Munduk is located in the north of Bali, amidst mountains, rice fields, and coffee plantations. In this tiny mountain village, you can experience authentic Bali. You’ll find very few trendy cafés and won’t have to stand in line at the most beautiful viewpoints. In Munduk, the locals smile enthusiastically at you, and you catch a glimpse of traditional Balinese life. It sits at about 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level, making it a few degrees cooler than many other parts of Bali. The pleasant temperature is a refreshing change during your travels. Munduk is the ideal base for visiting the most beautiful waterfalls and temples in northern Bali.
In Munduk, there are no Grab or Gojek motor taxis. You can choose to rent a scooter or car with a driver to explore the area around Munduk. Munduk Rental With Delivery Scooter is a reliable rental company with good scooters. Would you prefer to explore the area in a car with a driver? You can arrange this through your accommodation or message our friend Hendry. Hendry is a friendly local who drives carefully. You can WhatsApp him at +62 85858240229.
Tip: Bring enough cash when traveling to Munduk, as there is no ATM here. The nearest ATM is 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) away in the nearby village of Gobleg.
There’s so much to see and do in the area around Munduk. Here are the eight best things to do in Munduk.
Spot the Most Beautiful Waterfalls on the Munduk Waterfalls Hike
One of the best things to do in Munduk is the Munduk Waterfalls hike. During this 3-hour hike, you’ll pass four waterfalls hidden in the jungle. They aren’t suitable for swimming, but they’re beautiful to see. It’s advisable to start the hike early. It’s quieter then, and the temperature is pleasant. Bring enough cash, as you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee at each waterfall.
The paths are clearly marked in the maps.me app. From the center of Munduk, you walk to Melanting Waterfall. Then, continue on to Labuhan Kebo Waterfall, followed by Red Coral Waterfall (also known as Munduk Waterfall), and you end at Golden Valley Waterfall. Along the hike, you’ll come across a few cute little shops where you can buy souvenirs, spices, or something to drink. At Golden Valley Waterfall, you’ll find Eco Café, a nice spot with a view of the waterfall where you can grab a bite before heading back to Munduk. It’s best to return the same way you came. The alternative is to walk back along the road, which is a bit more dangerous with all the twists and cars. You might be able to hitch a ride back to Munduk. Of course, you can also take the route in reverse.
Unique Overnight Stay: The stunning accommodation Desa Eko is just a 10-minute walk from Golden Valley Waterfall. You’ll stay in an amazing location, surrounded by nature and away from all the hustle and bustle. Choose a stylish tent or a beautifully designed studio made entirely from natural materials. All tents and studios are spaced apart for ultimate privacy. Here, you’ll feel completely at one with nature.
Take a Refreshing Dip in Banyumala Waterfall
Munduk is not short on beautiful waterfalls, and Banyumala Waterfall is another stunning spot. This waterfall is about a half-hour drive from Munduk. From the parking lot, it’s about a 25-minute walk to the waterfall. Around the waterfall, you’ll find many beautiful tropical plants and flowers, and there are a few bridges from which you can take great photos. Be sure to take a dip in the refreshing water afterward. Banyumala Waterfall is still relatively unknown to the general public, but many locals come here throughout the day to relax. The waterfall is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you arrive early, you’ll likely have this beautiful spot almost to yourself.
Tip: Are you planning to go scootering early in the morning or late in the afternoon? Bring a sweater, as it can get quite chilly on the scooter.
Dine with a View over Twin Lake at a Local Warung
After your visit to Banyumala Waterfall, you can enjoy the beautiful views over the twin lakes Buyan and Tamblingan on your way back. Along the road by these lakes, you’ll find various viewpoints, photo spots, and tables where many locals happily enjoy their meals. At Warung Makan Neriki, you’ll find a lovely terrace surrounded by flowers and a stunning view. Enjoy your favorite Indonesian dish while taking in the beautiful landscape. Due to the location of the lakes, mist often hangs over the water.
Admire the Beautiful Water Temple Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is an iconic temple located on the shores of Lake Bratan. This is one of the most photographed temples in Bali, and you’ll soon understand why. The two towers appear to float on the water, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the lake and surrounding mountains. Especially at sunset, this creates fantastic images that could be on a postcard. Stroll through the beautiful gardens or take a boat ride on the lake.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan was built in honor of Dewi Danu: the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers. The temple complex is used to make offerings for the well-being of the lake and the surrounding agriculture. I was fortunate that during my visit, a ceremony was taking place, providing a unique insight into Balinese Hindu culture.
