How to Get to Kintamani from Ubud, Seminyak, and Bali Airport (2026 Guide)

Google Maps often estimates that the trip from Ubud to Kintamani takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. However, that’s not actually the case.

Bali’s roads are narrower than they appear on the map, traffic in Denpasar can take a long time, and the mountain roads to Kintamani are steep and winding. Nevertheless, the journey is worth it as you’re heading to a UNESCO Global Geopark featuring an active volcano, a caldera lake, and cool mountain air.

Questions regarding “How to Get to Kintamani from Ubud” will be answered in this guide. You’ll be provided with information on travel time, transportation options, and the best routes.

How to Get to Kintamani from Ubud | Blog by Tan’s Estate

Where Exactly Is Kintamani in Bali?

Kintamani is a subdistrict in Bangli Regency, located in the northeastern highlands of Bali. It is approximately 30 to 35 kilometers north of Ubud and about 65 to 75 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level. Daytime temperatures in the Kintamani area range from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius and can drop to as low as 12 degrees at night. Here, you’ll see a volcanic caldera, a lake, and lava fields left over from eruptions centuries ago.

Kintamani isn’t a destination you can just pop into briefly. The landscape here stretches far and wide. The main viewpoint at Penelokan is located on the rim of the crater. The lake and the lakeside villages—including Songan, Toya Bungkah, and Kedisan—are still several kilometers further down. Driving from the crater rim to the lake takes an additional 20 to 30 minutes along a winding, downhill road.

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How Long Does It Take to Get to Kintamani?

These are estimates for travel by private car under normal conditions. Add 30 to 45 minutes during the rainy season (November through March) or on Saturday afternoons when local traffic is heavy. Traveling by motorcycle tends to be about 15 to 20 minutes faster from Ubud.

Best Ways to Get to Kintamani

1. Private Car Charter with a Local Driver (Most Recommended)

Hiring a private driver is the most comfortable, flexible, and reliable way to get to Kintamani.

Estimated prices (2026):

• Ubud to Kintamani one-way: IDR 400,000 – 600,000
• Ubud to Kintamani round-trip or daily rental: IDR 700,000 – 1,000,000
• Seminyak or Canggu to Kintamani one-way: IDR 650,000 – 850,000
• Bali Airport to Kintamani: approximately USD 65–80 (IDR 1,000,000 – 1,300,000)

A private driver offers the freedom to stop along the way. So, travelers can stop at the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple, or local coffee plantations. Most drivers in Bali are happy to act as informal guides.

2. Guided Day Tour (Budget-Friendly, Less Flexible)

Daily tour packages from Ubud or southern Bali typically combine Kintamani with other destinations in the Ubud area.

General price range: IDR 300,000 – 500,000 per person, often including transportation, a guide, and entrance tickets.

The downside is flexibility. The tour schedule is set, and you’ll usually only spend 1 to 1.5 hours at the Kintamani viewpoint. If you want to go down to the lake, explore Songan Village, or take a boat ride on Lake Batur, a private arrangement would be more suitable.

3. Motorbike or Scooter (For Confident Riders)

Renting a vehicle from Ubud and driving to Kintamani is entirely possible and is a route enjoyed by many independent travelers. The scenery from Tegallalang to the highlands is stunning, and you have complete freedom over your schedule and stops.

What you need to know:

• Motorcycle rental in Ubud: IDR 70,000 – 100,000 per day
• Travel time from Ubud: about 1.5 hours under normal conditions
• Route: follow signs to Tegallalang, continue north on the main road through Tampaksiring, then ascend to the Kintamani highlands via Penelokan

The main challenge is the road descending toward the lake. If you’re not confident driving or aren’t familiar with Bali’s roads, a private car is a safer option.

Step-by-Step Routes from Each Area

From Ubud to Kintamani

The route from Ubud to Kintamani is the most popular and easiest. From central Ubud, head north on Jalan Raya Tegallalang toward the terraced rice fields. Then, continue north past Tampaksiring and ascend to the Kintamani highlands.

Recommended stop along the way: Tegallalang Rice Terrace, about 8 kilometers north of Ubud. The total estimated travel time from Ubud to Penelokan is about 1.5 to 2 hours, including one stop.

To reach Tan’s Estate in Songan Village on the lakeshore, continue for another 20 to 30 minutes down from Penelokan toward the shores of Lake Batur.

From Seminyak or Canggu to Kintamani

From Bali’s west coast, the most reliable route is to drive through Ubud, then continue north to Kintamani. If driving directly toward Denpasar, travelers may get caught in city traffic.

