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Munduk Bali: All You Need to Know!

Munduk is a small village nestled in the mountains in the north of Bali. If you want to experience real Balinese culture then this place should definitely be on your Bali itinerary! The air is fresh and crisp, the lifestyle slow but steady and the locals are among the friendliest I met in Bali. Here is everything you need to know about this cute Balinese village!

Munduk

Munduk Village, Bali, Indonesia.

Munduk village, Bali.

Munduk is one of Bali’s hidden gems. It offers a serene escape into nature’s embrace, away from the touristy areas in the south of Bali.

Located in the northern part of Bali, Munduk is a small mountain village known for its picturesque landscape, cool climate, and lush surroundings. This area is less frequented by tourists making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a glimpse into traditional Balinese rural life.

Not that many tourists make their way up to Munduk and they couldn’t be more wrong. The area is covered in beautiful jungle, rice terraces, and clove plantations with numerous waterfalls dotting the landscape, many of them hidden away from the tourist trail. Munduk village consists of just a few warungs, hotels, and homestays.

Similar to Sidemen, it’s the perfect destination for those who like to discover Bali off the beaten path. In this post, you can find everything you need to know about Munduk Bali!

Is Munduk worth visiting

Munduk Bali Indonesia

Yes, Munduk is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re seeking an experience that diverges from the typical tourist trails in Bali and immerses you in nature and local culture.

Munduk is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, from lush green forests and wonderful waterfalls to panoramic views of the island’s inland beauty. 

Compared to the bustling beach resorts and crowded areas of Bali, Munduk offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to relax, meditate, or just enjoy a quiet retreat surrounded by nature.

Munduk and the surrounding areas also provide a glimpse into traditional Balinese life. The village is less commercialized, allowing you to experience the local culture, traditions, and hospitality more authentically.

Furthermore, because of its location in the highlands of Bali, the climate is also a bit cooler offering a refreshing break from the heat at the coastal areas.

That said, Munduk might not be for you if you are after partying, heavy drinking, or shopping. 

Top things to do in Munduk Bali

Wondering what to do in Munduk? There are a lot of things to do in and around this lovely village and you can easily spend a week here exploring everything the area has to offer. 

While there are several waterfalls located in Munduk itself, it is also a good base to explore some of the most popular waterfalls in Bali like Sekumpul Waterfall and Aling Aling. 

Furthermore, it’s also a good location for day trips to Mount Batur and the Jatiluweh rice fields. 

Here are the best things to do in Munduk so you can start planning your Munduk itinerary!

1. Hike the Munduk waterfall trail

Red Coral Waterfall, Munduk, Bali

Red Coral waterfall, Munduk, Bali.

Munduk has numerous waterfalls dotting the landscape. However, the most famous one is Munduk Waterfall. There’s often some confusion about the name of this waterfall as it is also called Red Coral Waterfall. It is also just one waterfall on the trail of what people call “the Munduk waterfall trek”.

This hike leads you to Red Coral waterfall, Golden Valley waterfall, Labuhan Kebo waterfall and Melanting waterfall. You can easily do this hike on foot starting at Munduk village and it will take three to five hours to visit all the waterfalls depending on the trails you choose to take and the amount of time you spend at each waterfall. You can find more information about the Munduk waterfalls in this guide to the Munduk waterfalls.

Aside from these 4 waterfalls, there are dozens of other waterfalls in the Munduk area, like the Banyumala twin falls and Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall but they will require you to rent a scooter or a taxi. 

2. Visit more spectacular waterfalls in the area

Aside from the waterfalls that are explorable on foot from the center of Munduk, there are dozens of other ones in the area that are even more spectacular!

Banyumala twin waterfalls, Banyu Wana Amertha and Git Git waterfall, just to name a few, can be reached from Munduk by hiring a private car or renting a motorbike. 

Do note that, due to the layout of the roads on the island, it can take a long time to drive from one waterfall to the other. Make sure to plan your waterfall itinerary beforehand to avoid needing to drive too long after dark!

3. Eat at local warungs

Munduk Bali, things to in Munduk, Munduk Village, Munduk restaurant, Panorama restaurant

Munduk rerstaurants: Dinner @ Warung Panorama.

The Munduk restaurants are all local warungs. A warung is a small family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Indonesian food. As often with more of the beaten places, the food in Munduk was some of the best I have tasted in Bali. The dishes are simple but packed with flavor and originate from family recipes that have been passed on for centuries.

