Kintamani Itinerary: Ideal 2-Day Guide & Day Trips

Planning a trip to Kintamani — whether solo or with friends? You’re in the right place!

I’ve just returned from a 2-day solo trip and have put together the perfect Kintamani itinerary for you. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip — from how to get around, to the best cafés with volcano views, and even what to pack so you can enjoy the mountain air without freezing.

If you’re only planning a day trip to Kintamani, I’ve also included some ideas to make the most of a single day in this rural corner of Bali.

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Is Kintamani Worth Visiting?

I’ll keep it short — yes. Kintamani is absolutely worth visiting, not just for the famous sunrise hike up Mount Batur, but also for experiencing a side of Bali untouched by over-tourism (with all its pros and cons).

It’s one of those places you could arrive at without planning a thing, because the true highlight is the scenery: lush green hills wrapping around the calm Batur lake, tiny villages scattered far apart showing the authenticity of Balinese life, and of course, the jaw-dropping views of Mount Batur and Mount Agung — visible right from Jl. Penelokan, the main road.

A trip here can be as adventurous or relaxed as you like. Kintamani offers plenty of outdoor activities — hiking, ATV rides, cycling — as well as cultural experiences, from visiting Hindu temples to enjoying a local coffee tasting or exploring traditional farms.

How to Get to & Around in Kintamani

Kintamani is located in the northeastern side of Bali, and it’s pretty easy to reach from almost anywhere on the island.

• From Ubud: about 30 km (around 1.5 hours)
• From Seminyak/Canggu: about 76 km (around 2.5 hours)
• From Sanur: about 60 km (around 1 hour 45 minutes)

To get around in Kintamani, you’ll need to plan for transportation in advance. No hope of hopping on those random Grab rides here.

1. Rent a Scooter

If you’re confident riding, this is the most flexible and budget-friendly way to get to and visit Kintamani. You’ll already have your scooter to explore once you arrive—no need to rent one locally.

You can even reserve your scooter in advance, no matter where you’re staying in Bali. You can book your scooter here.

2. Book a Grab Car in Advance

This is what I did. I booked my Grab car the night before and left Ubud around 7 am to avoid traffic. Expect to pay around 250K IDR from the Ubud area, depending on the time of day (the earlier you leave, the cheaper it usually is).

If that’s your option, consider renting a scooter in Kintamani or hiring a driver to get around during the day.

3. Hire a Private Driver

This is ideal if you don’t want to stress over transport and have more flexibility, especially since getting around Kintamani without your transport can be tricky.

Hiring a driver for 6–8 hours means you can create your own Kintamani tour—stop at a few sights along the way and get dropped off at your accommodation later in the day. For one of the most flexible options I’ve found, you can book here.

Where to Stay in Kintamani

Kintamani has plenty of incredible stays with surreal views. However, if there’s one thing to check before booking, it’s the location. As stunning as many of these places are, a lot of them are pretty isolated, often surrounded by nothing more than a tiny local market.

If you rent a scooter, this isn’t a big deal. But without one, you might end up stuck in your hotel room unless you’re up for a 30-minute uphill walk to reach the main road.

That said, here are a few stays I recommend:

–> Pondok Dewana Kintamani – Recommended especially for its location, although it’s also highly rated for the views, the peaceful surroundings, and the service. It’s located on Jl. Raya Kintamani. Around it, you’ll find some warungs, cafés, and a couple of mini markets.

–> Ayodya Batur Villa – This is where I stayed, and I highly recommend it if you have a scooter, because it’s tucked away in the valley. This place likely has the best view, directly over the volcano’s lava fields, and the combination of great service, comfortable rooms, and lovely hosts made my stay perfect.

–> Kintamani Adventures Camping – One of the best—if not the best—camping experiences rated on Booking. The site has comfortable tents with super cozy mattresses, and the highlights are without a doubt the breathtaking morning views and the warm, welcoming staff.

How Many Days in Kintamani?

After visiting, I believe that two full days are enough to experience the best of Kintamani. Two days work well for a packed itinerary, while three days allow for a more relaxed pace — with time for extra visits, like stopping by some of the farms, recovering from the hike, or trying activities such as an ATV ride or canoeing on the lake.

