The mountains of Bali is where all the real magic hides and the winding roads leading to Munduk is where you’ll find it.
It’s calm, cool, and unlike anything, you’ll find in the crowded streets of Canggu or Ubud.
Munduk is a true hidden gem, away from the mass tourism where a more authentic side of Bali lives. There is so much peace to be found in these mountains, and the nature surrounding them is some of the most beautiful scenes on the island.
Best Time to Visit Munduk
Where most of the world has 4 seasons, Bali only has 2. There’s a wet season and a dry season with the temperature consistently hovering around 26 degrees C.
The best time to visit Munduk will be between April and September, as this is when the island receives the least amount of rainfall.
Munduk is a bit different than the rest of Bali, because it has cooler temperatures averaging between 20-25 degrees C, and rainfall is not uncommon even in the dry season.
The rainiest time of year will be between December and March, so I would recommend avoiding these months if you can!
Munduk is known to be cooler and rainier than other parts of Bali, so try to bring some extra layers and a rain jacket on your trip.
How Many Days Do You Need in Munduk?
The trip to Munduk is worth it even if you only have 1 night to spare. The drive to get there is an adventure to be had in itself!
There are plenty of stops to make along the way, and even just the drive is scenic.
However, I would recommend trying to spend at least 2-3 full days in this region. Even if you stayed for 5 days, you will certainly not run out of things to do in Munduk Bali!
There is everything including temples, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and rice fields. It’s a whole other side of Bali that is worth exploring.
How to Get To Munduk
Munduk is located in the hills of North Bali about a 1-2 hours drive from Canggu, Seminyak, or Ubud.
The best way to get to Munduk would be to either hire a scooter or hire a private car with a driver, which is what I would personally recommend.
Scooter rentals are about 75,000 IDR (about US$ 5) per day, but if you’re not totally comfortable on a scooter then I wouldn’t recommend driving one to Munduk. The roads can be very hilly and windy in this region, so in this case, I would opt for the private driver!
A private driver for the day typically starts around 500,000 IDR (about US$ 33), but usually, that means you have them for a whole 8 hours! Especially because the weather can be a bit rainier in Munduk, it’ll be nice to have a comfortable car to sit back and relax in.
You should also take advantage of the drive and make some stops along the way. There are some famous places you’ll pass driving to Munduk like the Handara Gate or the Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
Let your driver know in advance if you’re interested in making some of these stops, and I’m sure they will be more than happy to take you there.
Where to Stay In Munduk
There are a variety of places to stay in Munduk from luxury resorts to cosy cabins, or the perfect homestay experience.
Being so high up in the mountains, Munduk Bali has villas with some of the best views on the island!
Here are some places I would highly recommend checking out when you plan your next Munduk getaway.
Munduk Bali’s own resort, spa, and coffee plantation all in one!
It's become Insta-famous for its incedible views and is absolutely luxurious. If you can afford it, I highly recommend you stay here when visiting Munduk.
This hotel is just a 15-minute trek to the Munduk waterfall and is known for its stunning infinity pool.
Can you get a day pass to Munduk Moding Plantation?
Depending on the occupancy, there is a limited number of day passes available allowing access to the resort’s facilities.
However, without this pass, you can still always visit the Munduk Coffee Roastery!
Staying in a cosy cabin in Munduk feels like true luxury.
Here you’ll find everything you need for comfort including bathrobes, a hot tub, and an outdoor fireplace enjoy a glass of wine.
This place will feel like a true mountain escape!
This Munduk hotel boasts scenic views of rice fields and mountains in the distance.
There is everything you will need here at your fingertips, including a meditation deck, library, and restaurant onsite!
You will even be provided with everything from WiFi to luxe toiletries.
Another luxurious stay in Munduk is Elevate Bali by Hanging Gardens.
All the units include a flat-screen TV, bathrobes, a minibar, and the most comfortable beds.
High up in the mountains, the views here are unbeatable!
This EcoHotel offers a restaurant, bar, and garden onsite with breakfast included.
Here you will feel at peace falling asleep to the sound of the rainforest and nearby waterfalls.
If you are looking for somewhere calm and serene this is the perfect place to stay.
Out of all the accommodations listed, this is the most budget-friendly stay of them all being a homestay.
Homestays in Bali are amazing because they are a great way to make personal connections and have a more cultural experience.
Da’Kayu Bali Homestay is no different and will make you feel right at home as soon as you arrive! Breakfast is provided and you can rent a bike or car with driver onsite as well.
Where to Do Yoga in Munduk Bali
If you’re looking to do yoga on your Munduk getaway, the best place would be Ekommunity.
This place was made for people who are looking to live a healthy, simple lifestyle and are searching for a more authentic experience.
They offer eco-conscious accommodations, along with daily yoga classes on the deck which lies right along the river.
You will be surrounded by nature here, and immersed in an experience unlike any other you’ve had in Bali. It is the perfect place for a yoga retreat!
Looking to do yoga & meditation in the North of Bali?
