Bali
sightseeing
Kintamani is a highland town in Bali's Bangli Regency, sitting at around 1,500 meters above sea level. The town is built right on the edge of a volcanic caldera. Inside it, you have Mount Batur, an active volcano that last erupted in 2000, and Lake Batur, the largest lake in Bali. Most people come here for the views.
That contrast is what makes Kintamani Bali worth the drive. The coast is hot and humid. Up here, temperatures sit around 18 degrees Celsius. You are looking at a live volcano, a caldera lake, and open sky from where you stand. Kintamani is included in several Bali tour packages since it makes an easy day trip from Ubud, about 45 minutes away.
The Kintamani area is the oldest known kingdom in Bali, with records going back to the 10th century. The caldera itself formed around 29,000 years ago after a massive eruption. Lava flows over the centuries created rich volcanic soil that local farmers still use today to grow rice, bananas, and other crops around the lake.
Pura Ulun Danu Batur is one of Bali's nine directional temples, dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess believed to control the island's water and irrigation system. The original temple stood at the base of the volcano and was destroyed in the 1926 eruption. Locals moved everything they could salvage to the crater rim, and that is where it stands today.
April to October is the best time to visit. Dry season keeps the skies clear and views sharp. Try to arrive before noon because clouds move in by afternoon. Avoid November to March when mist and fog reduce visibility considerably.
The nearest major tourist area is Ubud, about 34 km away and roughly 60 minutes by car. From Denpasar or the airport, the drive takes 2 to 2.5 hours(52 km). Private drivers are the easiest option. Daily shuttle buses from Ubud are available, but need to be booked a day ahead.
Day Wise Timings
Maps & Location
Kintamani, Bali
Essential Information
Point of Interest for Kintamani
Penelokan Viewpoint
A crater rim stop with clear views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur below.
Mount Batur Trek
Active volcano summit reachable in 1.5 to 2 hours; sunrise trek is the most popular.
Lake Batur
The largest lake in Bali, inside the caldera; boat rides are available from Kedisan village.
Pura Ulun Danu Batur
One of Bali's nine key temples, rebuilt on the crater rim after the 1926 eruption.
Trunyan Village
Ancient Bali Aga village on the lake's east shore with unusual burial traditions.
Toya Bungkah Hot Springs
Natural hot springs beside Lake Batur, good for warming up after a trek.
Kintamani is famous for Mount Batur, an active volcano, and Lake Batur, the largest lake in Bali. Both sit inside a massive volcanic caldera at around 1,500 meters above sea level. The cooler climate and volcano views make it very different from coastal Bali.
Yes. Kintamani gives you a side of Bali that the beach towns cannot. The volcano, the caldera lake, the ancient villages, and the cool mountain air are things you only find up here. Most people do it as a day trip from Ubud.
Kintamani is about 42 km from Ubud and takes around 45 minutes by car. Private drivers and taxis are the most common options. Daily shuttle buses from Ubud are also available, but need to be booked a day in advance.
April to October is the best time to visit Kintamani. Plan to arrive before noon because clouds usually roll in by afternoon. The dry season brings clearer skies and better views of Mount Batur and the caldera lake.
The Kintamani area has no general entry fee. But viewpoints inside the area cost around ₹270 per adult. Parking costs ₹50 for cars. The Mount Batur sunrise trek and the hot springs at Toya Bungkah have separate fees.
Yes. Most people visit Kintamani as a day trip from Ubud. The drive is about 45 minutes each way. You can cover the Penelokan viewpoint, Lake Batur, and Pura Ulun Danu Batur in one day. Half a day is the minimum you need.
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Reviewed: Dec 20, 2025Mohit Arora
Reviewed: Nov 19, 2025
