I’ve been to Bali three times and if there are two places I would keep returning — it would be Uluwatu and Munduk.
While Uluwatu offers a laid-back ocean vibe, Munduk provides a quiet mountain retreat perfect for unwinding.
If you only have a day or a few, I highly recommend staying in Munduk or taking a day trip from Ubud.
Munduk Bali offers a refreshing escape and a much-needed break from the crowds. In this guide, I’ll share the best activities, accommodations, and a perfect day trip itinerary for your visit.
Where is Munduk Bali?
But first, where exactly is Munduk?
Munduk is located in Banjar, Buleleng Regency, tucked in the mountains of Northern Bali. It’s a less-traveled destination around one and a half hours away from Ubud.
This mountain village is accessible via scenic winding roads on the island’s northern coast.
As you come closer to Munduk, you’ll notice the temperature change. It’s much cooler than the rest of Bali.
And upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by forests, volcanoes, lakes, rolling hills, vast plantations, and countless spots to catch a perfect sunrise view.
How To Get To Munduk Bali?
We went to Munduk with a motorbike and I highly recommend it.
Exploring Munduk on a motorbike is an incredibly magical sightseeing experience.
Motorbikes are available almost anywhere in Bali, especially in Ubud. You can rent one and ride up to Munduk yourself.
Aside from the mindblowing views, riding a motorbike gives you more control over your time. You can easily choose which spots to visit, skip, or explore for a longer period.
But if you’re not confident with driving or traveling alone, the next best way to get to Munduk is to join a tour.
This tour is the most convenient option if you only have a day to spare. With a guide, you’ll explore Munduk’s best waterfalls, lakes, and temples. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also included.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Munduk Bali is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to September.
During these months, you can expect pleasant weather, with less rainfall and more sunshine. The higher altitude in Munduk also results in a cooler climate so you can explore the area’s landscapes, waterfalls, and scenic trails without heat.
The temperatures are comfortable, and the humidity is lower, providing perfect conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Just take note that it gets most crowded in July and August. Visiting from October to March can be just as enjoyable if you don’t mind exploring in the rain.
Pro Tip: The weather in Munduk tends to be a bit more rainy than in other regions. Bring thicker clothes to warm you up for the cold mornings and evenings. Add a raincoat for good measure!
Best Things to Do in Munduk Bali
There’s no specific thing that makes Munduk special – it’s the whole place itself. Munduk is filled with waterfalls, lakes, and scenery that will make you want to slow down and simply enjoy the views.
Choose two or three of these activities to do in Munduk, and you will not be disappointed.
1. Bathe in the Waterfalls of Munduk
Munduk takes much pride in its beautiful waterfalls. You can even visit several spots in a day if you go on a waterfall trek! Here are seven Munduk waterfalls we absolutely love.
Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls was our last stop during our day trip to Munduk.
It involved a moderately challenging downhill trek, followed by a descent down long stairs. However, it was all worth it! The famous twin waterfall was stunning and refreshingly cold, and it wasn’t crowded.
When we walked on the right side opposite the main waterfall, we discovered a smaller one with a clear pool that we had all to ourselves!
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR
Munduk Waterfall
The Munduk Waterfall refers to a trail of multiple waterfalls within the same area. The next two spots, the Melanting Waterfall and Golden Valley Waterfalls, are part of this route across the jungles of Munduk.
Laangan Melanting Waterfall
Melanting Waterfall is easily accessible from Munduk Village. It’s one of the highest and strongest waterfalls in Bali. Although swimming is prohibited, you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and refreshing mist from the waterfall.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR
Golden Valley Waterfalls
The trek to the Golden Valley is quite steep but this waterfall is easily the most captivating of all. It makes for a great finale so it’s usually the last stop for the Munduk Waterfall trail. You’ll even find a cafe near a waterfall. More about that later.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR
Sekumpul Waterfall (Half-day tour)
If you have at least half a day to spare, you can cross off both cardio and sightseeing on your bucket list by going to the Sekumpul Waterfall, Bali’s highest waterfall.
The trek back up is quite tough but you’ll be basking in the excitement of seeing the 80-meter-high waterfall that you won’t even notice.
Entrance Fee: 150,000 IDR (with guide)
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
If you’re looking for more off-the-beaten-path, discover four Munduk’s hidden gems within a single trip to the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall.
The four waterfalls are only a few minutes away from each other! Each has its own charm, from the big Spray Waterfall to the small Bhuana Sari Waterfall.
