After spending over a month exploring Ubud and the surrounding area, I felt the need to head north — to the part of Bali that’s often considered less touristy, more authentic, and definitely quieter than the South.
Out of all the options, I chose to spend two days in Kintamani, mainly because I finally wanted to hike Mount Batur at sunrise.
And yes, the rumors are true: Kintamani feels completely different compared to the more touristic areas of Bali. It’s not the easiest area to explore solo, especially as a female traveler, but it’s full of untouched nature, epic views (Not only Mt. Batur…Mount Agung steals the show!), and unique things to do that make the trip worth it.
In this blog post, I’ll share the 11 best things to do in Kintamani if you’re solo traveling, along with everything I wish I had known before going solo. Plus, you’ll find practical tips to plan your stay — or even just a day trip — in the smartest way.
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5 Things To Know Before Traveling to Kintamani
1. Getting Around Isn’t As Easy (If You Don’t Rent A Scooter)
Honestly, this was something I hadn’t even considered. I’m 100% the type of girl who tells herself, “I’ll figure it out”.
Everywhere else I’d been in Bali so far, Grab was always easy to find — so I assumed it would be the same in Kintamani. It’s not. I did spot a few cars on the app occasionally, mainly in the afternoon, but never any scooters.
This ended up being a bit limiting for me — first because I had left my international driver’s license in Ubud, and second because I don’t feel super comfortable riding on unfamiliar roads, especially in Bali. (Although I’m starting to think I’ll have to get over that if I want to make it to Sidemen on my own.)
2. Finding Random Rides is Easy, But Pay Attention to Scams
If you’re not planning to rent a scooter and you’re going the adventurous route — like I unconsciously did — things can get tricky. Once I realized I didn’t have many options, I accepted a couple of rides based purely on gut feeling.
If someone with a bike spots you walking on the road, they easily stop and ask if you need a ride.
When it comes to safety, I never feel too worried in Bali, but let’s be real: those “offers” are rarely real offers. You do need to pay attention to how much they’re asking.
If you’ve been in Bali for a while, you’ll know exactly how much a Grab Bike usually costs (around 15-20K IDR). So if someone asks you for 200K for the same distance, something’s off. Try to negotiate — most of the time, you’ll manage to bring the price down successfully.
3. Some Stays Are Isolated — Check the Location If You’re Not Renting a Scooter
Accommodations in Kintamani are stunning and offer insane views over the volcano — but many of them are pretty isolated, tucked away deep in the valley and far from cafés, restaurants, or main taxi pick-up points.
If you’re renting a scooter, that’s no big deal. But if you’re not (like me), I highly recommend checking the location before booking and considering something closer to the main road — Jl. Penelokan. That way, if you randomly feel like grabbing breakfast at a café, need something from a mini market, or want to find a driver, you won’t be stuck in the middle of nowhere.
4. The weather changes fast — pack for every season
In Kintamani, I think I experienced one of the hottest and sunniest days in Bali… and also one of the coldest and windiest — all within 24 hours. No joke.
That’s why I highly recommend packing for all kinds of weather. Bring a pair of shorts for the daytime, but also something long and comfy for when the wind picks up (I had to ask for a blanket at a café).
Pack your usual tops and t-shirts, but don’t forget a warm hoodie or sweater, and a light rain jacket or K-way. There’s a packing highlight later in the post if you need it.
Some areas of Kintamani sit higher in elevation so that the temperature can drop quickly — especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
5. Bring Cash
In the more popular and modern cafés, paying by card is usually fine — but that’s not always the case for smaller warungs, mini markets, or more remote spots around the area.
And if you’re not renting a scooter, chances are you’ll need to pay for your taxi or private ride in cash. Having some on hand is always a good idea, especially since things in Kintamani are more spread out, and it can be tricky to find a reliable ATM with low fees.
I’d rather avoid the stress of using an ATM I don’t know — and risk running into issues.
How To Get to Kintamani
Kintamani is located in the northeast part of the island, and it’s generally easy to reach from pretty much anywhere in Bali. Here are your main options:
–> Rent A Scooter: If you’re comfortable riding alone, this is the most flexible (and budget-friendly) option. From Ubud, it’ll take you about 1 hour, and from the Canggu/Seminyak area, around 2.5 hours. Bonus: you’ll already have your scooter to explore once you arrive, without needing to rent one locally.
