Kintamani is the perfect location to escape the tourist crowds in Bali. Picture traditional villages, traffic-free roads, and, above all, breathtaking nature. Not only the famous Mount Batur, but also the still waters of Lake Batur, and the majestic Mount Agung mysteriously disappear behind the clouds.
I know—Bali itineraries can be packed, and sometimes there’s not enough time to see it all. But if you’re staying in Ubud, a day trip to Kintamani is one of the best ways to experience a different side of the island.
In this guide, I’ll share how to plan the perfect and most hassle-free Kintamani day trip after spending some time there.
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How to Plan This Kintamani Day Trip
The easiest and most comfortable way to plan this day trip itinerary is by hiring a private driver for the day. This way, you can enjoy your trip rain or shine, without worrying about riding a scooter for hours—or driving back from Kintamani in the dark.
With a private driver, you can agree on your itinerary in advance, and they’ll often suggest hidden spots that only locals know about, scenic viewpoints, and the best local warungs to try the Indonesian specialties.
If you’re looking for a reliable private car driver who can also share insider tips about Bali, you can book your service here. This service provides you with your own private car and driver for up to 10 hours. Before booking any private car service, ensure you agree on what’s included in the fare to avoid any surprises.
Travel Times To Kintamani
I highly recommend planning your Kintamani day trip from Ubud, as the distance is only 33 km (about 1 hour by car). If you leave early in the morning, you’ll avoid the heavy traffic that usually hits Ubud around 9–10 am and have a smoother drive.
If you’re staying in other parts of Bali, here are the approximate travel times to Kintamani:
- From Canggu / Seminyak: 60 km – around 2 hours
- From Sanur: 60 km – around 1h 40m
- From Amed: 60 km – around 2h 5m
Kintamani Day Trip Itinerary
Here’s a quick overview of how you can spend one day in Kintamani:
- Breakfast with a view at Akasa Café
- Visit Pura Ulun Danu Batur – one of Bali’s most important temples
- Explore the National Geopark Museum – learn about Mount Batur’s volcanic history
- Stop at Pura Ulun Danu Segara & Pura Jati Batur
- Lunch at Paperhills Café (or another spot with volcano views)
- Mount Batur Sunset Trekking (Optional)
Note on Mt. Batur Sunrise Trek
I’ve done the Mount Batur sunrise trek myself, and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re only planning a day trip. You’ll need to wake up around 2 am, the hike is physically demanding, and by the time you’re back, you’ll probably just want a shower and a nap.
If hiking Mount Batur is your main goal, I highly recommend booking this dedicated guided sunrise trek from Ubud for that experience alone.
1. Breakfast With A View at Akasa Caffe
One of the first stops on my Kintamani trip was Akasa Café, and it turned out to be the perfect place to start the morning. When I arrived, the entire area was wrapped in thick fog, giving the café an almost mystical atmosphere. Naturally, the only thing to do was to sit down with a hot cappuccino—and I couldn’t have chosen better.
Akasa is one of the most scenic and Instagram-worthy cafés in Kintamani. Built across several levels, it offers hanging chairs, cozy corners, and sweeping views over the volcano and lake (when the clouds finally lift). Their coffee is locally grown, and the cappuccino I had there was honestly one of the best in Bali.
Although I didn’t have breakfast, the menu looked tempting, with plenty of great options. The savory croissant with scrambled eggs and avocado in particular caught my eye. I definitely regretted it when I saw the plate served at a nearby table.
2. Visit Pura Ulun Danu Batur
Entrance Fee: IDR 35K (don’t forget to bring a sarong)
Just a short 10-minute drive from Akasa Café lies Pura Ulun Danu Batur, one of the most significant temples in the Kintamani region (and not to be mistaken for the more famous Pura Ulun Danu Beratan in Bedugul).
Initially built in the 17th century, it was relocated to its current hillside location after a powerful eruption of Mount Batur destroyed the surrounding village.
