Most people come to Bali for the beaches and temples. Some come for the surf. And then there are the ones who come specifically to ride a dirt bike across an off-road volcanic landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of them.
The Volcano Kintamani trail is unlike anything else in our lineup. Just vast black lava fields, dramatic highland scenery, technical terrain, and Mount Batur looming over everything. If you’re an intermediate or advanced rider looking to test your skills on one of the most unique landscapes on earth, here is everything you need to know about Bali’s volcanic trails.
The Kintamani Black Lava trail takes you deep into the volcanic landscape surrounding Mount Batur, one of Bali’s most active volcanoes. The terrain is like nothing else on the island. It has wide open black sand dunes, hardened lava fields, deep sandy river beds, and steep tracks that constantly change character as you climb.
The trail covers around 50 to 60 kilometres, with an elevation range from 389 to 1,245 metres. That climb is real! The ascent takes you up high up in the mountains, and the descent brings you back down through the volcanic forest with views over the crater lake that are actually hard to believe.
This is not a trail for beginners. The terrain is technical, the conditions can change fast depending on the season, and the altitude adds a layer of physical demand that can catch riders off guard. If you’re new to off-road riding, start with the Beach Tabanan trail and build your way up. If you’ve already got some saddle time and you’re ready to push further, Kintamani is waiting for you!
We’ll keep it completely real with you: this trail is not for aBSOLUTE FIRST-TIMERS. The terrain is demanding, the elevation and the speed is real on the open lava fields. If you’ve done the Jungle Tabanan trail and you’re ready for something bigger, this is the natural next step.
Not sure what your level is as a rider? Read our guide on how to find your dirt bike level before you book, it’ll help you choose the right trail and the right day.
The volcano isn’t going anywhere. But once you’ve ridden it, you’ll understand why people come back to Bali just to do it again.
Curious about how the day flows? Here is what a typical full-day volcano adventure looks like from start to finish:
Your morning starts at LakeView Bali, right on the crater edge with views over Lake Batur that set the tone for the whole day. You get fully kitted out before you ride: helmet, boots, knee guards, gloves, chest protector, jersey and pants. Then you get matched to the right bike from our fleet.
Once your gear is locked in, our guides run through the trail briefing, essential safety tips, and route details, and then it’s time to fire up the engines and go! The first half of the day is all about wide-open throttle response, riding the black sand dunes, and conquering technical lava rock climbs.
By midday, your body is ready for a break and your stomach will be roaring. We pause the ride at the iconic LakeView Bali Restaurant. Starting and ending right around this panoramic rim area, you’ll refuel with a delicious local lunch while staring directly out over the massive Batur crater lake and the active peak. Fresh local food with one of the best views in Bali.
All fuelled up, we fire up the engines again and the full-day tour continues into the Forest Kintamani trail. It’s a tighter, more technical, and a completely different challenge to the morning. Two trails, one day, two entirely different worlds.
We know every trip to Bali is different, which is why we offer flexible options to fit the Kintamani trail into your holiday schedule. The Kintamani trail runs as a half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours).
Here’s what’s included in every Kintamani booking:
Riding across the black lava fields of Kintamani is one of those bucket-list experiences you simply can’t explain to someone who hasn’t done it. The views and adrenaline are unreal and it’s an adventure that stays with you long after the mud washes off your boots.