Best Places to Eat In Munduk
Munduk is full of small family-owned-style restaurants called warungs. Eating at a local warung while you’re in Bali is an absolute must!
This is where you’ll find some of the best cuisines for the best prices. Many people fear the dreaded “Bali belly”, but rest assured the places listed below I had no issues with– and they were delicious!
- Warung Made’s Muduk: They are well-known for the cooking classes they offer, the homey atmosphere they have created, and for having some of the best food in Bali.
- Eco Cafe 2: This cafe is dedicated to sustainability and has great coffee. You can even try Bali’s famous Luwak coffee here!
- Warung One Munduk: The place with the best view of the mountains while you enjoy your meal. Great prices here and food!
Top 10 Things to Do in Munduk
This part of the island is often overlooked, but in my opinion, it’s where you’ll find some of the best spots in Bali.
If you want to visit this area, but don’t know where to go in northern Bali, then make sure to include these spots on your Munduk itinerary. They are some of the best!
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
This is a must-do! It’s a bit of a drive from Munduk to get here, but once you do you’ll see why it’s well worth the trip.
It’s never-ending fields of green where you could hike for hours and the view doesn’t get old.
These rice terraces comprise over 600 hectares of rice fields, and to stand amongst them feels pretty surreal.
The best way to see the rice terraces is by e-bike. Book your tour here
Munduk Moding Plantation
You will likely see or hear about coffee plantations everywhere when you arrive in Bali and of course the famous Luwak coffee.
However, if you plan on visiting a plantation I’d recommend doing so in Munduk.
This has become a huge tourist attraction, and sometimes it’s hard to know if the palm civets, from which the coffee is partially made, are being treated ethically.
This plantation serves cruelty-free Luwak coffee, where the coffee tastes just that much better!
Puru Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
This temple is one of the most iconic, photographed temples in Bali.
Rightfully so, it's set amongst beautifully groomed gardens along the shores of Lake Bratan.
If you’re looking to see a temple in Munduk make sure you get to this one! It does get pretty busy, so try to get there earlier in the day if you’re hoping for fewer crowds.
Twin Lakes Viewpoint
This attraction is located right in Munduk, so if you’re staying here you can’t miss it!
It’s a viewpoint with a huge stone platform on the side of the road overlooking two of Bali’s most beautiful lakes.
From this vantage point, you’ll be able to see Buyan Lake to your left and Tamblingan Lake to your right. There’s some trekking to do in this area if you’re also looking to be a little more active!
Wangiri Hidden Hills
Not far from the Handara Gate is another place people love to get a good Instagram shot and where you’ll find the famous Munduk swing, Wangiri Hidden Hills.
There’s everything here from swings to human-sized bird’s nests, wooden stars, tree houses, and tons more!
If you want beautiful photos with mountainous panoramic views, this is the spot.
Handara Gate Bali
Also in North Bali is the Handara Gate, which has become one of the most Instagrammed places on the island.
People can wait up to over 2 hours just to get the famous photo in front of this gate! If this is on your bucket list like many others, I’d recommend getting there as early as possible.
You have an advantage staying in Munduk as you will be much closer than the others travelling from other parts of Bali for this photo opp!
Join this incredible Bali Instagram Highlights Tour to get all the best shots
Munduk Waterfall
Munduk waterfall is located in Munduk village and like many waterfalls up north, is special because it gets far less attention from tourists than the ones further south.
It’s just a 10-15 minute walk from the car park to get to this particular waterfall, which lies in the open without any trees for shade.
Often people visit this waterfall as part of a trek that visits 3 others as well, which I would highly recommend doing!
Sekumpul Waterfall
If you can only see one waterfall in Bali, this one should be it.
It’s a bit out of the way for many people, but the magnitude of this waterfall is something worth seeing.
Water plunges from 80m above hitting the surface with such force, that the whole area is covered in mist. It’s a pretty big hike, so be prepared for the climb back up!
Banyumala Twin Waterfall
There are so many waterfalls to see, but this one also makes the list!
It’s about a 20-minute trek down from the car park, and a good one to visit if you’re looking to swim.
The two waterfalls are separated only by the rocks they flow down, and they have a big pool of water at the bottom to have a nice relaxing swim.
Aling Aling Waterfall
This area has everything from cliff jumping to natural waterslides! It is a great place to spend half the day if you’re feeling more adventurous and seeking some adrenaline.
You will find 4 waterfalls in this area, Aling Aling, Kroya, Kembar, and Pucuk waterfall.
Walking between these waterfalls is easy as they’re just a couple of minutes apart.
If you’re looking to do more trekking in the area, see if you can have a guide come with you. There are many hidden gems here!
Bali Must-Pack Items
The best thing about Bali is that it has so much to offer.
From Canggu to Munduk, you will feel like you are on an entirely different island. There is something for everyone in Bali, and Munduk is a place to retreat when the hustle feels like it’s too much.
When you want to get away from the crowds and tourism, and fully immerse yourself in nature, this is the place to run to.
From the mountainous views to the hundreds of waterfalls, you’ll never be wondering what to do in Munduk Bali.
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