Entrance Fee: 40,000 IDR
Gitgit Twin Waterfall
If you’re looking for the perfect photo spot, the Gitgit Twin Waterfall is for you. There’s even a swing that you can ride in front of the cascading waters. Snap that photo before you drop into the clear blue swimming hole!
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR
FULL POST: Beautiful waterfalls near Ubud
2. Cliff Dive at Munduk’s Most Beautiful Waterfall
I had to separate Aling-Aling waterfalls because of its thrilling activities like cliff diving and water sliding.
Two of the waterfalls here (Kroya and Kembar Waterfall) offer jumps of varying heights, from a simple 5-meter to the more dare-devil challenge of 10-15 meters. Take note that jumpers are required to hire a local guide and wear life vests for safety.
Entrance Fee: 125,000 IDR (with cliff-diving and water slides)
3. Find serenity at Lake Tamblingan
Lake Tamblingan is a stunning volcanic lake that can be accessed after a short hike from the foot of Mount Lesung or by motorbike.
As we drove down the hill, we passed greenhouses filled with strawberries and other crops. There were no signs, so we relied on Google Maps to find our way.
When we arrived, we caught sight of the temple Pura Dalem Tamblingan. Even though entry was not allowed, we could take a peek through the closed gates.
You can also rent a canoe and paddle along the tranquil waters or simply enjoy the view of towering mountains.
4. Admire the incredible view of Munduk’s Twin Lakes
On our way to Lake Tamblingan, we found several spots to rest and enjoy the view of Munduk’s Twin Lakes.
Wanagiri Hidden Hill offers fantastic views of Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan. You can enjoy activities such as riding big swings, using bird’s nest or boat-shaped platforms, or even ziplining, all while taking in the unobstructed view of the Twin Lakes.
If you don’t want to pay 100,000 IDR for Wanagiri like us, don’t worry!
You can find a free viewing point 5 minutes’ drive past Wanagiri. We discovered this on our way back, next to a local who rents out some animals for photos (please avoid supporting them!).
Shortly after asking another couple to take our photo, we found that some people followed too!
Google Maps to Twin Lake Viewpoint
5. Discover The Secret Blue Lagoon
Bali has countless screensaver-worthy spots, but Secret Blue Lagoon has to be somewhere on top of the list. It’s nicknamed a ‘secret garden’ for a reason. The wide swimming hole is in such a mystical shade of blue!
If you’re coming from the Aling-Aling or Gitgit waterfalls, you can trek to the lagoon with a guide for less than an hour. It’s also accessible through a much faster route from the Ambengan Village.
6. Walk the Handara Gate Bali
Handara Gate is becoming increasingly popular among tourists, largely due to the beautiful photos people take in front of the towering Candi Bentar (split gate), similar to the one found in Lempuyang Temple.
Although candis are typically found in temples, the Handara Gate serves as the entrance to a resort golf course. It looks like a Gate of Heaven with a backdrop of mountains covered with clouds.
To take a photo at this spot, you need to pay 100,000 IDR entrance fee and 10,000 IDR for parking. You’ll have about 2-3 minutes to take a photo. We also skipped this.
7. Swim in Munduk’s Best Infinity Pool
Munduk Moding Plantation is an award-winning five-star eco-luxury resort with one of the world’s best infinity pools. At the perfect angle, it’s hard to tell where the sky ends and where the pool begins!
Not only will you have pictures that look like they came straight out of a painting. You’ll also be supporting the admirable sustainability efforts of MMP.
8. See the Munduk Rice Terraces
If you want to skip the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Munduk Rice Terraces is great alternative.
The panoramic view of the vast greenery is enough to put you in a trance, especially at sunrise. The best time to come is during harvest season when the terraces are at their fullest. You can also learn how to plant rice with a local farmer who owns the field.
9. Catch a sunset at Ngiring Ngewedang
End your perfect Munduk trip with a romantic sunset view at Ngiring Ngewedang, also known as the “Munduk Heaven Restaurant”.
This place skillfully combines Balinese hospitality, great food and coffee, and serenity at the summit of a mountain.
While many restaurants with a view are not great with food, this restaurant has very good ones with a wide range of options of vegan, vegetarian, and halal. I also highly recommend their coffees and teas!
10. Enjoy a coffee at the Waterfall Cafe
One unique thing about the Golden Valley Waterfalls is its Eco Cafe. You can refuel and relax here after a trek and a swim. Some even come just to enjoy local dishes as they watch the sparkling cascade of water in front of them. Plus, their offerings are organic!
