Kintamani Travel Guide- A Bali Mountain Escape
Escape the hustle and bustle of Ubud and venture just 1 hour away to the enchanting village of Kintamani. Nestled among three majestic volcanoes, Mount Abang, Mount Batur, and Mount Agung, this hidden gem offers breathtaking vistas, cloud-kissed cafes, and charming boutique glamping options. While many visitors come here to conquer Mount Batur's famous hiking trails, a select few opt for an intimate camping experience in the mountains. Find yourself watching the sunset over the volcanoes and lakes, sipping old-fashioned’s and roasting marshmallows by the fire at night. This is the perfect place to experience a different side of Bali.
How to get there:
From Ubud: Kintamani is a quick & easy 1-hour drive by scooter from Ubud.
From Canggu or Uluwatu: I recommend hiring a private driver to whisk you away on a scenic 2-3 hour drive from the beautiful Southern parts of Bali.
Contact my driver Ngakan & tell him Bela sent you
Stay
We stayed at 2 places in Kintamani- Oculus & Sunrise Hill Camp, and i’m fully convinced they were the 2 best spots in the area. I highly recommend either (or both) on your trip to Kintamani.
$ Sunrise Hill Camp - Book Here
Sunrise Hill camp is an absolute dream! Tucked away in a remote corner of Kintamani, this little oasis is the perfect haven for hikers conquering Mount Batur. We snagged the VIP large tent, which turned out to be the most luxurious room in the entire camp. Adorned with bohemian decor, the tent offered AC and surprisingly reliable WiFi. The best part for non-campers like Keanu and me was a hidden hatch leading downstairs to a luxurious kitchen and bathroom. To top it off, our room boasted the utmost privacy, with our own private pool replenished each morning with natural hot spring water. Oh, and did I mention the jaw-dropping views of the lakes and volcanoes? We spent our evenings barbequing on the terrace while watching mesmerizing sunsets and toasting marshmallows around our own private fire pit. Hands down, it was an unforgettable experience, and we're already planning to go back for more! A quick tip: you can only book Sunrise Hill Camp directly. Book well in advance, especially if you want to reserve the VIP tent—it tends to get snatched up quickly!
$$$ Oculus - Book Here
Oculus is the best choice for an upscale stay in Kintamani. This boutique hotel boasts spacious luxury suites, a rejuvenating spa, two adorable restaurants, and unbeatable sunset views. We spent the evenings around the bonfire, sipping old fashioned’s and smoking cigars. Not to mention, the prime location puts you right in the heart of all the best activities, and cafes, and it's only a quick one-hour ride from Ubud. The staff at Oculus truly went above and beyond during our stay. We even ended up saving a stray puppy, and despite the no-pets policy, one of the workers kindly took the pup to their own home for the night until we could take her to the vet the next day. Talk about exceptional service!
Eat
Kintamani is full of cloud-kissed Instagrammable cafes, but to be entirely honest, the food isn’t great. It’s also important to note that most of the cafes are only open for breakfast & lunch. It’s best to dine in at your accommodation for dinner.
El Lago
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of El Lago, a serene escape adorned with breathtaking mountain views and a refined minimalist ambiance. Enjoy sushi, sashimi, and a comforting noodle soup to keep you warm in the cold mountain air.
Montana Del Cafe
Montana Del Café Bali will elevate your dining experience to new heights, quite literally. Perched atop a mountain, this cute cafe offers amazing view of Mount Batur, Mount Abang, & even Mount Agung at times.
Paperhills
Paperhills had the best food we had in Kintamani. Perched above the clouds, this cute cafe is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Ruang Langkit
Located at Oculus, this charming rooftop eatery became our go-to spot for capturing mesmerizing sunsets. Picture yourself relaxing outside, relishing the smoothness of an old fashioned cocktail and indulging in delectable pizzas and pasta.
Explore
Hike Mount Batur- Book Here
While we chose to embrace the simplicity of doing nothing at all during our stay, most travelers come to Kintamani for the renowned sunrise hike up Mount Batur. To do so, I would recommend staying the night at Sunrise Hill Camp before waking up and embarking on this very early morning hike the following day. The hike itself only takes 2-3 hours, so you will still have the whole day to enjoy after.
