Kintamani Volcano Tour from Ubud: Temple, Lake & Rice Terraces

Gunung Kawi's cliff temples date to the 11th century and still serve as active Hindu worship sites.

A nine-hour guided tour from Ubud through Bali's historic heartland, visiting four major sites: the 11th-century Gunung Kawi temple carved into a riverside cliff, Tirta Empul Temple with its sacred spring bathing pools, the volcanic caldera views around Kintamani and Mount Batur, and Tegalalang's terraced rice fields. Private air-conditioned transport, a live English-speaking guide, bottled water and temple sarongs are included; lunch and personal expenses are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit temples and scenic villages

• Visit traditional produce market
• Explore Gunung Kawi temple
• Watch Hindu Melukat procession at Tirta Empul Temple
• Enjoy views of Lake and Mount Batur
• Visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace village

The Experience

The day starts at a traditional produce market that supplies local villages, then moves into Gianyar's historic sites. Gunung Kawi sits on a cliff edge overlooking rice fields and the Pakerisan River, its temples carved directly into the rock face and bleached by centuries. Built in the late 11th century, they remain active places of worship. From there the route continues to Tirta Empul Temple, built around a sacred spring at Tampak Siring that Balinese Hindus have visited for over a thousand years. The spring water flows through the temple's inner courtyard and spouts from mossy walls into special bathing pools; you can watch the Melukat purification procession, where worshippers perform ritual cleansing in the cool clear water.

The drive north takes you to Kintamani, a cluster of villages perched on the rim of the Batur caldera about 1,500 meters above sea level. Mount Batur and Lake Batur spread below in dramatic views, and a stop at a selected restaurant lets you eat while looking out over the volcano and water. From there the route descends to Tegalalang, famous for its rice terraces that cascade down the valley slopes. The paddies follow the subak system, a traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation method passed down since the eighth century. The roadside location is cool and breezy, and the vantage point makes it a known stop for photographs of the layered green fields stretching away below you.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation from Ubud.
• live English-speaking guide.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• sarongs for temple visits.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bali Ubud Tour

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you prefer a private vehicle with a set route covering four major temples and landscapes, or pick a shared group tour if you'd rather meet other travelers and split costs.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

8 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is Gunung Kawi temple and why is it worth seeing?

Gunung Kawi is an 11th-century temple complex carved directly into a cliff face beside the Pakerisan River, surrounded by rice terraces. The temples are still used as active Hindu worship sites and offer a glimpse into Bali's ancient religious history through their carved stone architecture.

Can I bathe in the pools at Tirta Empul Temple?

Tirta Empul Temple has special bathing pools fed by the sacred spring, and you can watch Balinese worshippers perform the Melukat purification ritual there. The spring water is believed to have curative properties and has drawn pilgrims for over a thousand years.

What are the views like at Kintamani?

Kintamani sits on the rim of the Batur caldera at about 1,500 meters elevation, offering dramatic views of the active Mount Batur volcano and the serene Lake Batur below. A meal stop at a local restaurant lets you take in these views while you eat.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs nine hours total, including all four stops, transport between sites, and time to explore each location.

What should I bring for temple visits?

Sarongs are provided for temple entry, so you don't need to bring your own. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen; the roadside locations are exposed and breezy.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour welcomes children from age four. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available if needed. All physical fitness levels can manage the stops and walking involved.