elevation (about 1,500m above sea level), the weather in the area is a lot cooler, and even gets chilly at night where temperature can go down to around 10-12°C. If by any chance the weather is windy that day, you will need a thick jacket to stay warm at night.
Good to know: the Kintamani region has implemented a visit fee which you will be required to pay upon entering the region: 50,000 IDR for international tourists (30,000 IDR for children) and 25,000 IDR for local tourists (15,000 IDR for children).
For the nature lovers: waterfalls and hikes
Pelisan waterfall
Pelisan waterfall, located on the southern end of Kintamani, is a lush green waterfall enjoyed by many locals for its pools of clear water.
Find the entrance location here 📍
If you are going by car, you might have to walk the last 500m as it is only accessible by motorbike.
Hikes
With its naturally mountainous terrain, the region is great for hiking lovers with a range of options from short trek, to longer hikes.
We discourage adventurer going for hikes during the rainy season, as landslide are more than common and can be very dangerous. To know more about the weather in Bali and picking the best time for hikes, refer to our post on the weather in Bali.
Easy hike: Bukit Trunyan
A bit of a long journey to access the start point, as it will require you to drive around mount Abang. But an easy ~2h hike, Bukit Trunyan offers a gorgeous view over the Batur lake and mountain.
Moderate hike: Mount Batur
The Mount Batur hike is the most popular adventure in Kintamani, renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views from the summit. This experience offers hikers the chance to witness the stunning play of colors as the sun rises over the surrounding volcanic landscape, including Lake Batur. Along the trek, visitors may also encounter fumaroles emitting steam, a reminder of the volcano's active status, adding a unique and thrilling aspect to the journey. The hike provides an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, adventure, and the raw power of Bali's geological wonders.
To know everything there is and organize your Batur hike, refer to our complete blog post about hiking mount Batur
Advanced hike: Mount Abang
Visiting the summit of mount Abang will take you about ~4h hiking back and forth; for a total length of about 6km and an elevation gain of approximately 760m.
Hike start location 📍 - we highly recommend that you get a guide for this hike to avoid any incident or simply getting lost as terrain can be treacherous.
Relaxation: Instagrammable cafés
All along one of the central road of Kintamani Penelokan Main road 📍 you will find beautiful cafés and restaurants where you can escape the heat of the tropical island while indulging in local and western delicacies as well as sampling some of Kintamani's local coffee.
The food and drinks offering is nothing compared to the picturesque view, those establishments offer, over the Batur Volcano and its surroundings.
Culture: temples and museum
Like much of the island, the Kintamani region is home to numerous Hindu temples. Additionally, it features a geology museum named after its iconic volcano, Mount Batur.
Batur Geopark museum
The museum is located in the heart of Kintamani, you can find the exact location here 📍.
It is a fascinating destination dedicated to the study and history of volcanic activity in Indonesia. The museum offers visitors an educational experience through its exhibits, which include geological formations, volcanic rocks, and interactive displays. The museum highlights the unique characteristics of Mount Batur, its eruptions, and its impact on the surrounding environment. It also explores the broader role of volcanoes in shaping Indonesia’s landscape, providing valuable insights into the country's geological heritage. This cultural and scientific hub is an ideal stop for those looking to deepen their understanding of Bali’s natural wonders.
You can find more information on their official website.
Famous Kintamani temples
Pura Ulun Danu Batur
The first temple in our list is the Pura Ulun Danu Batur 📍 which is located on the ridge road with a view on Mount Batur.
Pura segara Ulun Danu batur
The second one, a lot smaller: Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur 📍 is located on the shore of the lake Batur. Dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, the temple plays a significant role in ceremonies to ensure water fertility and agricultural prosperity.
This completes the part #1 of our Kintamani series, covering the heart of what the Kintamani region offers: from its beautiful cafés with breathtaking views to its iconic temples and hikes.
In part #2, we will explore a growing sector: the agrotourism - the region being a large producer of fruits and vegetables as well as coffee, there is plenty for you to learn and taste. We'll also give you insights on one of Bali's largest and most famous temple: Pura Besakih and finally cover the black lava part of Kintamani.
Stay tuned for part #2.