Recommended route: Seminyak → Kerobokan → Ubud (via Sukawati or Batubulan) → Tegallalang → Kintamani. Total estimated time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic.

From Bali Airport (DPS) to Kintamani

The journey from Ngurah Rai Airport to Kintamani is an easy route if planned well. The road heads north from the airport, passing through Denpasar and Batubulan before reaching the main highland road leading to Ubud and Kintamani.

Estimated route and time: Airport → Ngurah Rai Bypass → Denpasar → Batubulan → Gianyar → Ubud area → Kintamani: 2.5 to 3 hours under normal conditions

What to Do Once You Arrive in Kintamani

Kintamani has evolved far beyond just a classic volcano viewpoint. Here’s a glimpse of the top experiences awaiting you:

• Mount Batur viewpoints along the crater rim at Penelokan — free, spectacular, best before 10:00 a.m.
• Batur Discovery Jeep Tour — a 2–3-hour off-road adventure across black lava fields, perfect for enjoying the sunrise
• Royal Songan Cruise on Lake Batur — a 90-minute cultural cruise with live performances, the only one of its kind in Bali
• Batur Natural Hot Spring — volcanic hot springs at Toya Bungkah, ideal after an active morning
• Kintamani highland coffee — some of Indonesia’s finest Arabica, grown on the slopes of Mount Batur
• Trunyan Village Cemetery — an extraordinary open-air burial site of the ancient Bali Aga tribe, accessible by boat

One of the most exciting and truly unique experiences is the Royal Songan Cruise under the auspices of Tan’s Estate. This is the first cultural cruise in Kintamani. During the 90-minute cruise, passengers will be treated to a performance of the Balingkang Story. This experience will transform your Kintamani day trip into an unforgettable adventure.

Explore the Royal Songan Cruise at Tan’s Estate →

Tips Before You Go to Kintamani

1. Bring cash. Many small warungs, local guides, hot spring entrance fees, and market stalls in Kintamani do not accept cards.
2. Bring a jacket. Temperatures in Kintamani can drop to 12–15 degrees Celsius at night and in the early morning. If you’re there to watch the sunrise, you’ll immediately feel the chill.
3. Arrive early. The best views in Kintamani are best seen before 10:00 AM, when the sky is still clear and Mount Batur isn’t yet shrouded in clouds. As noon approaches, fog often drifts into the caldera and limits visibility.
4. Check the weather before you go. Kintamani has a microclimate that’s more prone to rain and fog than coastal Bali. On some days, the clouds are so thick that you can’t see the lake at all from Penelokan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kintamani worth a day trip from Ubud?

Absolutely. Ubud is the closest route to Kintamani. Plan for at least 5 to 6 hours total from Ubud. To fully enjoy the lake and take a cruise, consider spending the whole day or even staying overnight.

Can I visit Kintamani and Ubud on the same day?

Yes. The itinerary can start in the morning in Ubud (Tegallalang Rice Terraces or Tirta Empul in the morning), then head north to Kintamani for the afternoon.

What time should I leave for Kintamani?

For the best views and lightest traffic, depart between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM from wherever you’re staying. This will get you to the Penelokan viewpoint around 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is Kintamani safe for solo travelers?

Very safe. Kintamani is a popular destination for tourists thanks to its well-established tourism infrastructure. Solo travelers will find plenty of options for guided tours and private driver rentals.

Do I need to book activities in advance?

If you’re coming to Kintamani to try the Royal Songan Cruise and the Batur Discovery Jeep Tour, booking in advance is highly recommended. Walk-in availability may exist but isn’t guaranteed.

Don’t Miss Tan’s Estate When Visiting Kintamani

Kintamani holds beauty that can’t be fully experienced in a single day. If you only have one must-visit spot here, make it a visit to Tan’s Estate.

Many tourists come to Kintamani just to see the crater views and then leave. Yet the best experience of this highland region is actually found on the shores of Lake Batur. Tan’s Estate offers a unique experience across 11 hectares of land, featuring a 150-meter lakeshore on the southern side of the lake.

Here, you can explore the Batur Geopark on the Batur Discovery Jeep Tour, cruise the lake with the Royal Songan Cruise, stay in lakeside cabins, and visit the villages of Trunyan and Songan.

One tip before you go: arrive early, bring a jacket and cash, and set aside plenty of time. Kintamani and Tan’s Estate are well worth more than just a quick visit.

Book your experience at Tan’s Estate →

Learn more about the Royal Songan Cruise →

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