What to do in Kintamani: Bali’s Volcanic Oasis
by Faris November 9, 2023 · Activities / Kintamani
Welcome to Kintamani, the hidden gem of Bali! Wondering what to do in Kintamani to make the most of your trip? Look no further. We’ve got your insider’s guide to the best experiences in this volcanic oasis.
Exploring Mount Batur
Climbing Mount Batur: A Sunrise Adventure
There’s something enchanting about the idea of watching the world wake up from the top of a volcano. And in Kintamani, that’s exactly what you can do.
Climbing Mount Batur is an adventure you won’t forget. Set your alarm early and get ready for a journey under the stars. The path might be steep, but it’s totally worth it when you reach the summit and witness the sunrise painting the sky with shades of orange and pink. It’s a magical moment you’ll treasure forever.
Riding Up Mount Batur in a Jeep
If hiking at dawn isn’t your thing, no worries – you can still enjoy the grandeur of Mount Batur. Hop into a jeep and let the local guides take you on a thrilling ride up the volcano.
Feel the crisp morning breeze as you ascend through lush forests and rugged terrain. The best part? You get to enjoy those breathtaking views without breaking a sweat. It’s an adventure suitable for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
you can book your Batur Volcano Jeep Adventure with us, if this is something you’d like to experience for yourself here!
Natural Wonders of Kintamani
Volcanic Hot Springs: Relaxation Amidst Nature
After all that hiking or jeep riding, your muscles might be craving some relaxation. Kintamani has you covered with its volcanic hot springs. Sink into the warm, mineral-rich waters and let your worries melt away. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic beauty, it’s a therapeutic experience that’s hard to beat. We recommend BMAS hot spring which is the one that is most affordable and you are joined by all of the locals in the area with their families who also come to relax and enjoy.
The Mysterious Black Rock Formations
The black lava fields around Mount Batur are a sight to behold. These unique rock formations tell the story of ancient eruptions. Take a stroll among them and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world. It’s a bit like walking on the moon, but with a tropical twist. Be sure to include this in your Batur jeep trip if you have booked, as driving along these in the 4WD is the way we recommend to experience them.
Winding Roads and Scenic Beauty
Driving through Kintamani is an adventure in itself. The roads wind through stunning landscapes, revealing lush valleys, terraced fruit plantations, and charming villages. Each twist and turn brings a new postcard-worthy view. As you navigate around the Lake and the stunning hills around the area. If you find yourself at the top of the Crater during the Sunset hours, Don’t forget to stop for photos and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you because views like this will be hard to come by again.
If riding or driving in nature isn’t your cup of tea, we recommend the Gili Islands as a place to check out – this is an area where all motor vehicles have been completely barred from entering. Here is our guide How to Get from Canggu to the Gili Islands.
Spectacular Views
The Awe-Inspiring Crater Views
Standing on the rim of Mount Batur’s crater, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. The view of the vast volcanic crater and the glistening Lake Batur below is simply mesmerising. It’s a reminder of nature’s immense power and beauty. Don’t forget your camera, because this is a moment you’ll want to capture.
Sunrise Cafes: Sip and Soak in the Scenery
Kintamani knows how to do cafes with a view. Imagine sipping on your favorite brew while the first rays of the sun light up the landscape. These cafes offer a front-row seat to one of the most magnificent sunrises you’ll ever witness. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring way to start your day.
If you’d like our recommendation here, we suggest checking out Montana Cafe, this is our personal favourite which has beautiful menu, stylish interior and access to some of the best views available of the Sunrise and Sunset in Kintamani. Sunrise is the vastly better time to go be advised!
Local Charm and Culture
Meet the Kintamani Dog: A Loyal Companion
Kintamani has its own unique breed of dog, the Kintamani dog. These furry friends are known for their loyalty and friendly nature. You’ll often find them accompanying locals as they go about their daily routines. Don’t be surprised if you make a new four-legged friend during your visit. They can be quite territorial and are known to bark at intruders to their area.
The Kintamani or the Kintamani-Bali Dog is a dog native to the Indonesian island of Bali and originated from the Kintamani region. It is a popular pet for the Balinese and locally Bali’s only official breed. The breed was developed from free-roaming local Bali street dogs and was recognised by the FCI in 2019.
We had the delight to foster one of these guys for a while, check her out!
Fruit Farms: Taste the Bounty of Kintamani
As you drive around Kintamani, you will notice lots of reflective fields of metal with plants growing through. These are actually fruit farms, Kintamani is an area where instead of rice fields, they grow a lot of different types of regions fruits. Mainly, Onions, Tomatoes and Garlic. These are quite beautiful themselves and create a nice view. Be careful of the watering days as it also does cause a lot of flys in Kintamani sometimes when this happens!
Lake Batur and Mount Abang
The Tranquil Beauty of Lake Batur
Lake Batur, with its calm waters and lush surroundings, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of southern Bali. You can take a leisurely stroll along the shores, go fishing, or even enjoy a spot of the seaweed fishing which the farmings do here. There are many springs and local warungs around the mouth of the lake.
Hiking Adventures: Conquering Mount Abang
For those seeking an alternative to the more popular Mount Batur climb, Mount Abang offers a challenging yet rewarding hike. The trail takes you through dense forests and offers captivating vistas. It’s an opportunity to escape the crowds and explore the untouched beauty of Kintamani. This hike is known to be slightly harder than Batur in complexity, it takes roughly 2.5 hours to complete. If you are up for the challenge make sure you pack plenty of warm and waterproof clothing with you as it will get cold as you approach the summit.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through Kintamani and that our insights have been helpful in planning your visit. If you have any additional comments, questions, or stories about your own Kintamani adventures, we’d love to hear from you. Safe travels and may your Kintamani experience be filled with unforgettable moments and delicious discoveries! If you’d like another interesting day trip adventure off the beaten track, try What to do in Tabanan also for those seeking a more action packed recommendation, look at our Uluwatu Nightlife Guide!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Kintamani Worth Visiting?
Kintamani is a must visit in Bali, it offers a unique experience is debatably the most beautiful region in Bali, and is home to the iconic Batur volcano and some of the must insane sunrise views available globally.
What is Kintamani Known For?
Kintamani is famous for two things, its the home of the Mt Batur, and it’s the home of the only pure breed of dog in Bali, the Kintamani Dog.
How Far is Kintamani from Canggu?
Kintamani is roughly a 2hr30min drive from Canggu.
