Lake Batur Cruise: The Ultimate Guide & Royal Songan Experience 2026

When people talk about cruises in Bali, most think of boats sailing to Nusa Lembongan. However, there’s another type of cruise in Bali that’s located far from the coast.

This cruise takes place 1,000 meters above sea level, right in the heart of the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark. This is the Lake Batur Cruise, offering panoramic views of Lake Batur and Mount Batur. From aboard this boat, a Balinese cultural performance will take place with Mount Batur as the backdrop.

Lake Batur Cruise

What Is the Lake Batur Cruise?

The Lake Batur Cruise is a sailing experience on Lake Batur, located in the Kintamani area of Bangli Regency. Unlike ocean cruises, you’ll be taken on a serene journey around the lake’s waters while admiring the traditional Bali Aga villages along the shore.

With its clear, calm waters and absence of waves, it’s one of the most comfortable bodies of water for a cruising destination. The lake area features several historical and spiritual sites: Pura Jati Segara, Trunyan Village with its unique burial traditions, the Statue of Dewi Danu, and Songan Village.

This lake cruise takes you across waters considered sacred by the Balinese people. This is the dwelling place of Dewi Danu, the goddess of water believed to safeguard the fertility of all Bali.

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Why the Lake Batur Cruise Is Different from Other Bali Cruises

Almost all cruises offered in Bali take place at sea, specifically departing from Benoa or Sanur Harbor to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, or Nusa Ceningan. Typically, the experience focuses on snorkeling, beach clubs, and water activities.

A cruise on Lake Batur offers something different.

On Lake Batur, you’re surrounded by the caldera walls, the peak of Mount Batur, and Mount Abang to the east. This scenery changes every minute depending on the boat’s position and the time of day.

Kintamani sits at an elevation of 1,000–1,500 meters above sea level. During the cruise, the air feels cool and fresh compared to sea voyages in southern Bali. For tourists coming from coastal areas, this contrast is immediately noticeable as soon as the boat begins to move.

No other sea cruise in Bali can offer a direct view of Trunyan Village from the water. Meanwhile, Kintamani holds a cultural heritage far older than most other destinations in Bali.

Royal Songan Cruise: The Only Cultural Cruise on Lake Batur

Among all the sailing experiences on Lake Batur, one name sets a standard of its own: Royal Songan Cruise.

Operated by Tan’s Estate, the Royal Songan Cruise is the only officially licensed cultural cruise operating on Lake Batur. It is a specially designed tour boat that blends modern comfort with Bali’s living cultural heritage.

“The Tale of Balingkang” Performance on the Water

The Tale of Balingkang | Cultural Performances on the Royal Songan Cruise

What sets the Royal Songan Cruise apart from all other boat tours in Kintamani is the live performance on board.

During the cruise, passengers will witness “The Tale of Balingkang.” An artistic performance that tells the historical story of the Balinese kingdom about love, unity, and the cultural fusion between a Chinese princess and a Balinese king.

This story is rooted in the legends of Trunyan Village and Kintamani, performed on the ship’s deck against the backdrop of the real Lake Batur and Mount Batur.

Itinerary: What You’ll See

During the 90-minute cruise, the boat sails across Lake Batur and passes by some of the most iconic spots along the lakeshore:

• Trunyan Village: the oldest Bali Aga village on the lakeshore, famous for its unique burial tradition in which the deceased are placed under the Taru Menyan tree without being buried
• Statue of Dewi Danu: the primary spiritual symbol of Lake Batur, representing the water goddess believed to safeguard the fertility of all of Bali
• Panoramic views of Mount Batur and Mount Abang: two peaks that frame the caldera from various angles throughout the journey

Thus, this journey offers a deep historical and cultural context.

Onboard Facilities and Comfort

• Comfortable seating on the open deck and in covered areas
• A professional crew experienced in the waters of Lake Batur
• Live cultural performances throughout the journey
• 360-degree panoramic views of the caldera from the upper deck
• Private charter options available for groups, families, weddings, and corporate events

Tan’s Estate: Departure Point and More

The Royal Songan Cruise departs from the pier at Tan’s Estate, located at Jalan Mendakian Mt. Batur No. 88, Songan B, Kintamani District, Bangli. This location sits on the southern shore of Lake Batur, directly facing the water with Mount Batur in the background.

Tan’s Estate is more than just a cruise departure point. It is a comprehensive estate offering an integrated tourism ecosystem in Kintamani:

• Royal Songan Cruise: a 90-minute cultural cruise on Lake Batur
• Batur Discovery Jeep Tour: an off-road tour traversing the black lava fields of Mount Batur
• Lakeside Cabins: lakeside cabin accommodations right on the lake’s edge
• Montana Suites: highland accommodations with premium lake views
• Direct access to Batur Geopark: one of Indonesia’s UNESCO Global Geoparks

Prices and How to Book the Lake Batur Cruise 2026

Price Estimates

Package Price (per person) Details

• Royal Songan Cruise (regular) IDR 250,000–350,000 Includes cultural performances
• Private Charter Contact Tan’s Estate directly For groups, weddings, corporate events
• Combination Package (Cruise + Jeep Tour) Depends on package Available via website

Prices are subject to change. Always verify directly with Tan’s Estate or the official booking platform before arrival.

How to Book

• Tan’s Estate official website: tansestate.com
• GlobalTix platform: Online booking with instant confirmation
• GetYourGuide and Viator: Available for international travelers
• Direct contact: Via WhatsApp or email listed on the website

FAQ: Lake Batur Cruise

Is the Lake Batur cruise safe?

It is very safe. The Royal Songan Cruise is a tourist boat that meets safety standards and is operated by an experienced crew on Lake Batur.

What is Lake Batur famous for?

Lake Batur is famous as the largest caldera lake in Bali, formed by the eruption of Mount Batur. The lake is considered sacred as it is a place of worship for Dewi Danu, the goddess of water in Balinese Hinduism.

Can you take a boat tour on Lake Batur?

Yes. Lake Batur boat tours are available through Royal Songan Cruise, operated by Tan’s Estate in Songan Village, Kintamani. This is an official cruise operating on Lake Batur with a fixed schedule, full amenities, and live cultural performances on board.

What is the Royal Songan Cruise in Bali?

The Royal Songan Cruise is an official cultural cruise operating on Lake Batur in Kintamani, managed by Tan’s Estate. The cruise lasts 90 minutes and features a live performance of “The Tale of Balingkang.”

How long is the Royal Songan Cruise?

The Royal Songan Cruise lasts 90 minutes (1.5 hours). This time includes a tour around the lake with stops at Trunyan Village and the Statue of Dewi Danu.