How to Reach Bukit Mende, Kintamani, for Sunrise from Penelokan

Leave Penelokan at about 4:30 am and you can be on Bukit Mende before sunrise: follow the Kintamani-Singaraja road to Pura Puncak Penulisan in Sukawana, turn off towards Subaya village for about 5 km, then drive the last kilometre on a rocky track to the forecourt of Pura Bukit Mendaa. According to detikBali, the hill has never been officially opened as an attraction and nobody charges admission. As of September 2026 we found no announcement of a new fee.

Subaya residents actually call it Bukit Medelen or Bukit Mendaa, after the temple on the summit; "Mende" and "Subaya Hill" are the names that spread on social media. The hill marks the border between Bangli and Buleleng, so from the top you look down on the Bali Sea and the coastal villages of Tejakula.

Timeline from Penelokan

4:30 leave Penelokan or Kedisan. The main road north through Kintamani is still empty.
Around 4:50 reach Pura Puncak Penulisan in Sukawana. If you are unsure about the turn to Subaya, ask locals near the temple, as detikBali suggests.
5:00-5:20 about 5 km to Subaya through pine forest, with steep, winding climbs.
5:20-5:35 from the village centre continue north for roughly 1 km on a rocky road and park in the forecourt of Pura Bukit Mendaa.
5:40 walk to the viewpoint. The first part from the car park is easy; the path further along the ridge is much steeper, and several outlets describe slopes of around 60 degrees.
Around 6:00 sunrise (in October and November Bali sunrise is usually between 5:50 and 6:10 am). On misty mornings the valleys fill with cloud and only the ridge stays clear.
7:30 head down. Small warungs along the village road sell coffee, fried snacks and instant noodles.
8:30 stop at Pura Puncak Penulisan on the way back, or return to Batur for breakfast.

Leg times are estimates based on distances given by local media. From Bangli town, validnews and GNFI put the drive at 30-45 minutes; from Kuta, 2.5-3 hours.

The difficult parts

The road into Subaya is the hardest section: narrow, sharply uphill, and rocky for the final kilometre. Local coverage recommends a scooter or a vehicle with enough power; large cars and drivers unused to mountain gradients should not force it. With no official operator there are no maintained toilets, railings or staff. The parking area is a temple courtyard, so dress modestly and take your rubbish home. Coming from the south through Penelokan, you will probably be asked for the Kintamani area levy: Rp25,000 for Indonesian adults and Rp50,000 for foreigners (Bangli regional regulation 5/2023). Collection on the road went viral in March 2026 and the Bangli tourism office confirmed it is official, so ask for a ticket.

A 4:30 am start is far easier if you have already spent the night in Kintamani; compare hotel vouchers around Batur and Penelokan on AccessiaPass before you settle on dates.

Location and what to bring

Location: Subaya village, Kintamani, Bangli. View on Google Maps
Entry: free according to detikBali and validnews; no official fee announced (checked September 2026).
Booking: none needed, just turn up. There are no official guides; ask Subaya residents if unsure.
Bring: a jacket, head torch, shoes with grippy soles, water and small cash.
Recent photos of road conditions: search on Instagram

If the fog is still thick at 7 am, do not wait too long. For a sunrise spot with paved road almost to the viewpoint, see Belandingan village.