Kintamani Lake & Volcano Tour

Discover the Beauty and Culture of Bali on the Kintamani Lake & Volcano Tour

If you’re looking to see Bali’s natural grandeur and dive into some of its most iconic sights, the Kintamani Lake & Volcano Tour offers a well-rounded day for around $68 per person. Spanning approximately 8 hours, this guided adventure takes you from your hotel in south Bali to the lofty highlands of Kintamani, with stops at Ubud’s craft villages, an ancient Elephant Cave, and a dramatic active volcano. Your guide will be your companion, sharing insights into local traditions, art, and myths.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour: First, the diverse itinerary means you get a taste of Bali’s artistic, spiritual, and volcanic marvels without spending your entire trip on separate excursions. Second, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off in many popular areas removes the stress of arranging transportation.

A possible consideration is the tour’s focus on shopping stops, which some travelers find repetitive or pressure-filled—particularly at the woodcarving and jewelry centers. If you prefer a more straightforward, less commercial experience, you might want to customize your day.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a blend of cultural insight, scenic landscapes, and a dash of adventure, especially those who appreciate guided commentary and value the chance to see a wide variety of sights in one day.

Key Points

• Scenic Highlands: Stunning views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur, with opportunities to take photos of volcanic activity and lush surroundings.
• Cultural Highlights: Witness traditional Balinese dance, visit ancient temples like Goa Gajah, and explore artisan villages.
• Convenient Logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off in many popular South Bali locations, making transportation hassle-free.
• Diverse Experiences: From woodcarving in Mas to spiritual springs, the itinerary offers a well-rounded view of Bali’s culture and landscape.
• Value for Money: For $67.95, you get a full day of guided touring, entrance tickets, and transport, though extras such as meals are at your expense.
• Authentic Encounters: Many reviews praise guides like Guside and Radi for their friendliness, knowledge, and attentiveness.

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

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

This tour is designed to showcase Bali’s natural beauty and traditional crafts. It kicks off with a hotel pickup around 8:30 am, in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. Early on, you’ll head to the stone carving village of Batubulan to watch artisans at work. Expect intricate sculptures and a lively introduction to Balinese craftsmanship. Many travelers, like Sharon, appreciated guides who were “lovely and very knowledgeable,” making the experience both educational and engaging.

Next, the tour takes you to Ubud’s Elephant Cave, or Goa Gajah, a site dating back to the 11th century. Here, the carved stone entrances and sacred grounds offer a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual past. Visitors often comment on the “spectacular stone carvings” and mystical atmosphere. It’s a peaceful place that adds depth to the day’s cultural exploration.

The highlight for many is the Kintamani Highland. From this vantage point, you’ll see Mount Batur, an active volcano with ribbons of black lava cascading down its sides. The views of Lake Batur shimmering below are breathtaking, although some reviews mention that the viewing distance isn’t very close, and weather conditions—like clouds—can obscure the volcano, as Snigdha noted.

After taking in the scenery, you’ll enjoy a lunch in a restaurant with panoramic views (lunch is at your own expense). Many travelers find this a relaxing break, with some noting that the food quality is average and that paying by card might be tricky due to local connectivity issues.

On the return, a stop at Holy Springs offers a moment of reflection and a chance to hear about their reputed therapeutic waters. The entire journey is a mix of scenic vistas, cultural venues, and artisan stops, including Celuk Village, where Bali’s jewelry artisans work with silver and gold.

The Cultural and Artistic Highlights

The Barong Dance at Batubulan is often a crowd favorite, portraying a mythic fight between good and evil. Sharon’s review highlights how “the dance was so cool,” and the show offers a lively, colorful introduction to Balinese performance art.

Throughout the day, visits to Mas and Celuk introduce you to Bali’s artistic industries. While many travelers enjoy seeing the craftsmanship up close, some, like Gopal, feel these visits are time-consuming and possibly motivated by commissions. If shopping isn’t your priority, you might consider skipping these stops or exploring them quickly.

The Guide and Group Size

Guides like Guside and Radi receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge. Many reviews mention how guides go above and beyond, offering helpful tips and taking photos. The tour tends to be small, capped at 15 travelers, which allows for a more personalized experience. Some travelers, like Lisa, appreciated that when they were a small group, guides even added extra stops, enhancing the value.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Duration: Around 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning in the late afternoon.
• Price: $67.95 per person, which covers entrance fees for key sites, transportation, and a guided experience.
• Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off in many South Bali locations, plus a licensed English-speaking guide.
• Excluded: Meals and drinks, so plan for lunch (own expense).
• Group Size: Max 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate environment.
• Booking: On average, booked 51 days in advance, indicating some planning is advised.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a balanced picture. Many rave about the scenic views, friendly guides, and cultural insights. For instance, Joanne called it “one of the best days of my holiday,” and Alina described her guide as “very accommodating.”

On the flip side, some found the art and craft stops to be a bit commercial or feel pressured to buy. The volcano view can be obscured by clouds, and the lunch might not satisfy those expecting gourmet fare. A few mentioned that extra charges (like the Rp. 199,950 fee for pickup outside certain areas) should be clearer upfront.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given the price point, this tour offers good value, especially if you want a rundown without the hassle of organizing multiple sites yourself. The scenic views, cultural highlights, and professional guides make it suitable for first-time visitors or those wanting a balanced taste of Bali’s natural and cultural riches.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love seeing diverse sights in one day, enjoy guided explanations, and want to experience Bali’s scenic volcano and lakes, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate authentic cultural performances and are comfortable with a few shopping stops, understanding they support local artisans.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed or customized experience or dislike guided tours that include artisanal stops, you might want to explore private options or skip some of these attractions.

The Sum Up

The Kintamani Lake & Volcano Tour offers a well-rounded Bali experience for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and culture. The views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur are unforgettable, and the stops at Goa Gajah and Ubud’s crafts villages deepen your understanding of Bali’s artistic soul. Guided by knowledgeable and friendly guides, you’ll come away with a full day of sightseeing, stories, and photographs.

While some might find the shopping stops a bit commercial or the view of the volcano less close than hoped, overall, this tour provides good value and a memorable snapshot of Bali’s diverse landscape and traditions. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see a lot without the stress of planning, especially if they enjoy cultural performances and scenic vistas.

FAQs

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

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
No, entrance tickets to sites like Goa Gajah and the artisan villages are included in the price.

Can I buy lunch on the tour?
Lunch is not included; you will need to purchase it separately at your own expense during the stop at the Kintamani Highland.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but consider physical limitations since the day involves walking, some uneven terrain, and long bus rides.

Are there shopping opportunities?
Yes, stops at Mas, Celuk, and other artisan villages are part of the itinerary, which some travelers may find engaging or, alternatively, commercial.

Overall, if you’re after a mix of Bali’s scenic beauty, cultural performances, and artisan crafts, this tour offers a practical way to pack a lot into a day while enjoying the company of a knowledgeable guide. Just be prepared for some stops that might lean toward shopping and keep your expectations of the volcano view flexible, especially if weather isn’t ideal.