Today, you’ll find imposing stone gateways, a serene atmosphere, and volcano views that give the temple an even deeper sense of sacredness and connection with the surrounding nature.
3. Stop at The National Geopark Museum
Another interesting stop during your day trip in Kintamani is the Batur Geopark Museum. Dedicated to Indonesia’s National Geoparks, the museum showcases the region’s unique geology and explains how Mount Batur’s eruptions have shaped the surrounding landscape over time.
If you’re interested in science, geology, or want to learn more about how volcanoes have shaped Bali’s landscape, the museum is definitely for you.
The exhibits are split into three main sections: one focuses on Bali’s volcanic formations and Mount Batur itself, while the others showcase the area’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The entrance ticket is IDR 50K, and when I visited, it was almost empty—making it a calm and quiet spot to cool down from the heat (or escape a sudden rain shower) while learning something new about Bali’s volcanic past.
4. Visit Pura Ulun Danu Segara & Pura Jati Batur
Entrance Ticket: IDR 25K (for Pura Ulun Danu Segara) – includes a sarong, which you can also use to visit Pura Jati.
If you have time during your day trip, don’t miss Pura Ulun Danu Segara and Pura Jati Batur, two temples located right by the Lake and only a few steps away from each other.
The main highlight is Pura Ulun Danu Segara, a peaceful lakeside temple that reminds of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (but just for the floating shrine).
As you enter through the traditional Candi Bentar gate, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the striking Meru-style altar, connected to the shore by a narrow bridge.
The temple itself is small, with just one courtyard surrounded by flowers in bloom. While it’s simple in layout, the atmosphere and lake views make it one of the most magical spots in Kintamani.
Just before reaching Pura Segara, you’ll pass Pura Jati on the roadside. Smaller and often overlooked, this temple offers a quiet and authentic feel—worth a quick stop if you want to experience a less-visited sacred site.
5. Lunch at Paperhills Café
Paperhills is one of the most popular cafés and pool clubs in Kintamani. It’s well known not only for its volcano views (though you’ll find plenty of those along Jl. Penelokan), but also for its stylish design and the fact that it doubles as a pool club overlooking Mount Batur.
I didn’t personally stop at Paperhills, but if you’re looking for alternative spots I did try, here are two of my favorites:
- Okuta Café – A modern café with a striking design. Of course, the view is incredible, but what stood out most to me was the warm service—the staff even brought me a blanket when they noticed I was shivering from the cold. The food is so good, and I came back a second time just for their fruit salad with ice cream.
- La Vista Warung – This is the place to go for something simple, affordable, and authentic. The setting is laid-back, with traditional Indonesian dishes on the menu, but the view is absolutely next-level. It’s a great budget-friendly option without compromising on scenery.
6. Mount Batur Sunset Trek (or Jeep Ride)
The Mount Batur sunset trek (or jeep ride) is a great compromise. You’ll have enough time to explore Kintamani during the day, and still get to experience the thrill of hiking (or simply riding) an active volcano, enjoying a light meal at the summit while watching the sunset.
One of the biggest advantages of hiking at sunset is that you can actually sleep in—no 2 am wake-up call required—and you’ll also avoid the crowds, since most visitors opt for the sunrise trek. You’ll be descending as the sky grows dark, but the headlamp provided will do the job.
💡 If you’re looking for a memorable sunset experience, this tour is run by the same company I booked my own hike with.
They specifically work with local guides from Kintamani who know the volcano like the back of their hand, so you can be sure to get the best insights and stories during your trek.
If you’re unsure whether to choose the sunrise or sunset hike, I’ve already written in detail about my thrilling sunrise trek—check out the article if you’d like a complete and honest review of the tour and what to expect.
💡 On the other hand, if you’re after an adventure but don’t feel like hiking at the end of your Kintamani day trip, the same provider also offers a sunset jeep ride.
It’s the same experience, minus the one-hour climb—so you can still enjoy the golden hues at the top without breaking a sweat.
