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Most people visit Kintamani for the famous sunrise trek up Mount Batur, then return to their accommodation elsewhere. Yet, the area around Bali's second-largest volcano has much more to offer beyond the famous hike.
With its epic mountain views, hot springs, and iconic cafes, Kintamani is one of our favourite underrated regions on the island, and somewhere we'd definitely recommend staying for a night or two.
Having spent plenty of time in the area, we've put together this guide with our favourite places to stay in Kintamani.
In A Rush? Our top pick is Oculus, Kintamani's most luxurious hotel. For a unique stay, Mountain Peak Kintamani offers a row of cool, industrial chic cabins, while Toteme Glamping has luxury tents close to the lake and trek start.
Summary: Best Areas
Kintamani is the name of both a village overlooking Mount Batur and the wider Kintamani region, including most of the Batur Geopark. There are three main areas we'd suggest you stay, as we've outlined on this map (descriptions below map):
Kintamani Village (pink) – Our favourite area to stay is around the village of Kintamani, which sits on the top rim of the volcanic crater. It's a little pricier around here as it has the best views over Mount Batur. You're also right on top of the many photogenic cafes that Kintamani is known for.
Recommended Accommodation: Oculus, El Lago Hotel
Bukit Payang (blue) - A little further down the crater rim, just a short (but steep) drive from the main road, this area has several smaller and more secluded stays with equally stunning views over Mount Batur. It's more challenging to reach due to the steep road, most accommodation does offer free transfers.
Recommended Accommodation: Mountain Peak, Black Lava Camp
Lake Batur (orange) – Alternatively, you can stay right down in the crater next to Lake Batur. This area (called Songan A) is where you'll find most of the hot springs and is conveniently closer to the start points for hiking Mount Batur and other adventure activities. There's a wide choice of affordable accommodation, from hotels and hostels to camping and glamping.
Recommended Accommodation: The Lava Bali, Toteme Glamping, Black Lava Hostel & Lodge
Area & Accommodation Guide
Best Area: Kintamani Village & Crater Ridge
Our favourite area to stay is in (or close to) the village of Kintamani, which sits on the ridge of the volcano crater, offering the best views over Mount Batur.
Penelokan Main Road cuts through the centre of Kintamani Village and is lined with countless modern cafes and restaurants that have amazing views stretching for miles on a clear day.
You'll also find a small handful of hotels close to the main road. Accommodation here is a little pricier, but it's worth it for a room overlooking Mount Batur.
Hotels in Kintamani Village & Surroundings
Luxury Pick: Desa Oculus - Kintamani's top luxury hotel, perched on the edge of the crater rim. It has a unique industrial chic design, with giant steps leading up the side of the building to the rooftop terrace and infinity pool. The rooms are spacious and have either a lake or mountain view. Right next to the main road, making it easy to reach. Mini-review below.
Our Review: Desa Oculus
- Cool, industrial chic design
- Stunning views of Mount Batur
- Two infinity pools and cool rooftop pool club
- Lots of stairs
Sitting on the volcanic crater ridge, Oculus is one of Kintamani's biggest and most established hotels. It has an unusual industrial chic design and is most famous for its giant concrete stairs that lead up to one of its two(!!) rooftop infinity pools.
New Pick: El Lago - A brand-new hotel connected to one of Kintamani's most popular cafes. Stylish, modern rooms built into the crater edge, all of which have direct Mount Batur views.
Our Review: El Lago
- Modern, stylish design
- Every room has a direct view of Mount Batur
- Walkable to many cute cafes
- Small rooms for the high price
- Lots of stairs
Opened in late 2025, El Lago is a brand-new Kintamani hotel built into the crater ridge below the popular cafe of the same name.
The main advantage of this hotel is its unbeatable location, right on the ridge-top and accessible directly from Penelokan Main Road.
Places To Eat in Kintamani Village
Blue Mountains - Large restaurant on the crater ridge, serving some of the best food in Kintamani. Good variety of Asian and Western dishes - the ribs and pasta were delicious! Only open until 6:30pm.