As a vegan or vegetarian you won’t be short on choices here! You can find many options on the menus like cap cai, eggplant balado, urab sayur, various tempé and tofu dishes, and of course veggie fried rice/noodles, gado-gado and nasi campur.

My favorite warungs are all located on Jalan Pura Puseh. They all have magnificent views and are great to watch the sunset. Head to Warung ClassicWarung One and Warung Genitri. They all have a menu tailored for vegans and vegetarians. Other warungs with tasty options are Enjoy Cafe II and Warung Panorama

While getting the dreaded Bali belly is always possible, I don’t think you should be worried about this going to the above warungs. 

4. Watch the sunset

Sunset Munduk, Bali

Sunset @ Munduk, Bali.

Sunsets are always magical and in Munduk this is no different. When evening falls, head to one of the warungs on Jalan Pura Puseh. Sit back, relax, and watch the sun slowly disappearing at the horizon.

Have a nice glass of local wine (they serve Hatten Wine at several warungs) or a Bintang beer while waiting for some delicious plant-based food as you watch nature’s beauty doing its daily evening routine. It’s also a good time to do some journaling and reflecting on the day that has passed.

5. Munduk Bali rice fields walk

Ricefields Munduk Bali, Munduk Bali, things to in Munduk, Munduk Village

Rice terraces in Munduk, Bali.

Forget about the rice fields of Tegallalang! If you want to see beautiful rice fields, Munduk is the place to go. I’m not arguing that you shouldn’t visit the Tegallalang rice terraces. They are beautiful. But also packed with tourists.

In contrast to Tegallalang, the rice terraces in Munduk are not converted to serve as a tourist attraction. Maybe you will see a local farmer but chances are you will have them all to yourself.

The best way to locate these ricefields is through maps.me or google maps. Firstly, in maps.me, make your way to warung Classic. Secondly, take the path to your right. Further down, you will see two paths.

The first one will be on your right hand and a little further you will see one to the left. Both paths lead to beautiful rice fields. These places are what traveling is all about. Trust me.

6. Hike Mount Batur

Mount Batur, Bali

While there are many impressive volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Batur is the most popular one among tourists in Bali. Munduk is an excellent base from which to explore the majestic and holy Mount Batur.

Most people visit Mount Batur on a sunrise trek. You will have to get up early to do this trek but it will be well worth the trip. Ask your homestay or accommodation to make all the arrangements. 

7. Visit Lake Buyan & Tamblingan

Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan are often referred to as “twin lake Buyan and Tamblingan”. This is because they lie next to each other on the road between Bedugul and Munduk and they are connected underground.

On the road, there’s a twin lake viewpoint where you have a beautiful panoramic view of both lakes. It’s great to make a pit stop here to take some pictures. In google maps, you can type in “Twin lake Wanagiri spot” to find the best viewpoint.

tambligan lake
Monkey

Tamblingan Lake

The road is also known as “Wanagiri hidden hill”. It is dotted with swings, bird nests, and platforms where you can take pictures.

I don’t want to take pictures like that, but if you do, then you will surely find some great (paid) spots to shoot some pictures. At lake Tamblingan you can also find two notable temples, Pura Dalem Tamblingan and Pura Elun Danu Tamblingan.

8. Hike around coffee and clove plantations

Munduk Bali, things to in Munduk, Clove plantation Munduk

Hiking in Munduk, Bali.

If you like to get lost when traveling, you should definitely do a self-guided hike in Munduk. I wanted to venture further out of town to find some hidden gems and I was very proud of the trail I had mapped out for myself using a local map at my homestay. It all started okay, taking the road up to the rice terraces, but then, I got lost in what seemed like endless plantations. It was fun at first but after a few hours, I got a bit worried.

Occasionally I met a farmer along the small pathways between the plantations but English was little spoken. I quickly find out that google maps and maps.me were not trustworthy (bad GPS signal) so I asked around to find my way back. I did after six hours of walking up and down the hills and hungry like a dog.

Although I got worried about being lost, this was one of my most memorable experiences in Bali and I can highly recommend you to get lost yourself!

9. Stay at a local homestay

Umah de Madya homestay and rooftop bar Munduk Bali

View from the rooftop bar @ Umah de Madya, Munduk, Bali.

For a truly authentic experience, you can stay at one of the many cozy homestays in Munduk. I stayed at Umah de Madya which had some raving reviews on Booking.com. And the reviews were not lying. Staying at Umah de Madyah is a great idea! The rooms are comfortable with the more upscale ones having a private terrace. Furthermore, the best feature though at this homestay is their rooftop bar. The bar is an amazing place to have breakfast or an afternoon tea because of the amazing mountain views.

