Bukit Cinta Viewpoint, or “Love Hill” as it’s known, offers one of the best sunrise views in the whole of Bali, with an amazing, unobstructed view of Mount Agung as it stands majestically above rice fields, rolling hills and misty valleys.
Although it’s gained popularity in recent years, it’s still largely considered one of Bali’s hidden gems, an often overlooked destination in East Bali.
Slightly off the main tourist trail but not difficult to access, it’s a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers…and a romantic getaway for lovers.
Where Is It?
Bukit Cinta is located in Karangasem Regency, near the village of Gelumpang.
It’s about a two-hour drive from Denpasar and an hour from Ubud, the nearby coast area is only 20 minutes away.
Another Bukit Cinta is located in North Sumatra, be sure not to confuse this with Bukit Cinta, Bali.
Address: Abyandauh,Pangi Karangasem, Karangasem, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia
How Do You Get To Bukit Cinta?
Whether you’re staying nearby or a bit further away, there are several ways of reaching Bukit Cinta, these are:
Private Car With Driver – one of the best ways to visit is with a private driver and car. You can book a reputable driver through your hotel, who will make sure you’re awake and gone in time to catch the sunrise if that’s what you’re planning to do.
If your hotel is close to Bukit Cinta, you may be able to take a Grab or Gojek, but getting one early in the morning may be difficult, and the driver might not be willing to wait for you to return.
If booking a driver through the hotel, you could talk to them about tailor-making a day trip and visiting other locations.
Group Tour – a group tour is a great option for solo travellers who want to travel with other people and maybe make some new friends.
You can book through your hotel or travel agent, who may have a selection of guided tours for you to choose from, if you’re unsure, then ask them which ones they think are the best tours.
If going on a group tour to catch the sunrise, be sure to be ready in time so other guests aren’t waiting for you.
Scooter or Motorcycle Hire – some people are tempted to hire a scooter or bike to visit Bukit Cinta and other nearby locations.
While this is a fun way to explore the island, here at FINNS we always recommend against bike hire. It’s unlikely that you’ll be legally covered to drive, and any insurance you have will be void. This could put you in trouble with the law as well as causing unnecessary financial problems.
In Bali, the exact location of the place you want to visit is often confusing to find, even on Google Maps, and the roads can be very dangerous, especially after dark.
Save yourself from the hassle, take a private car or van!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Bukit Cinta?
The best time to visit Bukit Cinta viewpoint is, of course, early morning for the sunrise. Not only can you witness the breathtaking sunrise views, but this time of day is also cooler and the viewpoint is less crowded.
Sunrise in Bali is between 5.30 am and 7 am, but changes throughout the year. Either way it’s an early adventure.
You can check the current sunrise time online if you’re going alone or with a private car, though guided tours will know already.
Photography tips: the worst time of day for photos is midday when the sun can be pretty intense, washing out the view and making photos difficult. The best lighting is earlier in the morning or the evening.
There is still an insane view though, any time of day.
We’d recommend visiting Bukit Cinta during the dry season, April to October when there are clear skies and the view is unobscured by the clouds.
During the wet season, November to March, the clouds can reduce visibility anywhere from a little bit to a lot. The rain can make walking paths more difficult, and let’s face it, getting rained on all day can be a bit miserable.
Having said that, the overhanging clouds around Mount Agung also make for a stunning view and some great photo opportunities, and the avid photographer could grab some amazing snaps this time of year.
We visited Bukit Cinta during both seasons, and they each had their charm to them.
Entrance Fee And Opening Times For Bukit Cinta
Most viewpoints in Bali don’t charge entrance fees, and at the time of press, there is no entry fee to the Bukit Cinta viewpoint.
There were, however, some Balinese people collecting money for the carpark, between 5k and 10k IDR for bikes and cars.
There are no official opening and closing times, although we wouldn’t recommend visiting during the nighttime.
What To Expect When Visiting Bukit Cinta
As you stand at the viewpoint facing west towards Mount Agung, the blackness turns to pink sky as the sun rises behind you. You can witness the morning light creeping across the landscape before finally rising up the mountain and illuminating it like a beacon.
This was one of the most breathtaking views that we’ve ever seen, a truly unforgettable experience.
The view of Mount Agung from Bukit Cinta is clear and unobstructed, and once daytime has arrived, expect a clear view to the west, across rice fields, rolling hills and misty valleys.
It can get quite hot and sunny towards midday, so bring sunscreen and remember to stay hydrated.
There are several hikes you can take nearby, talk to your hotel or driver about these before booking your trip. If you walk down the hill, about 20 metres towards the two palm trees, you’ll find the lower viewpoint.
Where To Stay Near Bukit Cinta
Although many people opt to stay on the coast or in Ubud, if you want to catch that early sunrise then it’s a good idea to find a nearby hotel, that way you won’t have to worry about getting up too early or even missing it.
Here are a few hotels we checked out in the area:
Villa Santai
The modern-style private bungalows here are set in beautiful gardens.
The accommodation here is exceptionally clean and tidy, and the staff were also very friendly and helpful
Where Is It? 4 No.18, Karangasem, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia
GumiBali Villa
A very beautiful villa complex just north of Bukit Cinta.
The rooms here have floor to ceiling glass and there is an infinity pool with stunning views out over the rice fields.
It’s a great location and Mount Agung can be seen from here.