–> Book a Grab Car in Advance: This is what I did. I booked my Grab car the evening 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).
–> Hire a private driver: If I had to do it again without renting a scooter, this is probably what I’d go for. Hiring a private driver for 6–8 hours gives you flexibility, especially since getting around Kintamani without your transport can be tricky. You can agree on an itinerary together — visit a few places on the way and get dropped off at your accommodation in Kintamani later in the day.
–> If you’re looking for the possibility to hire a driver and customize your itinerary, this is one of the most flexible options I found.
How to Get Around Kintamani
Unfortunately, Kintamani is not walkable, and the sights are spread out. So getting around is something that requires planning, unfortunately for me.
1. Rent a Scooter in Kintamani
Even if you’re not comfortable riding from Ubud or Uluwatu, you might feel okay renting a scooter once you get there just to explore the local area.
From what I saw, the roads in Kintamani are mostly well-paved, although the terrain goes up and down quite a bit — so be ready to push that gas pedal to climb some hills.
To be completely honest, this is hands down the best way to explore Kintamani and save money. If I were to go back, I’d probably rent a scooter locally and face my fear of driving on my own — just to have that extra freedom.
–> If you’re looking for a rental service, I was suggested Batur Scooter Rental by my villa host.
2. Hire a Private Driver for the Day
There are plenty of online options that let you hire a driver for up to 10 or even 12 hours and customize your itinerary. It’s more expensive than renting a scooter, but if you don’t ride, this is probably your best bet (unless you want to go the adventurous route of going with the flow).
These are two services I usually go for when I need a private driver for the day:
–> Seek Sophie Private Car – You’ll get a local driver who can also give you suggestions along the way. Custom itinerary, up to 10 hours, for groups of 1 to 6 people.
–> Klook Private Car Charter – Fully customizable route, flexible duration (6, 10, or 12 hours), and you can choose your driver. Prices vary based on group size, and there might be some extra fees for specific areas in Bali.
11 Things To Do in Kintamani as A Solo Female Traveler
Let’s get serious and dive into what you can do in Kintamani as a solo traveler.
Quick note: I haven’t personally done everything on this list — like I mentioned earlier, I probably needed a bit more planning in terms of transport. And honestly, some of these activities just weren’t for me — and that’s fine. I’m not about to spend money on something I’m not genuinely excited about, right?
–> Save the map below for all the locations listed in this blog post!
That said, here are all the best options you’ll find in Kintamani — so you can pick what truly fits your kind of trip.
1. Hike Mount Batur at Sunrise
This is the main reason I went to Kintamani in the first place. 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 in their lifetime.
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee when it comes to the weather or clear skies. But even just trying to catch the sunrise is so worth it.
I was lucky enough to see the sea of clouds glowing with fiery orange and yellow hues, with Mount Agung peeking through and the sun — a bright red fireball — slowly rising above it all. It’s an image that will stay with me forever.
What made the whole experience even better was my guide. I wrote about my Mount Batur hike in more detail here, 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.)
P.S. Just so you know, the hike messes up your sleep quite a bit (you will be picked up at around 3 am), and you will not be able to get much done on the same day.
2. Trek on Mount Agung at Sunrise
If you’re an experienced hiker — or you feel like your fitness level is leveling — you might want to skip the crowds (this time for real) and go for the big one: Mt. Agung.
According to my guide, Mt. Batur is just a warm-up compared to it.
Mt. Agung is Bali’s highest peak, standing at over 3,000 meters above sea level. The hike takes around 8 hours total — four up and four down — so it’s not for the weak.
This is a true bucket list adventure, one that requires stamina, strength, and a good dose of mental grit. But if you make it to the top, that’s a huge accomplishment — and the views are said to be surreal.
Of course, you’ll need a certified, experienced guide. This tour might be the best option out there: full refund if the weather doesn’t cooperate, a local guide who knows the mountain like the back of their hand, and plenty of snacks to keep your energy up while climbing.
I didn’t hike Mt. Agung this time (after Batur, I couldn’t imagine squeezing in an 8-hour trek — fair enough, right?), but now that I know they offer free pick-up and drop-off from Ubud… I’m kind of tempted.
3. Visit Pura Segara Ulun Danu
This serene temple on the shores of Lake Batur reminded me of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan on Beratan Lake — but without the crowds and the theme park vibes.
