7 Best Things to do in Batur, Bali

Nestled in the cool highlands of Kintamani, Mount Batur is one of Bali’s most iconic and sacred volcanoes. Whether you’re chasing a sunrise from its summit, soaking in natural hot springs by the lake, or sipping fresh local coffee at a plantation, this region promises some of the most unique things to do in Indonesia. While the sunrise hike is what puts Batur on every Bali bucket list, there’s so much more to explore, from historic temples and black lava fields to scenic Jeep tours and dreamy glamping spots.

Things to do in Batur, Bali

In this guide, we’ll show you the 7 best things to do in Batur, Bali, including how to get to Mount Batur from Ubud, what to do after the hike, and all the must-do experiences around this breathtaking volcanic landscape.

Hike Mount Batur for Bali’s Best Sunrise View

If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Kintamani, it’s the Mount Batur sunrise hike. Rising 1,717 meters above sea level, this active volcano, also called the Kintamani Volcano, offers one of the most magical sunrise views in all of Bali. Imagine standing above a sea of clouds as the sky transforms into fiery shades of orange and pink, slowly revealing Lake Batur, surrounding valleys, and even Lombok island in the far distance.

The hike starts early, most tours pick you up around 2–3 AM from your accommodation. After a 2-hour trek under the stars (with a local guide), you’ll reach the summit just before sunrise. It’s cool at the top, so bring a jacket and dress in layers. Don’t be surprised if your guide cooks eggs in volcanic steam, yes, it’s that active!

If you’re not keen on a midnight wake-up call, there are still great ways to experience Mount Batur. Consider joining a sunrise Jeep tour, still early, but less demanding, or opt for a sunset trek, which is typically quieter and a good choice for families. For an easier route, the Caldera Trek offers beautiful views with much less effort, taking under an hour to complete.

While Mount Batur is one of Bali’s most popular hikes, drawing up to 600 trekkers a day, you can still enjoy a peaceful climb. Choosing a guide who takes alternative, lesser-known paths can help you avoid the crowds and make the experience feel more personal.

Tip: Don’t forget some cash for a hot drink at the top. And keep an eye on the sneaky monkeys, they love stealing snacks!

Explore the Black Lava Fields of Mount Batur

Looking for an adrenaline-filled alternative to hiking Mount Batur? A guided off-road tour through the black lava fields might be just the thing.

This otherworldly terrain, formed after the 1968 eruption, stretches across the base of the volcano, with surreal rock formations and epic viewpoints throughout.

One of the best ways to explore it is by joining a combo tour like the Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise & Black Lava with ATV or the Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise & Rafting Adventure. Both offer an exhilarating off-road journey across the lava fields at dawn, followed by either an ATV ride through Ubud’s muddy jungle trails or a rafting session down the Ayung River.

These tours take you off the beaten path, driving across dramatic volcanic landscapes, winding through narrow trails, and stopping for incredible photo ops. Most also include a visit to the Lava Ball Cave, a sacred lava tube cherished by locals.

Soak in Batur’s Healing Hot Springs

After a chilly sunrise hike up Mount Batur, there’s no better way to unwind than soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Batur’s natural hot springs. Heated by the volcanic magma beneath Kintamani’s caldera, these geothermal pools are known for their therapeutic benefits, relaxing your muscles and calming your mind.

The Batur Natural Hot Spring is a local favorite, with crystal – clear infinity pools overlooking the lake and Mount Batur. Expect a peaceful spa-like setting, complete with Balinese statues, soothing fountains, and panoramic mountain views. Entry (190,000 IDR / ~$13) includes access to pools, lockers, showers, free towels, Wi-Fi, and a welcome juice. It’s open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, and weekdays tend to be less crowded.

For something more upscale, head just next door to Toya Devasya, which features eight hot spring pools, a heated Olympic-sized swimming pool, waterslides, and a full-service spa. Entry here costs 300,000 IDR (~$20), but online booking may save you a few bucks.

Another option is Toya Bungkah, a well-known and more affordable hot spring spot by the lakeshore. Prices range from 100k–200k IDR depending on how and when you book.

Watch the Sunrise from Pinggan Village

For those who want the magic of a Batur sunrise, without the steep hike at 3 AM, Pinggan Village is the perfect alternative. Perched on a mountain ridge just north of Kintamani, this quiet farming village offers panoramic sunrise views that are simply breathtaking.