The breakfast included in the room rate (I paid $ 10/night) is simple but made with love and also includes homemade jam from the local strawberry plantations. Also, the family is fun and quirky and can help you out with anything you might need, from transport to local guides or restaurant recommendations. 

10. Take a day trip to Jatiluweh

Jatiluweh rice fields

Jatiluweh rice fields

although Munduk has some beautiful rice terraces, nothing can beat the view at Jatiluweh. The Jatiluweh rice terraces is a protected Unesco World Heritage site and is only a one-hour drive from Munduk. 

Ask your homestay or accommodation to arrange a trip to Jatiluweh or hire a motorbike for the day and drive up there yourself. Jatiluweh is actually also a village so you can also opt to spend the night there and drive back the day after.

11. Visit the Banjar Hot Springs

Banjar Hot Springs, Banjar Hot Springs Bali, Banjar Bali, Air Panas Banjar, Air Panas Banjar Hot Spring

Banjar Hot Springs, Bali.

Banjar Hot Springs is a spa complex a half an hour’s drive from Munduk village. It’s the perfect place if you are looking for a therapeutic and relaxing experience while visiting the north of Bali. The sulfurous water is said to be good for treating and healing a wide array of ailments like acne, joint pain, and even fybromyalgia.

You can do this trip while staying in Munduk but if you’re planning to travel to Lovina after your stay in Munduk you can ask your driver to make a stop here on the day you transfer from one place to the other. It’s on the way and it will save you a bit of money.

12. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Pura Ulun Danu

Also referred to as Pura Bratan, you can find this beautiful and famous temple in Southeast Asia half an hour’s drive away from Munduk at Lake Bratan. Chances are you pass by here if you are traveling from Ubud to Munduk. If you have a private driver you can ask him to make a stop here along the way. 

Although beautiful, this place is quite touristic and suffers from overdevelopment to cater to that big stream of tourists. Be mindful when you visit this temple and consider if this is worth paying for.

13. Banyan tree in Gesing

 If you fancy mystical-looking trees that are old and seem to carry a lot of wisdom then you can pay a visit to the village of Gesing which is located four kilometers from Munduk. Here you can see a giant banyan tree that is over 700 years old and the beautiful Gesing waterfall.

In Balinese culture, the Banyan is not just a plant but a sacred entity. These trees, with their vast canopies and incredible root systems that seem to walk across the earth, are considered guardians of the spirit world.

They stand as natural temples and are a part of many ceremonies and gatherings that pulse with the heart of the community. As you visit the Banyan tree in Gesing, it offers you a unique glimpse into the soul of Bali. 

 

THE BEST RESOURCES FOR INDONESIA

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com: For the best cheap guesthouses, homestays or small hotels

Hostelworld: To find the best hostels in the cities

Homestay: For unique immersive homestays around the world

TRANSPORT

12GO: The best transport website for trains, buses, ferries, and flights, especially for South-East Asia.

Directferries: Best website to book ferries worldwide

Bikes Booking: Booking site for bikes and motorbikes in over 40 countries

ACTIVITIES

Get Your Guide: The largest booking website for activities all around the world

Eatwith: Join locals in their homes for immersive culinary experiences

With Locals: Book private tours with locals worldwide for a unique experience

VISA

To visit Bali, Indonesia, you may need a visa depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Indonesia offers several visa options for travelers. The place to check these is at iVisa.

SIM CARD

Telkomsel is the best provider of Indonesian prepaid SIM cards. You can buy one at the airport, however, prices might be lower outside of the airport. Alternatively, you can buy an e-sim for Indonesia!

 

Weather Munduk Bali: Best time to visit

In general, the best time to visit Munduk is in the dry season between May and October. It is suggested not to visit in July or August if you want to beat the crowds.

I visited in January during the rainy season and this is also a good time to visit Munduk, regardless of what people might say. I stayed 4 days and it rained every day but only roughly between 2-3 and 5 PM.

If you plan your activities in the morning and take a siesta after lunch, visiting in the rainy season is not a problem at all. 

Transport to Munduk Bali: How to get there

Here are the various transport options on how to get to Munduk from Ngurah Rai Airport, Ubud, Amed, Lovina and Cangguh.

Munduk from Ngurah Rai Airport

The most convenient way to get to Munduk from Ngurah Rai International Airport is by hiring a taxi or a private car.

