Kintamani Lake & Volcano Tour

Kintamani Lake & Volcano Tour: A Balanced Look at Bali’s Scenic and Cultural Gems

This comprehensive full-day tour in Bali offers a mixture of natural beauty, cultural insight, and traditional performances. Priced at $67.95 per person, it promises to be a good value for travelers eager to tick off several must-see sights in one go. The experience is guided, with round-trip hotel pickup included, making it a hassle-free way to explore Bali’s highlights.

What we love about this tour is how it seamlessly combines scenic viewpoints — like Mount Batur and Lake Batur — with cultural visits such as the Elephant Cave and Ubud’s craft villages. It’s a great way to see Bali’s diverse landscape and artistic traditions in a single day.

However, some travelers might find the itinerary a bit rushed, especially if they’re hoping to get close-up views of Mount Batur or spend more time exploring Ubud at leisure. Plus, lunch isn’t included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for that if you’re hungry after a morning of sightseeing.

This tour suits those who want a structured, guided day that covers multiple attractions without the hassle of planning or driving themselves. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting a snapshot of Bali’s cultural and natural highlights in a single trip.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines natural scenery, cultural performances, and artisan villages.
• Guided Convenience: An English-speaking guide enhances understanding and makes navigation easier.
• Scenic Highlights: Expect stunning views of Mount Batur, Lake Batur, and surrounding volcanic landscapes.
• Cultural Encounters: Bali’s traditional barong dance, elephant cave, and Ubud’s craft villages are included.
• Value for Money: At $67.95, it offers a lot in one day but does not include meals.
• Mixed Review Insights: Guides are widely praised for their knowledge and friendliness, though some find the art/craft stops somewhat commercialized.

An In-Depth Look at the Kintamani Lake & Volcano Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 8:30 am with hotel pickup from many south Bali hotspots like Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. The transport is an air-conditioned minivan, which is comfortable and quiet—especially appreciated after a long flight or a night out. With a maximum group size of 15, the tour offers a balance between intimacy and social atmosphere, though some reviews note that it can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re the only person booked for the day, which can make the experience feel personalized but also a little awkward.

The Fairy Tale of Batubulan and the Barong Dance

Your day starts in Batubulan, famous for its stone carvings and temples. Here, you’ll watch the Barong Dance, a lively performance based on Balinese myth portraying the ongoing battle between good and evil. Reviewers consistently mention how engaging and colorful this show is, with one describing it as “spectacular” and “a perfect introduction to Bali’s culture.” The dance lasts about an hour, and the guide usually provides some background on its significance, enhancing the experience.

Craftsmanship in Mas

Next, you’ll visit the traditional woodcarving village of Mas. This part of the tour is a hit among art lovers. You’ll see artisans chiseling intricate designs from wood, and some reviews note that the artisans are quite skilled, making it easy to appreciate the craftsmanship. One traveler mentioned, “Watching artisans chip intricate designs from wood blocks was fascinating,” which highlights how much detail goes into Balinese woodwork. It’s a good opportunity to buy souvenirs directly from the artisans, although some travelers felt pressured to purchase, which is worth keeping in mind.

The Mystical Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah)

A highlight of the day is the visit to Goa Gajah, a 11th-century temple featuring extraordinary stone carvings and a sacred grotto. Travelers frequently comment on the mystical atmosphere, with one reviewer noting, “Walked the sacred temple grounds soaking up the mystical ambiance of this special place.” The carvings depict animals, ocean waves, and spirits, offering a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual side. This stop usually takes around an hour, enough time to explore and take photos.

Mount Batur and Lake Batur

Following this, you’ll head to Kintamani, where the real star of the show is Mount Batur. From the viewpoint, you’ll get a panoramic scene of Bali’s active volcano and the shimmering Lake Batur. Many reviews mention that the views are impressive, though some wished for a closer or clearer look at the volcano. One guest remarked, “Great view of the volcano, it would have been nice to get a little closer for a better view, but it was worth it.” The landscape here is dramatic: ribbons of black lava flow down the slopes, contrasting with lush greenery and the calm lake below.

Lunch with a View (Own Expense)

One of the key considerations here is that lunch isn’t included in the tour price. The recommended restaurants provide scenic views of the lake and volcano, making the meal a memorable part of the experience, but you’ll need to budget about $10-$15 for a meal. Some travelers have noted that the quality of the food varies, and the waitstaff may not accept cards, so bring cash.