Best Time to Visit Kintamani

Kintamani is beautiful year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. The dry season, from April to October, is the most popular time to visit — clear skies mean you’re more likely to catch those stunning volcano and lake views, and it’s ideal for hiking Mount Batur.

The rainy season, from November to March, can bring heavy showers, as in most parts of the island.

However, as usual, the weather in Bali is so unpredictable and can vary between the north and the South. Just for perspective — it was pouring in Ubud while Kintamani was 30°C with the bluest sky.

2-Day Kintamani Itinerary

Before starting, here’s a note: I suggest heading to Kintamani early to make the most of your first day. If you arrive around 8, you can have breakfast in one of the cafés with volcano views and then continue with your day itinerary.

Your stay will likely revolve around the sunrise hike up Mount Batur, which I highly suggest planning for your second day in Kintamani. Since you’ll be waking up around 2 am to hike the volcano, keep the rest of the day light—maybe enjoy the hot springs or take a boat ride on the lake.

Day 1: Scenic Views, Temples & Exploration

1. Breakfast at Akasa Café

Akasa was the first café I stopped at when I arrived in Kintamani, on a gloomy Friday morning (despite being the first of August). I could barely see past my nose because of the fog, so… what else could I do but order a cappuccino?

Without knowing it, I had ended up in one of the most Instagram-worthy cafés in Kintamani. The place is spread over multiple levels, with hanging seats and panoramic views that are absolutely breathtaking.

Their coffee is locally produced, so if there’s one thing to try, it’s that. And honestly, the cappuccino was one of the best I’ve had in Bali. I didn’t personally eat here, but I spotted some savory breakfasts that looked to die for—especially the savory croissant with scrambled eggs and avocado.

2. Visit Pura Ulun Danu Batur

Entrance Ticket: IDR 35K (Bring your sarong)

Just 10 minutes away by car from Akasa Coffee, you’ll find one of the most important temples in the area—Pura Ulun Danu Batur (not to be confused with Pura Ulun Danu Beratan in Bedugul).

If you’re looking for a more sacred, less-visited site in Kintamani, this is the place. Initially built in the 17th century, the temple was relocated to its current spot after Mount Batur erupted and destroyed the nearby village.

What’s particularly fascinating here are the dramatic stone gates, the peaceful atmosphere, and—of course—the volcano views, which make the whole place feel even more sacred and connected to nature.

3. Cycling Around the Lake Area

Cycling around the lake area is one of the best ways to explore nearby villages and immerse yourself in nature.

I highly recommend renting a bike from C-Bali, which is located right by the lake. They offer different types of bicycles and provide a helmet and a locker for free.

The best part is that on their website, you can plan your cycling tour and download a map—so you won’t get lost and you’ll already know what to expect.

Since you might be hiking the volcano the next day, you could opt for a short trail of about 45 minutes to an hour, choosing to explore a traditional village or the hot springs. If you’re up for more, there are plenty of longer and more challenging cycling trails to try.

4. Lunch at Paperhills or Other Cafés

Paperhills is one of the most famous cafés and pool clubs in Kintamani — not just for the views (which, to be fair, are incredible from almost every spot along Jl. Penelokan) but also for its aesthetic and the fact that it’s a full-on pool club with volcano views. I haven’t been there, but if you want to try other cafés I’ve visited, here are my favorites:

–> Okuta – A super modern café with a very unique design. Naturally, the view is stunning (but at this point, that almost goes without saying), and the staff were incredibly kind — they even noticed I was freezing and brought me a blanket. The food here is delicious; I came back specifically to enjoy their fruit salad with ice cream.

–> La Vista – This is a very affordable and not-at-all-fancy warung, but the view is surreal. They mainly serve Indonesian food, so if you’re after a budget-friendly option without sacrificing the view, this is the place.

5. Visit Pura Ulun Danu Segara & Pura Jati Batur

Entrance Ticket: IDR 25K (for Ulun Danu Segara) – includes a sarong, which you can keep to visit Pura Jati.

Pura Ulun Danu Segara and Pura Jati Batur are both located near the lake, just a short distance from each other. The highlight is Pura Ulun Danu Segara, but since they’re so close, it would be a shame not to visit the other temple as well.