11. Ulun Danu Beratan
One of the famous things to do in Munduk Bali is Ulun Danu Beratan, a lake temple highly valued by the locals as a place of worship.
You can rent a boat in the early morning, enjoy a closer look at the towering main shrine, and spend a few moments of peace.
This temple can get crowded, especially near the entrance where people gather to take photos. But, if you move past them, you’ll discover many spots with better views and far fewer people.
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR
13. Wanagiri Swing
If you’re looking for a Bali perfect swing photo, this is where you’ll get one aside from Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubud and Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida.
Note that it can get quite crowded here. Some even wait up to 2 hours! The best time to come is during sunrise when you can enjoy the view and use the swing without too many people.
As I’ve mentioned, we skipped this. Instead, we visited a nearby warung (local restaurant) to eat and still enjoyed the same views without any crowd.
I also mentioned a free alternative above for the view of Twin Lakes.
14. Watch the sunrise on Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active volcano that is considered sacred by the Balinese people. At 1,717 meters above sea level, its summit is a priceless spot to watch the sunrise.
Yes, you’ll have to leave at around 2 AM but the three-hour journey will reward you with a surreal view: a field of white clouds and neighboring mountains! Breakfast, ATVs, water rafting, and even hot springs await on your descent.
15. Try the Bali Coffee
Another famous thing to do in Bali is coffee luwak coffee tasting. It’s a unique way to try these beans that cannot be found elsewhere.
I joined a coffee luwak tour near Ubud last 2019. During the tour, we were shown around the plantation and learned about how coffee is eaten by civet cats, excreted, and processed. After the tour, we were allowed to taste 14 different types of coffee and tea.
At the time, I was unaware of the abusive nature of this activity. Be mindful of establishments with ‘Luwak Coffee’ signs as caged civets endure harsh conditions to produce this specialty coffee.
They are captured and fed solely to digest and excrete Kopi Luwak, the world’s most expensive coffee. In many cases, the beans used are not authentic Luwak coffee beans.
Instead, I recommend a coffee plantation tour in Munduk, where they tour you around arabica and robusta plants without involving civet cats. One place you can do this is at Munduk Moding Plantation.
16. Walk through the giant banyan tree
Banyan trees famously live several hundred years. It is believed that they house ancient spirits and shelter communities in need.
The one in Gesing Village in Munduk is more than 700 years old! Its roots are so big that you can even walk through them. Locals many years ago used this as a hiding spot from Dutch colonizers.
Don’t forget to make a wish upon the tree like many visitors do!
17. Munduk Trekking
As a mountain village, Munduk has countless trekking trails. The most famous ones are the Munduk Waterfall trek and the Mount Batur trek.
Many local guides also offer half-day trips to lesser-known spots. You can take alternative routes for an overlooking view of the Twin Lakes or visit Balinese temples hidden in Munduk’s tropical jungles.
Many of these trails are beginner-friendly while some might be a bit of a workout!
18. Banjar Hot Springs
Banjar Hot Springs is around half an hour away from Munduk. It is also known as the Holy Hot Springs.
I highly recommend this place for a relaxing and healing dip. The warm water contains sulfur which is said to help with many physical ailments. Try to get under the water spouts for a gentle and natural massage!
Munduk Hotels
Here are some of the best places to stay while you’re in Munduk:
Munduk Moding Plantation
The Munduk Moding Plantation offers luxury accommodation in the middle of a working coffee plantation. They offer tours and other environmentally friendly activities that you can enjoy during your stay.
The resort is most famous for its infinity pools with jaw-dropping views of mountains, the sea, and Java’s many volcanoes. My favorite is the upper pool!
Check in Agoda.com
Check in Booking.com
Munduk Cabins
This boutique resort is a hit among honeymooners or couples celebrating anniversaries.
It’s in the middle of a lush Balinese jungle so you can wake up to amazing views every single morning. Some suites even have a hot tub and a furnished terrace where you can enjoy the view (and maybe even a glass of wine) in an intimate setting.
Lesong Hotel and Restaurant
Lesong Hotel and Restaurant offers a quiet retreat in Munduk, surrounded by lush rice terraces and stunning views of Mount Batukaru.
You’ll love the warm Balinese hospitality, delicious traditional cuisine, and the opportunity to explore Munduk rice fields and Tamblingan Lake. This hidden gem is perfect for a budget escape with easy access to Ubud’s vibrant art scene and serene nature walks.
