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 in Bali offers breathtaking vistas, cloud-kissed cafes, and charming boutique glamping options. While many visitors flock to the area to conquer the famous Mount Batur hiking trails, a select few opt for an intimate mountain camping experience. Imagine yourself watching the sunset over the volcanoes and lakes, sipping old-fashioned cocktails, and roasting marshmallows by the fire at night. For those seeking to escape the usual Bali hotspots, Kintamani is the perfect place to discover a different side of the island.
How to get to Kintamani
Ubud to Kintamani
Kintamani is a quick & easy 1-hour drive by scooter from Ubud.
Canggu or Uluwatu to Kintamani
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
Where to Stay in Kintamani
We stayed at two incredible places in Kintamani—Oculus and Sunrise Hill Camp—and I’m fully convinced these are the two best accommodations in the area. Whether you’re looking for stunning views, cozy glamping vibes, or an authentic mountain retreat, I highly recommend staying at either (or both) on your trip to Kintamani, Bali. These spots offer a perfect balance of comfort and adventure, giving you an unforgettable experience in this enchanting part of Bali.
7 Boutique Hotels in Bali
A guide to the best unique & boutique hotels on the Island of Gods
$ Sunrise Hill Camp - Book Here
Sunrise Hill Camp is an absolute dream! Tucked away in a remote corner of Kintamani, this hidden oasis is the perfect haven for hikers conquering Mount Batur. We stayed in the VIP large tent, which turned out to be the most luxurious option in the entire camp. Adorned with bohemian decor, the tent offered air conditioning and surprisingly reliable WiFi. The best part for non-campers like Keanu and me? A hidden hatch leading downstairs to a private kitchen and bathroom, making it feel more like a boutique villa than a campsite. To top it off, our room boasted the utmost privacy, complete with a private pool replenished each morning with natural hot spring water. And did I mention the jaw-dropping views of the lakes and volcanoes? We spent our evenings barbecuing 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 return!
Pro tip: You can only book Sunrise Hill Camp directly. Make sure to reserve well in advance, especially if you want the VIP tent—it tends to get snatched up quickly!
Bali Transport Guide
Bela’s guide for getting around the Island of God’s
$$$ Oculus - Book Here
Oculus is hands down the top choice for an upscale stay in Kintamani. This boutique hotel offers spacious luxury suites, a rejuvenating spa, two charming restaurants, and unbeatable sunset views. We spent our evenings around the bonfire, sipping old-fashioneds and enjoying cigars while soaking in the serene atmosphere. The prime location puts you right in the heart of all the best Kintamani activities and cafes, with only a quick one-hour ride from Ubud. The staff at Oculus truly went above and beyond during our stay. We even ended up rescuing a stray puppy, and despite their no-pets policy, one of the staff members 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!
Where to Eat in Kintamani
Kintamani is full of cloud-kissed, Instagrammable cafes, but to be entirely honest, the food isn’t the highlight here. It’s also important to note that most of the cafes are only open for breakfast and lunch. For dinner, it’s best to dine at your accommodation.
El Lago
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of El Lago, a serene escape offering breathtaking mountain views and a refined minimalist ambiance. Warm up in the cool mountain air with sushi, sashimi, and a comforting bowl of noodle soup. The peaceful surroundings and stunning scenery make it a must-visit for those seeking relaxation.
Montana Del Cafe
Montana Del Café Bali takes your dining experience to new heights—literally! Perched atop a mountain, this cute cafe offers an incredible view of Mount Batur, Mount Abang, and even Mount Agung on clear days. The atmosphere and scenery make it a popular spot for both food and photos.
Paperhills
Paperhills served up the best food we had in Kintamani. Perched above the clouds, this cozy cafe is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. The views are breathtaking, and the ambiance invites you to linger longer as you savor the experience.
Ruang Langkit
Located at Oculus, Ruang Langkit quickly became our go-to spot for capturing mesmerizing sunsets. This charming rooftop eatery offers the perfect setting to unwind and soak in the stunning Kintamani views. Picture yourself outside, savoring the smoothness of an old-fashioned cocktail while indulging in delicious pizzas and pasta. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing evening or want to elevate your sunset-watching experience, Ruang Langkit is the place to be.
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What to do in kintamani
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. If you’re planning to take on this adventure, I recommend staying the night at Sunrise Hill Camp before waking up early to embark on this hike the following morning. The hike itself takes just 2-3 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day. For those seeking a rewarding yet accessible challenge, the Mount Batur sunrise hike is a must-do when visiting Kintamani.
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, left exposed to the elements to decompose naturally. The Trunyan people believe that this process allows the soul to depart from the body, and the unique fragrance in the area is said to be proof of this. Visitors looking to explore Trunyan’s fascinating culture can board a boat from the village of Songan, located on the western shore of Lake Batur. In this remote village of just over 600 people, you can mingle with locals, witness traditional ceremonies like the Ngaben funeral, and gain insight into Trunyan’s unique way of life. For adventurers eager to uncover the rich culture and traditions of Bali, a visit to Trunyan is a truly unforgettable experience.
Mount Batur Jeep Tour- Book Here
Not a fan of early-morning hikes? No worries! You can still experience the magic of Mount Batur by hopping on a jeep for an unforgettable sunrise tour. This thrilling adventure takes you to the summit of one of Bali's most active volcanoes without the legwork, letting you witness the stunning sunrise views in comfort. The Mount Batur jeep tour is perfect for those who want the experience of Bali’s legendary volcano with a touch of ease and excitement.
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