As the first light spills over Mount Batur, the valley below is often blanketed in rolling clouds, giving you that dreamy “sea of mist” effect. It’s no wonder this has become a favorite spot for photographers and sunrise chasers alike. The setting is peaceful and surreal, with pine trees lining the ridge and barely any crowds in sight.

Most people arrive by 5 AM, which means starting your journey around 3 AM. You can choose from a few well-known spots like Sukawana Sunrise Point or Pinggan Sunrise View, or find your own hidden perch on a bamboo platform to soak in the silence and beauty. Best of all? Access is free, and there are small warungs nearby where you can sip a hot coffee as the sun rises.

Location: Sukawana, Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali 80652

Kayaking on the Sacred Waters of Lake Batur

For a peaceful morning in nature, kayaking on Lake Batur is one of the most serene things you can do in Kintamani. Nestled inside the volcanic caldera of Mount Batur, this crescent-shaped crater lake stuns with its turquoise waters, lush green surroundings, and views of the towering volcano in the distance.

Renting a kayak or canoe is easy, we recommend C Bali Canoeing, where a two-person canoe costs around 150,000 IDR (~$9 USD) per hour. That’s plenty of time to paddle across the calm water to the floating Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur temple and back.

Best time to go: Between 9:00 and 11:00 am, when the water is still and the winds are gentle. Afternoon winds can get strong, and rentals may be paused for safety reasons, so go early to make the most of it.

Important note: While the lake is perfect for kayaking, swimming is not allowed as Lake Batur is considered a sacred place by locals. Please respect the cultural traditions and avoid jumping into the water.

Check Out Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur

Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Batur, Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur is one of Kintamani’s hidden gems, a peaceful water temple that seems to float on the lake, connected by a small footbridge. With its traditional Balinese architecture, intricate carvings, and calm surroundings, it’s the perfect place to slow down and connect with Bali’s spiritual roots.

This temple is far less touristy than others like Ulun Danu Bratan, yet just as beautiful, and with far fewer crowds. It’s especially magical at sunrise, when the still lake reflects the golden light and soft ripples echo the calls of nearby swans. Whether you visit after an early-morning trek or come for a quiet afternoon, the view of Mount Batur in the distance adds a dramatic touch to the experience.

Entrance is free, though a small donation is appreciated. You’ll need to wear a sarong to enter, you can rent one on-site for about 10,000–20,000 IDR (under $1 USD). Don’t miss this peaceful spiritual stop on your journey through Kintamani.

Cafe-Hopping with Volcano Views in Kintamani

One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy Kintamani, especially without breaking a sweat, is to settle into a cozy café perched on the crater’s edge and sip on locally-grown coffee while soaking up panoramic views of Mount Batur and the black lava fields below.

Along Penelokan Main Road, a scenic strip that hugs the rim of the caldera, there are countless stylish cafés and restaurants with open terraces and sweeping vistas. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles across the volcanic landscape.

Most cafés offer high-quality coffee, fresh juices, and homemade pastries, along with a menu of Western and Indonesian dishes for something more filling. Some visitors choose one peaceful spot to linger for a few hours, while others go on a casual “cafe crawl” to experience a mix of atmospheres and flavors.

Paperhills is one of the standout choices, a beautifully designed three-level café with an outdoor seating area, a small infinity pool, comfy daybeds, and a well-curated food and drinks menu. Other popular names include El Lago and AKASA Specialty Coffee, both known for great brews and equally stunning views.

For specialty coffee lovers, Pahdi Specialty Coffee is a must-visit. Touted as the largest specialty coffee shop in Southeast Asia, it features a huge wrap-around terrace and is only accessible by elevator from street level. While a bit pricier, the coffee quality and views make it worthwhile.

And for a unique photo opportunity, Montana del Café offers a glassy netted hammock suspended over the crater’s edge, perfect for that dramatic volcano shot (though maybe not for the faint of heart!).

💡 Pro tip: Most cafés open early to catch the sunrise crowd and close by 6:30–8:00 PM when the mountain chill sets in. Plan for an early dinner with a view if staying in the area.

Visit a Coffee Plantation in Kintamani

Kintamani isn’t just about volcano hikes, it’s also home to some of Bali’s best coffee. Thanks to the rich volcanic soil and cool mountain climate, the area around Mount Batur is ideal for growing high-quality beans.