The temple grounds are small and usually very quiet. From the Candi Bentar gate, you’ll step into the area and immediately spot the Meru-style altar floating on the lake, connected to the land by a narrow bridge. It’s one of those sights that feels almost too picturesque not to take a hundred photos.
There isn’t much else to explore around the temple. Still, from here, the view of the lake dotted with small fountain statues, the hills surrounding the area, and Mount Agung — mysteriously covered by clouds — under a crystal-blue sky, gave me one of the most magical and breathtaking views in Kintamani.
And to be honest, it’s also a stunning photo spot (especially at sunset). The entrance is 25K IDR, and they will provide you with a Sarong that you can keep to visit the nearby temple.
4. Visit Pura Jati Batur
If you’re visiting Pura Segara Ulun Danu, it’s worth making a quick stop at Pura Jati Batur. The temple is located just before Pura Segara, right on the roadside — so close that it’s easy to miss. There’s no ticket booth or entrance stall, just a glimpse of the altars peeking over the temple wall.
You enter through a small gate, and once inside, the atmosphere feels as local and authentic as it gets. When I visited, there were just two locals praying and a temple keeper around — it felt like a place primarily used for ceremonies and worship by the community.
The temple has just one small courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, and beautifully decorated Hindu altars wrapped in yellow cloth. It’s a simple temple, but it’s worth stopping by if you’re already in the area.
There’s no entrance fee, and I’d suggest keeping the sarong you’re given at Pura Segara — it’ll come in handy here too.
5. Enjoy A Coffee With Stunning Volcano Views
One of the most relaxing things you can do in Kintamani is sit back and take in the incredible views over the lake and volcanoes from one of the many cafés lining Jl. Penelokan — the main road, where cafés and restaurants with dramatic terraces overlook the valley. It’s also a great excuse to try the famous Kintamani coffee, which is locally grown.
Here are a few of my favorites (and some of the most well-known spots):
–> Akasa Cafe: Akasa was the first café I visited the morning I arrived, and, without knowing it, I ended up at one of the most Instagram-famous spots in the area (I only realized once I got there). The café is spread over multiple levels, with hanging seats and panoramic views that are just breathtaking — well, when they’re not covered by thick fog like when I arrived!
–> Okuta: On the way to my accommodation, I passed by this super modern café with a very recognizable design. Of course, the view is stunning (but that goes without saying at this point), and the staff was incredibly kind — they even noticed I was freezing and brought me a blanket.
–> Paperhills: I didn’t go myself, but it’s one of the most famous cafés on Instagram, known for its aesthetic design and floating mattresses on water with stunning volcano views. It’s also a pool club, which explains the pool shots you’ll probably come across online.
6. Relax At The Mt. 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.
I didn’t have the energy for it — I had only slept two hours the night before — and to be honest, they looked more like pool clubs than a moment to soak in nature’s gifts.
That said, if you do have time to unwind for a few hours after the hike, there are two popular options near Mount Batur:
–> 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, organized 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.
7. Cycle Around Kintamani
If you don’t feel like renting a scooter but still want to explore the area, renting a bike could be the perfect solution. Check out C-Bali in Kintamani, located right by the lake — they offer both bicycle and canoe rentals (if you’re solo, you may not be able to have the canoe experience alone).
You can rent a bike for the day or even overnight. What’s great about C-Bali is that they have a variety of bikes available for all levels and budgets, and they usually provide a helmet and a lock.
On their website, you can even choose the difficulty level and length of your route in advance (as suggested by C-bike). Trails range from short 45-minute to 1-hour rides through the hot springs or a traditional village, all the way to more challenging 4–7 hour loops around the Caldera rim.
If you feel up for biking the day before or after your volcano hike, this is such a fun way to explore the area and discover its hidden corners.
8. ATV Adventure on Lava Sands
Another adrenaline-filled experience typical of Kintamani is riding an ATV on the black lava sand — a super fun way to enjoy the volcano. This experience usually includes driving a quad bike across the lava field, which was created during the last eruption in 2000.
I got to enjoy the lava sand straight from my hotel room, which opened up directly onto that side of the volcano. At first, I honestly thought it was just the volcano’s shadow on the ground — but no.
The black sand covers an entire slope of the volcano, and while from above you can see where the green valley ends and the lava begins, when you’re down there, it feels endless.