I hope you haven’t become ‘waterfall weary’ by now, because if I can recommend anything, it’s a visit to Sekumpul Waterfall. At this waterfall, you can find other waterfalls nearby, allowing you to combine visits to three stunning falls. These waterfalls are, to say the least, impressive. To reach the waterfalls, you must take an adventurous hike through a landscape that looks straight out of a Jurassic Park movie. The imposing rock formations covered in lush vegetation and the powerful waterfalls cascading down between them create a breathtaking experience.
These waterfalls are located 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Munduk, which is about a one-hour drive. Be sure to read our tips for visiting Sekumpul Waterfall beforehand.
Ultimate Relaxation at the Infinity Pool of Munduk Moding Plantation
Munduk Moding Plantation is one of the most beautiful resorts in North Bali. This is a luxury eco-resort and coffee plantation in one, located among the hills of Munduk. This 5-star resort features not one but two infinity pools with breathtaking views of the mountains. For the ultimate experience, you can stay overnight here, but if that’s not within your budget, you can also enjoy a day pass. This requires a ‘minimum spend’ of a few dollars per person for food and drinks. You can then relax on the sun loungers and enjoy the view.
Swimming in the infinity pool is unfortunately not included—at least during sunset—unless you pay an additional fee per hour. This rule is in place to prevent overcrowding for their guests. Many people come primarily to take beautiful photos in the infinity pool at sunset. If you want to take a dip during the day, check with the resort about what is allowed or possible.
Walk Through Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Not only can you find impressive rice terraces in Ubud, but there are also beautiful terraces near Munduk where rice is grown. Okay, it’s not exactly around the corner, as it takes about an hour to drive there. Still, this is a great tip because the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are much less visited, allowing for a much quieter experience. The rice terraces cover over 600 hectares (1,482 acres) and are part of the cultural landscape that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is due to the traditional subak irrigation system—a complex and sustainable irrigation system that has been used by Balinese farmers for centuries to supply their agricultural land with water. Especially in the early morning and afternoon, the sunlight casts a magical glow over the rice terraces. This is the official entrance to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. You pay a small entrance fee here, and then you can walk through the rice terraces via several different paths.
Tip: The Rustic Bali and Batu Karu Kopi are both great restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals with a view of the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
In Munduk, you shouldn’t expect trendy restaurants and cafés, but rather local warungs. It’s good to know that you can often only pay with cash here.
- Warung Genitri – Delicious Indonesian food with a stunning view. Reservations may be necessary during the high season in July and August.
- Warung Heaven – Another nice restaurant with good local food where you can also participate in a fun cooking workshop.
- Terrasse du Lac Tamblingan – Located a bit outside Munduk, it has a terrace with views of Lake Tamblingan. It specializes in Indonesian and Western fusion dishes. Popular for their grilled fish and local specialties.
- Warung Panorama – A lovely restaurant with a view over the valley and friendly owners. Be sure to try the satay here.
- Warung Made’s Munduk – Here, you can also enjoy fantastic Indonesian food. They also offer cooking classes for those who want to learn the chef’s culinary skills.
- Éco Café 2 – They serve traditional Balinese dishes, but the real specialty is the organic coffee from local farmers. There are many vegetarian and vegan options. The owner, Budi, is incredibly friendly and enjoys chatting.
In and around Munduk, you can find some beautiful hotels in unique locations. At Bali Rahayu Homestay, you can enjoy an affordable stay with a lovely pool and expansive views of the mountains and rice fields. In the morning, you can sit down for a delicious breakfast and enjoy the view. For more luxury, Lesong Hotel is perfect. It is located in a stunning spot right in the rice fields, but that’s not all that makes this hotel so wonderful. The friendly staff, delicious food, and beautiful rooms make staying here a delight. Sri Lestari Banyuatis is located a few kilometers from Munduk and is again situated among the rice fields. You’ll stay in a traditional Balinese bungalow with a large veranda right next to the rice fields. Welcome to real Bali!
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