Where Is It? Peladung, Jl. Subak Buug, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Bukit Asri Lodge
A great hotel a little east of Bukit Cinta, towards Lempuyang Temple.
It has a nice pool as well as a restaurant, which serves great food.
Where Is It? Jalan Pura Bukit Desa Bukit Kelod, Bukit, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80851, Indonesia
Online: Bukit Asri Lodge
Villa Ureki
The price here is a bit more expensive, mid to high range, but you pay for what you get.
Rooms have their own balcony as well as a kitchen with cooking and laundry facilities. A handy place to stay if you’re planning to stick around in the area for a while.
Where Is It? Gg. Sedap Malam, Subagan, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia
Where To Eat Near Bukit Cinta
After the early morning start and the short hike, you will no doubt be feeling hungry, we certainly were.
Luckily, there are a handful of restaurants, well, two that we could find, very nearby Bukit Cinta.
Warung Komang Riba
This is a small local style restaurant, serving local dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
It’s just around the corner from Bukit Cintra, and easy to find on the map.
Bali Asli Restaurant & Cooking School
Bali Asli is a pretty cool place, not just a restaurant, it’s a self-proclaimed culinary experience.
They also have a cooking school here, which could be something you’d like to try whilst in the area.
Online: Bali Asli
Things To Do Near Bukit Cinta And Around East Bali
If you’re spending a few days on the trip or just want to make the most of the day trip, here are a few areas, viewpoints and places of interest you might want to explore. East Bali has a lot of temples, and there are several included in the list.
Taman Ujung Water Palace
A former water palace built in 1909.
Great for photography and not far from the beach.
FINNS Guide: Taman Ujung Water Palace
Where Is It? Ujung Water Palace, Tumbu, Karangasem, Karangasem Reg., Bali 80811, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Bukit Dausa
Bukit Dausa is another hillside viewpoint not far from Bukit Cinta, facing Mount Agung.
Where Is It? Padang Kerta, Karangasem, Karangasem Reg., Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Tirta Gangga Water Palace
The Tirta Gangga Water Temple, or Water Palace, is very beautiful.
The grounds here are covered in huge ponds, full of Koi carp, with stepping stones to cross over.
Where Is It? HHQQ+836, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat Jl. Raya Tirta Gangga, Ababi, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Online: Tirta Gangga Bali
Candi Dasa Beach Town
If you’re looking for a nearby beach town to visit, then look no further than Candidasa, which is less than a 45-minute drive from Bukit Cinta.
This beach town in East Bali is a great place for relaxing and walking.
There are many hotels and resorts there to choose from. If you’re into snorkelling or diving, then the sea in this area is teeming with diverse marine life and natural beauty for you to explore.
Lempuyang Temple
Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple is a series of hillside temples northeast of Bukit Cinta, and one of the most famous in East Bali.
The famous Gate Of Heaven can be found here, a historic temple gate with another breathtaking view of Mount Agung.
Where Is It? JJ5J+6H Tri Buana, Karangasem Reg, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint
Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint is another popular place to view Mount Agung from.
This viewpoint is famous for its treehouse platforms which look towards Mount Agung. Between this and Bukit Cinta Viewpoint we think Bukit Cinta has the best views, but you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Where Is It? Banjar Dinas Gulinten, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Online: Lahangan Sweet
FAQs
I See The Word “Bukit” Used A Lot In Bali, What Does It Mean?
“Bukit” means “hill” in Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malay.
The word is often used across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
As well as Bukit Cinta, Bali, there are other examples of this word on the island, including Bukit Asah, Bukit Belong, the Bukit Peninsula, and even Bukit Teletubbies in Nusa Penida.
When Was The Last Eruption Of Mount Agung Volcano?
The Mount Agung volcano last erupted in 2019, after a series of seismic activity that began in 2017.
Thick plumes of smoke rose into the sky and the earth shook. Flights were cancelled and villagers evacuated, but there was no damage and no one was hurt.
The last major eruption was in 1964, this was one of the most catastrophic naturally occurring events in modern Indonesian history.
Although Mount Agung is an active volcano, there has been no seismic activity since 2019, and it’s completely safe to visit it and the surrounding area.
The situation is monitored daily by the authorities. If you’re looking for an exciting volcano eruption story for your blog post, then you may be disappointed.
Can I Climb Mount Agung?
Yes, it is possible to climb the active volcano Mount Agung. It is the highest point in Bali, standing a huge 3,031 metres above sea level. As such, it’s a tough walk, but many people do it every year.
There is a famous temple complex on the southern slopes of the mountain, Pura Besakih. This is quite accessible and gets up close to Mount Agung without you having to climb it.
Read more in our guide to climbing Mount Agung.
Are There Creepy Crawlies At Bukit Cinta Viewpoint?
Much like all of Indonesia, and most of the world, there are some bugs and maybe spiders in the area, but these aren’t the jungles of Borneo so don’t panic.
There are some snakes in Bali, so be careful if walking through tall grass.
Read more about animals in Bali here.
Final Thoughts On Bukit Cinta, Bali
Whether you’re a photographer looking for that breathtaking view of Mount Agung, an adventurer eager to hike around the area, or a couple looking to share that romantic sunrise, Bukit Cinta viewpoint is a must-visit location to squeeze into your Bali itinerary.
The viewpoint itself is nothing short of amazing, a hidden gem of East Bali, and the area around it has many more things to see and do.