Before reaching the lava field, you usually pass through farms and small villages — another beautiful way to take in the uniqueness of Kintamani.
–> If you’re looking for an ATV Tour, this is a great option, including pick-up and drop-off.
9. Visit Pura Ulun Danu Batur
Not to be confused with Pura Ulun Danu Beratan on Bratan Lake, Pura Ulun Danu Batur is one of Bali’s most important temples, dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers.
If you’re looking for a more sacred, less-visited site in Kintamani — with volcano views, of course — this is the place. Initially built in the 17th century, the temple was relocated to its current position after Mount Batur erupted and destroyed the nearby village.
The surviving shrine was moved to a safer, higher location, where it stands today. The complex includes nine separate temples and over 280 shrines, all beautifully adorned with intricate stone carvings, traditional Balinese meru towers, and vibrant offerings.
It’s definitely off the usual tourist trail in Kintamani, but the peaceful atmosphere and stunning setting make it well worth a visit.
10. Learn About Mt. Batur at Geopark Museum
I stopped by the Geopark Museum mainly to escape the heat in Kintamani, but it turned out to be a surprisingly interesting hour.
The museum is all about Indonesian National Geoparks (some of which I had never even heard of) and explores 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 plant and animal species found in the region.
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 a surprisingly good stop.
11. Go Glamping or Camping With Volcano Views
Kintamani is one of those places where, even if you don’t plan many activities, you won’t feel like you’ve missed out—because the real highlight here is the view. That’s why booking a stay with a breathtaking volcano view can be the main reason to come.
Glamping or camping is super popular in Kintamani, especially because the temperatures at night are cool enough to sleep well (you might even need a blanket depending on the night!).
As you explore the area, you’ll notice so many glamping and camping spots and campsites with epic views of Mount Batur. Some of the best ones are:
–> Kintamani Adventures Camping: One of the best—if not the best—camping experiences rated on Booking. The site offers comfortable tents with super cozy mattresses, and the highlights are without a doubt the breathtaking morning views and the warm, welcoming staff. A must-visit if you’re looking for a genuine, nature-connected experience.
–> Black Lava Hostel & Lodge – One of the best places to meet people in Kintamani if you’re traveling solo. They have both dorms and private rooms, and the hot spring pool comes with unbeatable views of Mt. Batur. If you stay here, you can skip the pricey, crowded hot springs.
What to Pack for 2 Days in Kintamani
If you’re wondering what to bring for a quick 2-day trip to Kintamani, here’s exactly what I packed in my 30L backpack — and it worked out perfectly:
- 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)
Tip: Nights can get chilly, so the sweater and warm workout leggings will be your best friends.
Where to Stay: If You Prefer To Skip The Camping/Glamping Experience
I have to admit, if there’s something that messes with my mood and peace when traveling (especially when I’m alone), it’s the feeling that the place I’m staying might attract insects, spiders, cockroaches, or worse… and in Bali, this can be pretty common.
So, if you’re like me and prefer to stay somewhere cozy (even if it means spending a little more), Ayodya Batur Villa is a great choice.
The only downside is that it’s a bit isolated, so you’ll need to plan your transport during the day (they work with taxi drivers if needed). But when it comes to service, cleanliness, room decoration, and overall vibe, it’s a 10/10. You’ll only get some jeckos having fun at night, but they are innocuous.
The villa offers both smaller rooms and private bungalows with bathtubs and incredibly comfortable (and huge) beds.
The view from my room — and the entire villa — was simply unbeatable. I don’t think there’s anything quite like it, with a direct view of the black lava sand and the volcano.
There’s also an on-site restaurant, so you won’t have to worry about searching for a place to eat in Kintamani, and the food is delicious. Breakfast? Chef’s kiss. I also loved the care and attention from the owner from the very first moment I arrived. Highly recommended!
One thing that would have made my two days in Kintamani even better? Renting a scooter to have the freedom to explore. Lesson learned — I won’t let my fear of driving in Bali win me over again.
I hope you’ve found some helpful tips to plan your solo trip with these 11 top things to do in Kintamani. If I had to recommend just one thing, it would, without a doubt, be this Mt. Batur sunrise hike — it was the absolute highlight of my trip (you can read all about my experience here). And if I’d had a bit more time, I’d have added this adrenaline-filled ATV ride across the black lava sands.
What about you? What are you most excited to discover in Kintamani? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your plans!