Holy Springs and Balinese Spirituality

On the return journey, you’ll stop at a Holy Spring site. Travelers have mentioned that these waters are believed to have healing properties, adding a spiritual dimension to the tour. Although the waters’ supposed health benefits are anecdotal, the experience of hearing about their significance is interesting, especially for those interested in local beliefs.

Ubud and Celuk Village

The last major stops include Ubud, Bali’s artistic hub. Here, you can explore the craft villages of Celuk, renowned for its silver and gold jewelry. Reviewers describe it as “an industrial center of Bali’s jewelry scene,” where you can observe artisans at work and purchase authentic pieces. The tour also offers optional visits to areas like batik studios or coffee plantations if time permits, as some travelers appreciated the flexibility—though it can feel like a lot to cram into one day.

Cultural Performances and Final Farewell

The tour concludes back in Ubud, with opportunities to purchase souvenirs or simply soak in the lively atmosphere. Guides are typically praised for their friendliness and knowledge, with one reviewer saying, “Radi was very accommodating, and his knowledge about the island is immense.”

How Does It All Add Up? The Value and Experience

At $67.95, this tour packs in quite a bit: scenic views, cultural insights, artisan visits, and spiritual stops—all with hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide included. The sites are iconic, and many travelers find the combination worthwhile, especially since it’s a comprehensive snapshot of Bali’s landscape and culture.

However, some reviews highlight that the stops at art and craft centers could feel overly commercialized or pressured. One reviewer mentioned feeling “pressured to buy” at every stop, which can detract from the authentic experience. Nevertheless, guides usually make an effort to share knowledge and keep the energy positive.

The tour offers not just sightseeing but also a chance to learn about Bali’s spiritual and artistic traditions firsthand. The guides, notably Guside and Radi, receive high praise for their friendliness and expertise, which adds a lot to the experience. Though the views of Mount Batur might be obstructed by weather on some days, the overall landscape makes for stunning photo opportunities.

Timing and Flexibility

The 8-hour duration means the day moves swiftly, but it’s worth noting that some travelers found parts of the itinerary a little rushed, especially if they preferred more time at each location. If you’re a slow traveler or want to explore Ubud more leisurely, this might not be the best fit. Conversely, if you’re after an efficient, guided overview, this tour delivers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Bali who want a structured day covering major sights without the hassle of planning. It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate guided commentary and a mix of scenic and cultural activities. If you’re interested in Balinese dance, art, and volcanic landscapes, you’ll find this tour hits all those notes.

However, if you prefer more personalized or in-depth exploration of Ubud or a closer view of Mount Batur, you might want to consider other options. It’s also worth noting that lunch isn’t included, so budget accordingly, and some sites may feel commercialized depending on your perspective.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from many major hotels in Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua.

What’s the best time of day to start?
The tour begins at 8:30 am, giving you a full day of sightseeing. Starting early helps maximize your day.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts about 8 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is at your own expense, usually around $10-$15, and some locations do not accept cards, so bring cash.

What sites are visited?
Major stops include the Barong dance in Batubulan, Mas woodcarving village, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Mount Batur and Lake Batur, Holy Springs, and Ubud’s craft villages like Celuk.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers, including families, can participate, but it’s a full day of walking and sightseeing, so young children should be prepared for the pace.

Can I expect to buy souvenirs?
Yes, artisan villages like Mas and Celuk offer authentic crafts, but some travelers felt pressured, so go with a budget and shop mindfully.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes are recommended, especially when visiting temples and caves.

The Sum Up

The Kintamani Lake & Volcano Tour offers a well-rounded Bali experience—combining natural beauty, cultural performances, and artisan visits—at a reasonable price. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers new to Bali or those eager to see a variety of sights without the stress of independent planning. The guide’s knowledge and friendliness are clear highlights, making the day both informative and enjoyable.

While it might not satisfy those seeking a deeper dive into Ubud or a close-up volcano view, it delivers excellent value for a comprehensive snapshot of Bali’s diverse attractions. Just remember to bring cash for meals, be prepared for some commercialized stops, and enjoy the scenic and cultural feast that Bali has to offer.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors, culture lovers, and anyone wanting an efficient, guided overview of Bali’s most iconic sights. If you’re happy with a busy, full-day itinerary that balances scenery and tradition, this experience will serve you well.