Mount Batur: 4WD Jeep Lava Tour & Hot Spring Lunch

Summary

Mount Batur’s black lava fields, jeep rides and hot springs lunch

You’ll bounce across Mount Batur’s black lava fields in a 4WD jeep with a local guide, explore caves and volcanic landscapes, then unwind in natural hot springs overlooking Lake Batur. Lunch is included with sweeping views—expect moments of awe and quiet reflection along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We bounced along the edge of Kintamani just after sunrise, dust swirling behind our jeep. Our guide, Putu, grinned in the rearview mirror and shouted something about “lava ball point” — I barely caught it over the engine. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, and there was this weird silence between the rocks that made me feel like we’d landed on another planet. I kept reaching out to touch the rough black sand, gritty and cool even as the sun started warming up.

Putu stopped by a cave formed from old lava flows. He told us stories about the 1964 eruption (I hadn’t realized how recent it was), pointing out where farmers now coax vegetables from what looks like pure stone. We watched a woman in a bright sarong tending her plot — she waved at us, laughing when I tried to say “good morning” in Bahasa. The whole place felt alive but also kind of haunted by fire; you could still smell something burnt if you paid attention.

After all that bumping around, we ended up at Batur Natural Hot Spring. Honestly, I didn’t expect much from a “healing soak,” but slipping into that warm water with Lake Batur stretching out below — yeah, I get it now. My legs floated and my mind went quiet for a bit. Lunch at Kintamani Restaurant was simple but good; spicy chicken and rice with this view of the geopark that made everything else fade away for a while. On the drive back to our hotel I kept thinking about those silent rocks and how small they made me feel — in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Batur Jeep Tour and Hot Springs

• Meet tour guide at 7 am
• Climb aboard 4WD vehicle
• Visit Lava Ball Point
• Explore large lava cave
• Drive through 1964 lava flow
• Observe local farmers' fields
• Enjoy lunch at Kintamani restaurant
• Relax in Batur Natural Hot Spring
• View Lake Batur panorama
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Mount Batur jeep tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if you choose the full package option.

How long does the Mount Batur jeep tour last?

The activity duration is about 2.5 hours for just the jeep tour; longer if you include lunch and hot spring time.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

No special fitness level is required; suitable for most travelers except those with spinal injuries or certain health conditions.

Can I join only the jeep tour without lunch or hot spring?

Yes, there is an option for just the jeep tour without transfers, lunch or hot spring entry.

Where does the Mount Batur 4WD tour start?

The main start point is near Songan Village in Kintamani—pickup can be arranged from nearby areas too.

What do we see during the Mount Batur day trip from Ubud or Kuta?

You’ll visit Lava Ball Point, volcanic caves, 1964 lava flows, local farms, and finish at Batur Natural Hot Spring with lake views.

Is lunch provided on this Mount Batur day trip?

Yes—if you book the full package option, lunch at Kintamani Restaurant is included.

Are public transport options available near Mount Batur?

Yes—public transport options are nearby if you’re arranging your own transfer to Kintamani area.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected, all entry fees for Mount Batur’s geopark area, a guided 4WD jeep ride through lava fields with stops at key sites, time to swim in Batur Natural Hot Spring overlooking Lake Batur, plus lunch at Kintamani Restaurant before heading back home again.