A visit to a local coffee plantation is a great way to spend a few relaxing hours learning how Balinese coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, and brewed. Most tours end with a tasting session where you can try several varieties, from smooth arabica to bold robusta, all while enjoying stunning views of the mountain.

Skip the Kopi Luwak: While some plantations offer “civet coffee,” it’s worth noting that this industry often involves unethical animal treatment and misleading practices. Many farms cage wild animals to increase production, and a large percentage of Luwak coffee on the market is fake or mixed with regular beans. You’ll pay a premium for something that’s often not what it claims to be. Honestly, regular Balinese coffee tastes just as amazing, no civet involved.

✨ For a more authentic, less touristy experience, consider visiting Curtina Coffee, a small family – run plantation near Batur. It’s best to contact them in advance before stopping by.

Go Glamping with Volcano Views

Camping in Kintamani isn’t your typical rough-and-tumble adventure, here, it’s all about glamping (glamorous camping). With cool mountain air, stunning views of Mount Batur, and luxuries like cozy beds, private bathrooms, and even infinity pools, this is one of the most unforgettable overnight stays in Bali.

There are several beautiful sites to choose from, depending on your style. N’jung Bali Camp, near the Batur hot springs, is tucked away in the jungle and offers a peaceful escape with dome-shaped tents, local cuisine, and a scenic drive through rice terraces and green forest.

For those after more boutique experiences, Black Lava Camp offers luxurious tents, an on-site restaurant, and a panoramic pool looking straight at the volcano. Prefer something quirky? Try Kubah Bali Glamping, where transparent bubble tents give you a view of the night sky, and maybe a visit from their two friendly dogs. Or go for the value-packed Cloud Hills Glamping, with its dome tents and private outdoor baths overlooking the mountains.

If you’re dreaming of a night under the stars, but not ready to give up your hot shower, Kintamani is the place to try glamping in Bali.

Where to Stay in Batur

The best areas to stay in Kintamani are either along the southeastern crater rim of Mount Batur, where sunrise views are unbeatable, or on the western edge of Lake Batur, which offers a more tranquil lakeside experience.

There’s a wide range of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets, from bamboo guesthouses and modern cabins to glamping sites and hostels with hot springs. Spending at least one night here is highly recommended, especially if planning a sunrise trek, it gives time to recover, relax, and soak in the mountain air.

Travel Tip: Kintamani is not very walkable due to its hilly terrain, so having transportation is ideal. That said, most Mount Batur trekking tours include hotel pick-up and drop- off, making logistics easier even without your own wheels.

How to Get to Kintamani and Mount Batur

Kintamani is located in northeast Bali and is easy to reach from most major areas on the island. From Ubud, the drive takes about 1–1.5 hours, while from Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta, it’s around 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic. If you’re coming from Amed, it’s also about 1.5 hours away.

There are a few ways to get there, depending on your travel style:

By Private Car or Driver
Hiring a private driver is a convenient and comfortable way to explore Kintamani, especially if traveling in a group. This option is flexible, affordable when shared, and often includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Many Mount Batur trekking tours also offer round-trip transport as part of the package.

By Scooter or Motorbike
Confident riders can rent a motorbike for a more adventurous and budget-friendly option. The freedom to stop at viewpoints, villages, or coffee plantations along the way adds to the charm. Just keep in mind the mountain roads can be winding and foggy, so ride carefully.

By Tour
Booking a guided tour is a great choice, especially for sunrise treks. Most tours include transportation, a local guide, and sometimes extras like a visit to the hot springs or coffee plantations. You can find reliable options on platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.

Best Time to Visit Mount Batur

The best time to visit Mount Batur depends on what you’re looking for, stunning sunrises or fewer crowds.

Dry season (June to September) is the most popular time, with clear skies and the best chance to catch a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds. However, it’s also peak season, and you might be sharing the trail with up to 600 hikers a day.

For a quieter experience, the shoulder months (April–May and October–November) offer a good balance — fewer crowds, cooler air, and a chance for clear skies, though occasional rain showers are more likely.

During the rainy season (December – March), sunrise views can be hit-or-miss. But here’s a tip: some days bring surprisingly clear sunsets, making a sunset trek a worthwhile alternative.

Keep in mind: Batur sits in the mountains, so it gets chilly, especially before dawn. Be sure to pack warm layers and a jacket. The crisp mountain air, though, is a refreshing escape from Bali’s tropical coast.