Check in Agoda
Check in Booking.com
🤩 Find the BEST hotes in Munduk – take 5% off with code “GLADISTRAVELS”
Where to Eat in Munduk
Another thing I love about Munduk is it has the best warungs in Bali. I also find them as the friendliest. Don’t forget to try one or two during your trip.
Golden Valley Eco Cafe
This Eco Cafe turns a typical trek and sightseeing day into an extraordinary experience. Imagine having organic food, local coffee, and fresh juices in front of a waterfall!
Best part? The food is very reasonably priced even though it’s a highly-rated spot among hundreds of tourists.
Warung Made’s Munduk
This humble warung is currently the highest-rated restaurant in the village. The open dining area has a 360° view of Munduk’s charming mountains.
The local couple who owns the warung also accommodates any type of diet (gluten-free, vegan, etc.) so all visitors can enjoy the full experience.
Munduk Farm House
If you love nature and wine, you’ll love Munduk Farm House. You can dine outdoors while surrounded by vibrant yellow flowers!
Their elevated fusion food and exquisite cocktails are presented with so much color that they match the garden vibe of the restaurant.
Our Munduk Itinerary
Here’s an itinerary we did to make the most out of a Munduk trip even with only half a day to spend in the village. his itinerary is best done with a motorbike.
Remember that you can stay longer (which I highly recommend) and explore these places at a slower pace or visit more.
Morning: Twin Lakes viewpoint/Wanagiri Hidden Hill
Start with the Twin Lakes viewpoint or Wanagiri Hidden Hill (or both) for unbeatable welcoming views of Munduk. Afterward, you can enjoy breakfast at the nearby restaurant. Just be mindful of the wild monkeys who might grab your food.
Afternoon: Tamblingan Lake
Continue driving towards Tamblingan Lake. Spend some time walking around, checking temples, or even canoeing.
Late Afternoon: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
End your day with a trek to Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. Enjoy a cold, refreshing swim before heading back home or staying for a night in one of Munduk’s hotels.
If you don’t plan on driving a motorbike, you can join this day trip which goes to similar spots we’ve been. Alternatively, you can book a customized tour where you can choose which Munduk spots you want to visit.
Is Munduk Worth Visiting?
Yes! If you want to get away from the crowds of Ubud or the general heat of Bali, you’ll love Munduk’s cold breeze, breathtaking views, and stunning waterfalls.
We enjoyed roaming around with a motorbike, enjoying the weather, and taking in the beautiful scenery. There was not a lot of traffic and entry to attractions was way cheaper. Some are even free! It’s a beautiful rest from the busy and often pricey Ubud.
I loved how it brought me much closer to nature and I’m sure you will, too.
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Slow Travel Planning Guide
✈️ How to find the best flight to Bali?
I always use Skyscanner to find cheap flights. It’s a search engine that compares prices across many airlines to get you the best deals.
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance?
Absolutely YES! For just $5-10 USD per day, SafetyWing gives you peace of mind with its affordable coverage.
📲 Where to buy a local sim in Bali?
I’ve switched to eSIMs for all my travels and it’s been a game-changer! Airalo’s eSIM offers cheap data in 200+ countries without roaming fees. Super easy to set up and top up! Get your Indonesia eSIM here.
🏩 What’s the best way to book accommodations in Bali?
It depends. Booking.com is my go-to platform for hotels and apartments. If I want to save money on hostels, I use Hostel World.
And for longer stays where I want a cozy home, I book VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
🗺️ How do I find local experiences and tours?
I find the best local tours with Klook, thanks to its vast selection across Asia. Get 5% off by using the code “GLADISTRAVELS”
For truly unique and authentic local experiences, GetYourGuide is my go-to. I’ve taken cooking classes with local chefs and gone on guided tours of hidden places using both platforms. I’m really happy with how everything turned out.
🚗 Is renting a motorbike a good idea in Bali?
Absolutely! If you can drive a motorbike, I highly recommend renting one through BikesBooking. Bali doesn’t have a good public transport. We saved a lot of time and money in Bali by having a motorbike, and it was so much fun!
🏦 What is the best way to withdraw money in Bali?
I use my Wise card. Wise.com provides free global accounts and the most affordable money transfers. I can manage multiple currencies easily and withdraw cash at very low costs. Plus, I find their exchange rates are among the best available!