Note on Transportation
Most tours already include pick-up and drop-off from different areas in Bali and Kintamani (either for free or as a small add-on).
Some even let you customize with extras, so you can easily turn your sunset hike into the perfect day trip.
Honestly, this is one of the best ways to skip the stress of figuring out transport—especially after the sunset hike, which doesn’t wrap up until around 8:30 pm.
Full-Day Kintamani Guided Tour
If you’d like to skip all the logistics, I’ve found a tour that might be perfect for you. The main highlights are the Mount Batur trek and a boat ride around Lake Batur. However, what makes it even better is the number of add-ons available so that you can turn it into a full-day trip
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 — make sure to include the add-ons you’re most interested in.
Other Things To Do in Kintamani
If you’re planning the Mount Batur sunset trek or jeep ride, you won’t have much time for other stops. However, if not, here are a few additional activities to consider for your Kintamani day trip.
1. Cycling in Kintamani
One of the best options to explore the area is by renting a bike. C-Bali, right on the lakeside, is one of the best providers.
Bikes can be hired for just a few hours, a full day, or even overnight. C-Bali offers a wide range of bicycle types depending on your level and budget, and rentals usually include a helmet and a lock for safety.
What’s even better is that you can plan your cycling route ahead of time through their website — picking both the distance and the difficulty.
2. ATV Ride on Mount Batur Lava Sand
One of the most thrilling things to do in Kintamani is riding an ATV across the black lava fields of Mount Batur.
The volcanic sand you’ll be driving on was formed during the most recent eruption in 2000, making this experience adventurous and deeply connected to the area’s history.
From above, the dark slope looks like a bold shadow stretching across the mountain, but once you’re down on the ground, the lava sand seems to go on forever. It’s definitely another fun way to experience the beauty of the volcano!
💡 If you want to book an ATV tour, this option includes pick-up and drop-off from wherever you are, to avoid wasting time on logistics during your day trip.
I’ve listed more things to do in Kintamani here. Check them out if you’re looking for more activities and ways to explore the area.
Getting Back From Kintamani
The sunset trek or jeep ride at Mount Batur usually finishes around 8:00–8:30 pm.
By then, you’ll also be over the 10–12 hour limit of most car rentals. Unless you’re staying overnight in Kintamani and leaving the next day, the easiest option is to pre-book a Bluebird taxi to pick you up and bring you back to where you started. (if you haven’t booked a tour with drop-off included).
Of course, you could also try to arrange a ride with a local driver on the spot, or see if you get lucky with Grab. But honestly, from my experience, booking ahead saves a lot of hassle. Kintamani isn’t a touristy destination, and transportation options can be quite limited at night.
What to Pack for One Day in Kintamani
Kintamani is located high in the north of Bali, and the weather can be quite unpredictable. It might be pouring rain in Ubud while Kintamani is sunny—or vice versa.
That’s why it’s best to be ready for all conditions, especially if you’re planning a sunrise or sunset hike. Trust me, you’ll be sweating on the way up, but freezing once you reach the top.
Here’s what I’d pack in my 30L backpack for a day trip to Kintamani
- Leggings + sports bra + top (my go-to hiking outfit)
- A change of clothes if you’re hiking Mount Batur
- 1 sweater
- 1 lightweight rain jacket/K-way
- 1 pair of sneakers (I wore mine)
- Water bottle
- SPF + hat + mosquito repellent
- Cash
- International driving license (if you’re renting a scooter)
There you go — that’s how I’d plan a Kintamani day trip all over again. It’s such a stunning region, full of nature and beauty, that I honestly see myself going back more than once.
If you’re thinking of staying longer, I’ve also put together a 2-day itinerary with all the things I wish I’d known. Once you get used to how easy everything feels in Bali, it’s easy to forget that some areas are far less touristy and definitely need a bit of planning.
But now I’m curious — what about you? Are you planning a trip up north? Share your plans in the comments, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
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