Sunrise viewpoint at Pinggan/King Kong Hill
Pinggan (King Kong Hill) is a popular sunrise viewpoint in the village of Pinggan, Kintamani, Bangli (Bali). It offers a dramatic panoramic view over the Mount Batur caldera, Lake Batur and often a sea of clouds with the active Mount Batur and Mount Abang forming the horizon. The site is famous among photographers and early-morning trekkers for unobstructed sunrise vistas framed by traditional Balinese homes and terraced fields.
Location
Pinggan Village — King Kong Hill viewpoint, Kintamani, Bangli, Indonesia
Duration
1–3 hours (typical sunrise visit); half-day including travel from nearby towns
Best Time to Visit
April to October (drier season) for clearer skies; however, sunrises can be spectacular year-round — check weather and local cloud cover forecasts. Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunrise for best light and vantage.
Pricing
Mostly free to access; small local entrance/parking donations typically IDR 5,000–20,000 per person/vehicle. Guided visits or transport from Ubud/Kuta organized by local operators typically range IDR 250,000–450,000 per person (depending on pickup location and inclusions).
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Panoramic sunrise over Mount Batur caldera and Lake Batur
“Sea of clouds” vistas on cool mornings
Excellent photography angles and silhouettes (Mount Batur, Mount Abang)
Traditional Pinggan village setting and terraced fields
Short early-morning walk to viewpoint — accessible for most fitness levels
Itinerary
Pickup from accommodation in Ubud/Seminyak/Canggu or self-drive to Pinggan village
Travel times vary: Ubud ~1–1.5 hrs; Seminyak/Denpasar ~1.5–2 hrs. Book transfers that depart early (2:00–3:00 AM) if you want to reach before sunrise.
Arrive at Pinggan village; short walk to King Kong Hill viewpoint
Walk is mostly on village lanes and short stair sections. Use a headlamp or torch; local paths can be uneven.
Watch sunrise, photograph caldera, lake and sea of clouds
Arrive early to secure a vantage point; expect chilly pre-dawn temperatures, especially between June–August.
Return to village; optional breakfast at local warung or drive back
Try local Balinese coffee and simple breakfasts at nearby stalls; many tours include a stop at a local viewpoint cafe or coffee plantation.
Safety Requirements
Wear sturdy shoes — uneven steps and village lanes can be slippery in pre-dawn dew
Bring a headlamp/torch for walking in the dark
Dress in layers — temperatures can be cool (often 10–18°C early morning)
Watch your step; some viewpoints have limited railings or uneven edges
Respect private property and local residents — stick to established paths
Be mindful of traffic on narrow village roads when parking or walking
Tips
Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before sunrise for the best light and to avoid crowds
Bring a small tripod and wide-angle lens for landscape shots; telephoto for mountain details
Carry a light jacket — mornings are brisk and windy
Bring cash (small denominations) for donations, parking, snacks or coffee
Hire a local guide or driver if unfamiliar with routes — they know the best vantage spots & safe parking
Keep noise low and avoid flash photography pointed at people’s homes — this is an active village
Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid larger weekend crowds or tour buses
Check sunrise time and weather forecast; sometimes cloud cover obscures the sun but creates dramatic scenes with a sea of clouds
