Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
Highlights: Kintamani area
Language: The tour is originally in Indonesian and English.

I’ve always believed the best travel days are the ones where you feel like you’ve lived several lives in just a few hours. That’s exactly how I felt during my Kintamani tour. This day was jam-packed with everything from adrenaline-pumping rafting to sipping coffee at a tranquil plantation, not to mention stunning views that made me want to pinch myself just to be sure I wasn’t dreaming.

Let me take you through the highlights of this Bali tour package, and hopefully, share some tips I wish I’d known before embarking on this adventure. Trust me, a little planning can make a world of difference, especially in a place as unpredictable (but always beautiful!) as Bali.

1. Early Morning: Getting Picked Up at 8 AM
Now, if you’re anything like me, you probably dread waking up early, especially on vacation. But waking up at 7 AM for an 8 AM pickup? Totally worth it. The key here is to have everything packed and ready the night before. I made the mistake of frantically searching for my sunscreen at the last minute, which is not the way you want to start your day.

Our private driver showed up right on time (if you’re using TheBaliTravels, you know how reliable they are), and after a quick chat about the itinerary, we were on the road. The early morning light in Bali is something special — a golden hue that just makes everything feel calm and beautiful. It was a perfect start to what was about to be a thrilling day.

2. White Water Rafting: Adrenaline Rush!
I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous about the white water rafting part. I’m not a huge adrenaline junkie, but I figured, when in Bali, right? Spoiler alert: it turned out to be my favorite part of the day! We arrived at the rafting spot around 9 AM, and after a quick briefing, we were suited up and ready to hit the water.

The river was more thrilling than I expected, with a good mix of rapids and calm stretches. Our guide was super experienced, making us feel safe while also cracking jokes and pointing out different wildlife along the way. The rapids weren't too extreme, so even if you're a beginner like I was, you’ll be fine. Just be ready to get soaked (and maybe pack a change of clothes).

Quick tip: wear shoes that won’t slip off easily. I saw someone lose their flip-flop to the river, and let’s just say, the river doesn’t give those back.

3. Coffee Plantation: A Well-Deserved Break
After the rafting, it was time to slow things down at a coffee plantation. Now, I’m a big coffee lover, so this was a real treat for me. We got to see the whole process, from picking the beans to roasting them over an open fire. The highlight? A tasting session where we tried a bunch of different Balinese coffees and teas.

If you’ve never tried kopi luwak (the famous civet coffee), this is your chance. It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but definitely a unique experience. Just a heads-up, it’s not cheap. I debated for a minute whether I wanted to splurge on a bag, but in the end, I decided it was worth it. After all, how often do you get to buy coffee that’s been “processed” by a cute little civet? (Okay, maybe not the cutest process, but still, it’s a story to tell!)

4. Kintamani: Views That Will Leave You Speechless
Next up was Kintamani, and I don’t think words can do it justice. The view of Mount Batur with the lake nestled below is something straight out of a postcard. We got there just in time for lunch, and let me tell you, eating with that view in front of you feels like pure luxury.

One thing I learned the hard way: bring a jacket. Kintamani is higher up in the mountains, and the temperature can drop quite a bit. I wasn’t prepared for how chilly it would be, and I ended up borrowing a scarf from one of the local vendors just to keep warm. Also, don’t forget your camera. You’re going to want to capture those sweeping views to show off later.

5. Tegalalang Rice Terraces: A Photographer’s Dream
From Kintamani, we headed to the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces. I’d seen pictures of these terraces before, but nothing compares to seeing them in person. It’s like an endless staircase of green. As someone who’s not a professional photographer, I was worried my pictures wouldn’t do the place justice, but honestly, it’s hard to take a bad shot here.

Quick tip: There’s a small fee to enter, so make sure you have some cash on hand. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk through the terraces, though be prepared for some uneven footing. I almost slipped a couple of times (probably because I was too busy staring at the view instead of where I was stepping), but it was worth it.

6. Art Village: Culture and Souvenirs
By this point, I was feeling pretty wiped out, but we had one more stop before heading back to the hotel: an art village. If you’re into traditional Balinese crafts, you’re going to love this. The artisans are incredibly talented, and you can find everything from intricate wood carvings to beautiful paintings.

I’m a sucker for souvenirs, so I picked up a hand-carved wooden mask to hang on my wall back home. Just be ready to haggle a little — it’s part of the fun! The artists are friendly, and it’s cool to learn more about their techniques and how long they’ve been honing their craft.

7. Back to the Hotel: A Perfect End to a Busy Day
By the time we got back to the hotel, I was completely exhausted, but in the best way possible. It’s not every day that you get to go rafting, sip coffee at a plantation, admire a volcano, walk through rice terraces, and shop for art all in one day. But that’s the beauty of Bali — there’s always something new to discover, and every experience feels like an adventure.

So, if you’re planning your Kintamani tour, just remember to pack a jacket, bring some extra cash, and be ready for a day that’ll leave you with memories (and photos!) to last a lifetime.

Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen — I got a little too excited and skipped it after the rafting. Trust me, you don’t want to make that mistake!

This Kintamani tour really is a must if you want a mix of excitement, relaxation, and a taste of Bali’s incredible landscapes and culture. I know I’ll be talking about it for years to come.