Visit Trunyan Hill Cemetary- Book Here
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Abang and accessible only by boat, the Trunyan Hill Cemetery is an eerie and enigmatic burial site unlike any other. Rows of bamboo cages line the cemetery, housing the remains of the deceased, exposed to the elements, and left to decompose naturally. The Trunyan people believe that this is how the soul departs from the body, and the pleasant scent is proof of its departure. Visitors who want to explore Trunyan's peculiar culture can do so by boarding a boat at the local port in the village of Songan, located on Lake Batur's western shore. In this remote village of just over 600 people, visitors can mingle with locals, experience traditional ceremonies like the Ngaben funeral, and learn more about Trunyan's unique way of life. Trunyan is a must-visit destination for adventurers eager to discover the rich culture and fascinating traditions of Bali.
Mount Batur Jeep Tour- Book Here
Don't feel like dragging yourself out of bed early for a 3-hour hike? No worries! Hop on a jeep and brace yourself for an unforgettable experience. Witness a sunrise at Bali's legendary Mount Batur, one of the most active volcanoes.
Book Your Kintamani Stay
Kintamani’s best resorts, ecostays, homestays, and hostels.
Explore Destinations in Bali, Indonesia
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Nusa Lembongan
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Munduk
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Sidemen
A glimpse of “old Bali,” Sidemen offers an escape from the crowds in Ubud and Seminyak. Spend the days wandering through secluded rice fields and stay in elaborate eco-friendly bamboo homes.
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Nusa Penida
Towering Cliffs, beautiful scenery, and Bali's best beaches.
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Ubud
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Keramas
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Canggu
Streets packed to the brim with hipster cafes, a spa on every corner, and an overflow of beach & night clubs. The hustle & bustle of Canggu has a little of something for everyone.
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West Bali
The lesser-known side of Bali. Known for its longest left wave and it’s black sand beaches. Spend a few days in Medewi or Balian for some peace and quiet.
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Uluwatu
A sleepy little surf town with laid back vibes, cute cafes, and world class beach clubs all within a 10 minute drive.
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![Kintamani]()
Kintamani
Nestled among three majestic volcanoes, Mount Abang, Mount Batur, and Mount Agung, this hidden gem offers breathtaking vistas, cloud-kissed cafes, and charming boutique glamping options.
Take the Hassle Out of Travel Planning
Planning your trip to Bali should be a breeze, but with so many amazing attractions and hidden spots on this beautiful island, it can get overwhelming. That's why I created the ultimate Bali Google Map! Take the stress out of travel planning- this map has been curated for travelers and includes over 500+ pre-pinned locations.
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This map contains 500+ Google pins, including:
Where to stay: everything from hostels & local homestays to eco-luxe Airbnb’s and luxurious 5-star resorts- all in prime locations.
Secret waterfalls, beaches, ricefields, temples, and viewpoints.
Attractions in hotspots like Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan.
Attractions in lesser-known areas such as Munduk, Sidemen, Lovina, Kintamani, Amed, Tabanan, Keramas, & West Bali.
Where to eat: cafes, coffeeshops, local warungs, and full-blown dining experiences.
Travel essentials: where to find Western-grade medical care, pharmacies, grocery stores, laundry, my visa agents, reliable ATM’s, etc.
The best beaches & prime surf breaks.
My favorite spas, wellness centers, and yoga studios.
The most Insta-worthy spots on the island.
Where to play: beachclubs, sunset-spots, speakeasys (you can even get a free tattoo when you buy a taco at one Canggu hotspot!).
Harbors, airports, and other transport points.
Insider tips for the smoothest travel, happy hour deals, and more!
Temples, markets, water-palaces, local trekking, and scenic viewpoints.
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No WIFI, no problem. Simply download Google Maps offline on your phone to secure access no matter your signal.
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This Google map will automatically update to your phone whenever I add a new location, tip, or region of Bali
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Once purchased, I will grant your email access to the Google map. You then have unlimited access to 500+ locations in Bali at your fingertips.
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I did the work so you don’t have to! I read countless blogs, scrolled endlessly on Instagram, and even bought a few guidebooks to plan my 3-month Bali trip. After all this, I pinned everything on this Google map and planned my itinerary by grouping things from my maps together. I ended up finding the best spots & making my travel days as smooth as possible!