The temple grounds of Ulun Danu Segara are small and usually very quiet. From the Candi Bentar gate, you’ll immediately spot the picturesque Meru-style altar floating on the lake, connected to the shore by a narrow bridge.

There isn’t much else to explore around the temple, but from here you’ll get one of the most magical and breathtaking views in Kintamani.

Pura Jati is just before Pura Segara, right along the roadside — so close that it’s easy to miss. Enter through a small gate, and you’ll find a quiet, authentic atmosphere.

The temple itself has just one small courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery, blooming flowers, and beautifully decorated Hindu altars wrapped in yellow cloth. It’s simple, but worth stopping by if you’re already in the area.

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After some of these sights, I highly recommend heading back to your accommodation — or maybe stopping by another café for a coffee and some downtime.

If you’re planning the Mount Batur hike for the second day, you’ll be waking up early and likely won’t get much sleep. It’s worth taking the rest of the day to relax.

When it comes to dinner, most villas have an on-site restaurant, which is such a bliss. In Kintamani, there’s not much to do in the evenings, and if you don’t have a scooter, there’s no point in finding yourself wandering down a poorly lit street.

I had dinner at my villa on both evenings. If yours doesn’t have a restaurant, make sure to check the location for nearby dining options before booking.

Day 2: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike & Hot Springs

1. Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

This is usually the main reason to be in Kintamani. The Mount Batur sunrise hike is the thing to do here — and for good reason.

Climbing an active volcano is fascinating. Not so much for the hike itself (which is sweaty, dark, and at times a little challenging), but because once you reach the top — the caldera — you truly realize just how active the volcano is.

You can see steam coming out of the crater walls, and that’s not something most people get to witness.

Here, if lucky with the weather, you can witness the sea of clouds glowing with fiery orange and yellow hues, Mount Agung peeking through, and the sun — a bright red fireball — slowly rising above it all.

What made my sunrise hike so great was my guide. I tell you all about it in my Mount Batur Hiking Guide, and if you’re interested in booking a tour that’s truly worth it, this is the one I chose. (P.S. I explain in the post why I loved it so much.)

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After the hike, depending on the tour you book, you can either head back to your hotel for breakfast and some rest or join a tour that includes a stop at the hot springs, where you can relax and have lunch.

2. Relax at The Mount Batur Hot Springs

If there’s one thing you could add to your Mount Batur hike day, it’s a visit to the nearby Hot Springs. You can also plan to have lunch there.

In Kintamani, there are two main hot springs to check out.

–> Batur Natural Hot Springs – This spot offers different pools for different needs: a kids’ pool, a swimming pool, and a 37°C hot spring pool with naturally warm, soothing water. The entry ticket for adults is IDR 216K (with a 10% discount if you book online in advance).

–> Toya Devasya Natural Hot Spring – This is the more upscale option, and it’s more of a resort. It features eight pools, activities, and a restaurant — perfect if you’re looking for a full day experience. You can directly book online on their website (by clicking on the entrance ticket) to save some money. The admission fee for foreigners is IDR 70K.

3. Visit The Batur Geopark Museum

You can wrap up your day with a visit to the Batur Geopark Museum. The museum is all about National Geoparks in Indonesia. It takes you through the unique geology of the Kintamani area, especially how the volcano has shaped the surrounding landscape over time.

The museum is divided into three main sections: the first focuses on Bali and its volcanic formations and Mount Batur itself. The others explore the local biodiversity.

The entrance fee is IDR 50K, and the place was empty when I visited. If you’re looking for a calm and quiet place to escape the heat (or the rain) and learn something new about Bali’s volcanic activity, this is it.

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If you’re looking for more activities to add to a 2-day or even 3-day itinerary, be sure to check out these 11 things to do in Kintamani.

What to Pack for Your Kintamani Itinerary

First of all, I highly suggest a small backpack to carry around (like 30L). If you’re like me and likely exploring before heading to your accommodation, this will be easier to carry.

