Kintamani Volcano and Batur Lake

After our visit to Tirta Empul Temple, our next stop was something we both looked forward to very much. It was the viewing of the volcano, Mount Batur. We had never seen a real volcano before. So, this added to our excitement besides the idea of having meals on hill top.

Lakeview Restaurant perched on hill top

We had reserved a table for two at Lakeview Restaurant, Kintamani. We got some discount since we had reserved earlier through e-mail. It was a buffet lunch. We had arrived a bit too early. There was no one at the restaurant yet so we thought it was closed. 

Outdoor tables overseeing Batur Lake and Mount Batur

We had carefully chosen an outdoor table so that we can enjoy the volcano breeze and the view below since the restaurant perched on a hill. 

We sat here in the shade and to enjoy the unblocked view of both the lake and volcano

The breeze was cool but after half an hour through our lunch, we were shivering and had to get our jackets from the MPV. The wind was strong at times. 

The food was not bad. Choices were plenty. The food temperature was okay (not cold) but it got cold easily with the blowing wind. The buffet came with a bottle of mineral water for each person but coffee was not included. To taste Kintamani's very own coffee, we ordered a cup to try. 

Our lunch table

Batur Lake (view from our table)

I think we spent about two hours here. We wanted to make sure we enjoyed the view of the volcano and the breeze to the max before we left. 

Mount Batur 

Abang Gusti, our driver-cum-friend, got to eat for free here but at their dining area. We were relieved that they offered him lunch since I had read from the restaurant's website that no lunch for drivers whose customers had booked through e-mail. Actually, all the other drivers who took their customers there got free food.

Close up view of houses near the lake

Houses by Batur Lake

After our lunch, Abang Gusti drove us down the hill and reached Batur Lake. The lake was actually the largest crater lake in Bali. 

Batur Lake

Across the lake was Trunyan Village. We were not interested to visit it as we were not interested to see corpses and cemeteries.

Trunyan Village across the lake (with Mount Abang in the backdrop)

Next, Abang Gusti recommended us a floating restaurant on Batur Lake. We just took some photos of the beautiful huts floating on the lake as we were too full to eat anymore.

Floating restaurant

The sky is so blue in Bali

Around the floating restaurant and hotel

We could feel the platform wobbling at times.

Since this was our free and easy trip, we took it slowly. We spent time chatting with Abang Gusti to learn more about their religion, culture and Balinese in general. He was anxious to bring us to many places of interest as he felt he needed to perform his duty well. But we asked him to slow down and just followed our itinerary of the day. Of course, he was very helpful and knowledgeable. He brought us to this floating restaurant on his own initiative. We could sense that he was very proud to show us around his hometown.

Next, Abang Gusti brought us to try kopi luwak on our request. (in the next post)

Details:

1. Lakeview Kintamani Restaurant (pre-booked through email to get discount)

Jalan Raya Penelokan, Kintamani, Bali.

Telephone: +62- 366 52525

Our bill was 197,200 rupiah. (Bali Coffee = 10,000 rupiah, Buffet lunch =160,000 rupiah (for two pax), government tax = 18,700 rupiah and service charge = 8,500 rupiah)

2. The name of the floating restaurant and hotel:
Kedisan Resto Apung and Bungalows
Jl. Raya Kedisan, Danau Batur,
Kintamani, Bali.
Telephone: (0366) 51627
HP: 081 337 755 411

Verdict:

Must do if you ever visit Bali. Bring a jacket if you want to enjoy the volcano breeze.