ㅤPaper Hills Cafe - A stylish multi-level cafe with a playful “Palm Springs” aesthetic and a brand new pool club. Paperhills has a great all-day food menu, serving everything from tasty homemade pastries (don’t miss the crombolonis!) and indulgent brunch dishes to burgers, rice bowls, salad, pasta, and more.
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Secluded Stays: Bukit Payang
If you follow a small, winding road down the crater edge for around 1km (10-minute drive) from Penelokan Main Road, you'll find the quieter, more secluded area of Bukit Payang, home to just a handful of boutique villas and stays.
It's the perfect spot for a peaceful escape into nature, away from the noise of the main road and with stunning views over Mount Batur and the black lava fields. There's only one restaurant in the area, located at Black Lava Camp.
However, the road to reach these accommodations is very steep and windy. It's definitely not suitable for an inexperienced driver. Most stays offer parking nearer to the main road and free transfers up and down the crater. In our experience, it's best to bring what you need and try to avoid coming and going too often.
Top Pick: Mountain Peak, Kintamani - A row of modern, two-story cabins with huge windows overlooking Mount Batur. See our review below.
Our Review: Our Review: Mountain Peak, Kintamani
- Incredible view of Mount Batur from the bed
- Modern, well-furnished cabins
- Free breakfast delivered to the terrace
- Difficult location to access (free shuttle provided)
Mountain Peak is another of our favourite places to stay in Kintamani, with a row of two-story cabins in a peaceful garden overlooking Mount Batur.
The cabins take full advantage of their picturesque location within the crater, with large floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an unobstructed view of the volcano from every angle.
Glamping: Black Lava Camp - Stylish glamping with a range of uniquely shaped domes, luxurious tents, and even campervans, all overlooking Mount Batur. Large swimming pool and great on-site restaurant. It's a long, steep road to reach the camp.
Alternative Area: Lake Batur
An alternative option is to stay down in the crater next to Lake Batur (called Songan A). This is where you'll find the many hot springs heated by Mount Batur, with the most famous ones being Toka Bungkah. Several guesthouses in this area also have their own private hot spring pools.
Staying here puts you closer to the start point for the Mount Batur hike and for adventure activities such as ATV and dirt bike tours in the black lava fields.
Accommodation around the lake tends to be more affordable, with a range of local guesthouses and campsites to choose from. Recently, a few slightly more luxurious glamping sites have started to open in the area.
Being next to the lake comes with a unique charm, but the flies can be a problem here due to the many working farms in the area (especially in the wet season). And if you choose to stay right along the lakefront, be prepared for an adventure down some narrow lanes to get there.
Hotels Near Lake Batur
Top Pick: The Lava Bali - A handful of modern and comfortable suites, each with its own private hot spring pool outside. Guests can also access the infinity pool and use the outdoor firepit. A small on-site restaurant serves breakfast, while a few other restaurants sit within walking distance. The guesthouse is near the main road, so it's fairly easy to reach.
Luxury Glamping: Toteme Glamping - New but already popular glamping site with many luxury air-conditioned tents, a stunning hot spring swimming pool, nightly bonfires, and a modern on-site restaurant serving some of the best Western food in Kintamani.
Best For Backpackers: Black Lava Hostel & Lodge - Affordable accommodation with dorms, tents, and private rooms. Two hot spring pools, which are perfect for relaxing after the sunrise hike or other activities organised by the hostel. Sociable atmosphere - great for making friends. Dorm rooms have single beds (not bunk beds), although they don't have privacy curtains.
Places To Eat Near Lake Batur
Toteme Resaurant - The restaurant at Toteme Glamping has earned a name in its own right as one of the few places around Lake Batur to serve excellent Western and local dishes. One of the best meals we've eaten in Kintamani.
ㅤRejeng Bali - Right on the lake's edge, this local restaurant is known for its excellent local dishes made with fresh produce, including freshly caught fish. It's a bit of a hidden gem, perhaps too well hidden, as the path isn't the easiest to find.
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