LUNAMOON

Sunrise coffees and volcano views

Perched along Jl. Raya Penelokan in Central Batur, LUNAMOON (often written Luna Moon) looks straight across to Mount Batur and the lake. Doors open as early as 05h30, so people come for that first light over the crater with a hot Thai milk tea or coffee in hand.

Two floors give you plenty of choice: indoor tables, semi‑outdoor corners, and open decks where the fog rolls through. Several reviews mention easy, spacious parking and no struggle for seats, even at busy times.

From Pad Thai to mango sticky rice

This is very much a Thai‑leaning kitchen in a region dominated by standard cafés. Guests talk about Tom Yum Goong loaded with ingredients, spicy basil chicken for breakfast, Pad Thai, Bangkok wings, beef boat noodles with rich broth, and Penang‑style yellow chicken curry. Prices quoted in one review start around IDR 30‑45K for mains and drinks.

Desserts get almost as much love: mango sticky rice, taro mille‑crepe, French toast, New York and mixed berry cheesecakes, and mango pancakes all come up as standouts. Coffee is a whole topic too, from “Lunamoon coffee” to black sticky rice coffee and solid matcha lattes.

Ambience: fire pits, fog and photo spots

Reviewers repeatedly highlight the “breathtaking” panorama and warm, cozy atmosphere. There’s a bridge framed by Mount Batur for photos, fire tables and seating areas with individual fireplaces (rentable by the hour), and even blankets handed out when the mist and cold set in.

Families mention a playground and kid‑friendly layout, though at least one guest warns that safety for very young children (3–6 years) could be improved. Smokers can light up at their tables; one reviewer wished for a designated smoking area.

Service: warm, busy, human

Staff are often described as super friendly, attentive and helpful, with several names singled out—Ripki, Dea, Tika—for going the extra mile on birthdays, dealing with flies, or helping after a bee sting. During peak hours, some diners note slower service or staff who aren’t fully confident with the menu.

LUNAMOON is also one of the rare places in Kintamani open late, serving from 05h30 until 22h00, with breakfast early and the Thai kitchen running from around 09h00/10h00 to close.

Food quality: from “best in Bali” to big misses

Most visitors rave about flavor—some call it among the best Thai food they’ve had in Bali or even compared with Thailand, praising bold sour notes, fresh prawns, prawn toast, and well‑seasoned fried rice. Others appreciate the variety, including local touches like mujair fish and gurami goreng.

But feedback isn’t uniform. A minority found dishes bland, too sweet, or not truly authentic; several call portions small for the price. A few more severe reviews report stale seafood, undercooked chicken, watery Tom Yum and even one visit cut short over food safety worries. Overall sentiment still skews very positive, yet expectations should be calibrated.

Practical notes: flies, fog and best timing

Being open‑air in Kintamani, flies are a recurring theme. Many guests shrug it off as regional and note that once you’re eating, they bother less; others recommend insect repellent or appreciate staff bringing little “helicopter” fans to keep them away.

Weather matters here. Clear sunrise or late‑afternoon light can be magical, but rain or heavy fog may hide the volcano entirely while making things chilly. Reviews suggest bringing a jacket; blankets are available, and the fire tables help.

For travelers who care as much about views and vibe as about a Thai‑centric menu—with decent coffee, sweet treats, and long opening hours—LUNAMOON is one of Kintamani’s most compelling stops.