The drive takes approximately 2,5 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. It’s advisable to agree on the fare before departing or to book a car through a reputable company or app that offers fixed rates. 12GoAsia is my go-to website to book these things!

Munduk from Ubud

The best way to get from Ubud to Munduk is by taking a minivan from Perama tour. Considering the price/quality ratio this is the best option and you can book your tickets on 12GoAsia

Alternatively, hiring a private car or taxi is the most convenient and comfortable option for traveling from Ubud to Munduk but also the most costly.

Hiring a motorbike and ply the route yourself is another viable option or taking bemos (public minibuses), if you have the patience!

Munduk from Amed

If you want to get from Amed to Munduk, and you don’t want to drive a motorbike, there are two options. You can hire a private car to take you from Amed to Munduk which takes about three hours. They can be booked online on 12GoAsia.

Alternatively, you can opt to take a bus with Perama tour from Amed to Ubud and switch to a Munduk-bound bus there.

This option will be less pricey than hiring a private car if you are a solo traveler but, if traveling in a pair or group, a private car will be cheaper, more convenient, and less time-consuming. 

Munduk from Lovina

The only way to travel to Munduk from Lovina is by hiring a private car. The journey takes about one hour and these taxi rides can be booked on 12GoAsia

Munduk from Canggu

Perama Tour offers a bus service from Canggu to Munduk which is the best option regarding price/quality ratio. If you are traveling in a group of more than three people, a private car is a faster and more economical option. 

How I traveled to and from Munduk

I booked a shuttle bus at my homestay in Ubud which cost $ 10 and took 2 hours to get from Ubud to Munduk. Leaving Munduk I wanted to get to Lovina. Since I wanted to visit the Banjar hot springs on the way I booked a taxi which set me back $ 15, including a 2-hour stop at the hot springs.

Public transport is not well developed in Bali and it depends on your location on what option is best. I gave up figuring out bemo routes quickly and it is not convenient if you travel larger distances. Grab also does not work in Munduk. The best thing to do is to arrange onward travel at your accommodation.

Trekking in Munduk Bali

If you don’t want to get lost like me hiking around Munduk you can surely book a guide through your accommodation. There are no signposted “official treks” that can be done around Munduk. However, there are many splendid hiking trails around that are waiting to be explored.

A great hike that you can do, starting in Munduk, is to the village of Gesing which is four kilometers away. Here you can see the giant banyan tree that is over 700 years old and the beautiful Gesing waterfall. 

Where to stay in Munduk Bali

A lot of travelers pick Munduk Moding Plantation for their stay in Munduk to enjoy a luxurious experience at the only working coffee plantation in Bali. But Munduk is filled with great homestays and also offers some eco accommodations. In my opinion, it’s best to stay close to the center of the village. That way you don’t need to rent a scooter or hire a taxi to take you to restaurants.

Some cool homestays:

Eco accommodation:

Where to eat in Munduk Bali

Munduk offers an incredible culinary journey through its local warungs. These small, family-owned establishments are the heart and soul of Indonesian dining, providing an authentic taste of traditional recipes passed down through generations.

The food here is simple yet the dishes are flavor-packed and are some of the best in Bali.

For those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, Munduk’s warungs are a paradise, with a wide variety of plant-based dishes readily available. From tasty cap cai and spicy eggplant balado to refreshing urab sayur, and the hearty options of tempé, tofu, veggie fried rice, gado-gado, and nasi campur, there’s no shortage of choices.

Here are the best restaurants in Munduk which are located on Jalan Pura Puseh:

  • Warung Classic: This warung is considered one of the best local restaurants in Munduk. It offers a menu rich with vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied.
  • Warung One: Another gem on Jalan Pura Puseh, Warung One can cater to plant-based diets without compromising on taste or authenticity.
  • Warung Genitri: Offering a tailored menu for vegans and vegetarians, Warung Genitri is a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset while indulging in mouth-watering dishes.

Other Warungs With Tasty Options:

  • Enjoy Cafe II: This cafe stands out for its diverse menu that caters to all preferences, including delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes.
  • Warung Panorama: As the name suggests, Warung Panorama offers stunning views along with a menu that’s friendly for vegans and vegetarians.

Munduk Bali: final thoughts

There you go! I hope you enjoyed this post about the best things to do in Munduk. After visiting Munduk you can opt to go to Lovina, while passing by the Banjar Hot Springs or go to Amed or Pemuteran for a unique diving experience in Bali!

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page

Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!

ENJOY!

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travelers and dreamers

Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!

On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!

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