This is what I’ve personally packed for two days:

• 2 workout sets (leggings + sports bra + top)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 t-shirts
• 1 sweater
• 1 lightweight rain jacket/K-way
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• Skincare & oral care kit (travel size)
• 4 pairs of socks + 4 pairs of underwear
• Light pajama
• Small GoPro
• Passport & cash (don’t forget for hotel check-in)
• International driving licence (if renting a scooter)
• Small laundry bag (trust me, after the volcano hike you’ll need it)

Kintamani Day-Trip Ideas

Here are some day trip ideas if you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of Kintamani.

Whenever I recommend a tour or guided experience, I always make sure it’s with a company I’ve personally used and trust.

Seek Sophie truly resonates with my desire to explore a more authentic side of Asia, trying to avoid the more touristic experiences as much as possible. By booking with them, you can be sure you’ll get a truly local and eco-responsible experience.

1. Sunrise Hike (or Jeep Tour) from Ubud

If you’re in Ubud, there are plenty of organized tours (with pick-up included) that take you to Kintamani — it’s one of the most popular day trips from Ubud.

–> Sunrise Hike from Ubud: This was the first tour I wanted to book, but unfortunately, the pick-up was in the Ubud area only. It’s all included: transportation (a big plus, considering it’s often more expensive than the hike itself), breakfast at the summit, a stop at a coffee plantation to taste authentic Kintamani coffee, and the option to add on a visit to the Mt. Batur Natural Hot Spring for a full-day trip. Plus, a super local guide directly from Kintamani.

–> Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Ride: If you don’t feel like hiking first thing in the morning (or actually at 3 am) and prefer a more relaxed experience while still catching an incredible sunrise, Seek Sophie offers the exact experience — but with a Jeep ride instead of the hike.

2. Kintamani Sunset Tour

This is the trip that one of my friends decided to take a couple of days ago. They weren’t up for the crazy early wake-up call and opted to catch the sunset instead.

It can be a great choice, as you’ll likely avoid the crowds that gather for sunrise. Personally — and based on what I’ve seen — I don’t think sunset is quite as magical as sunrise. However, it’s still a great alternative if you want to enjoy Kintamani during the day and dedicate only your afternoon to the hike (or the Jeep ride).

–> Sunset Trekking: This is quite a flexible option when it comes to pick-up and drop-off, but I recommend heading to Kintamani in the morning (so that you have the chance to explore the area) and meeting your guide directly at the starting point. A light meal is included, and you also have the option to add the Natural Hot Spring as an extra.

–> Sunset Jeep Ride: Same flexibility, but this time you don’t even have to walk — you’ll enjoy a fun Jeep ride, with the chance to explore the lava sands as well. Again, pick-up and drop-off are flexible, but to truly enjoy Kintamani, I’d suggest heading there in the morning and meeting your guide at the starting point.

If you’re heading to Kintamani in the morning, this is what you can’t miss:

• Cycling around the area – Head to C.Bali for that
• Pura Segara Ulun Danu
• Pura Ulun Danu Batur
• Lunch with a view at Akasa or Paperhills

3. Full-Day Kintamani Tour

If you want to skip all the logistics, I found a tour that might be perfect for you. The main highlights are the Mount Batur trek and a boat ride around Lake Batur. But what makes it even better is the number of add-ons available so that you can turn it into a comprehensive exploration of the area.

Possible add-ons include:

• Batur Natural Hot Springs or Toya Devasya Natural Hot Spring
• Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation
• Lunch at Akasa or Paperhills
• Goa Raja Waterfall
• Trunyan Cemetery Visit

You can book this tour here — just make sure to include the add-ons you’re most interested in.

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There you go, I hope this post helped you get clear on what to include in your Kintamani itinerary, whether it be for two days, more, or even a short day trip. It’s always worth it to head to the northern and more authentic side of Bali.

If you’re traveling to Kintamani alone (or even with friends), make sure to check out the things I wish I had known before going. Like, the fact that there’s no Grab, or that hotels can be very isolated.

The highlight of my trip was without a doubt the sunrise hike, and I can’t stop recommending my tour, which was better than I would ever have imagined, perfect if you’re already staying in Kintamani. You can find the link to book it here, if I got you curious.

So, what are you most excited to explore in Kintamani? Let me know in the comments — and if you have any questions or doubts, I’m happy to help.

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