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Munduk Indonesia – A tranquil escape from the crowded hotspots.
- Akshata Karnad
- Feb 18, 2024
- 5 min read
8 Things to do when in North Bali
When you hear "Bali," you probably think of South Bali's bustling beaches, Ubud's cultural heart, or Nusa Dua's vibrant nightlife. Tourist crowds, shopping extravaganzas, beach clubs thumping until dawn.
Munduk? Complete opposite.
Tucked away in the northern highlands of Bali, Munduk is untouched, peaceful, with a charm entirely its own. Rolling green mountains, cascading waterfalls, coffee plantations, and cool mountain air. This is the Bali locals escape to.
In this post
├─ Why Munduk Is Different
├─ 8 Things to Do in North Bali
├─ Waterfall-Chasing Itinerary
└─ Where to Stay & Practical Tips
🗓️ HOW LONG TO STAY
IDEAL: 3 days
├─ 2 days: Waterfall chasing
└─ 1 day: Ulun Danu Temple, coffee estates,
local markets, hydrangea farms
MINIMUM: 2 days
(You'll wish you had more time)
We had only one day in Munduk—and honestly, we wished we'd carved out at least three. There's something about the pace here that makes you want to slow down and just breathe.
8 Things to do in Munduk
1. Chase Waterfalls (The Main Event)
Munduk is known for its stunning waterfalls that cascade through lush, tropical greenery. We hired a bike and visited Banyumala Falls—a collection of 4 waterfalls. Spent about 1.5 hours there with a small hike up and down.
But here's the thing: Munduk has SO many waterfalls. If you have an extra day or two, craft an itinerary dedicated to chasing both renowned and hidden gems.
WATERFALL-CHASING ITINERARY
Day 1: The Big Three
Banyuwana Falls
Banyumala Falls
Sekumpul Falls
Day 2: Hidden Gems
Nung Nung Falls
Leke Leke Falls
TIP: Accessibility varies—some waterfalls require short hikes, others are right off the main road. Ask your accommodation host for current conditions and the best routes.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone in search of serenity, the waterfalls around Munduk offer a delightful escape into the heart of Bali's verdant landscapes.
2. Visit Ulun Danu Bratan
QUICK FACTS
Location: Shores of Lake Bratan
Best time: Early morning or early afternoon
Avoid: Midday crowds
Must-see: Temple reflection on calm water
Entry: Modest dress required (sarongs available)
TIP: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos. The reflection is most stunning when the water is still.
Ulun Danu Bratan (also known as Pura Ulun Danu) is a Hindu water temple beautifully landscaped with botanical gardens. You can take a boat around the lake, browse tourist-friendly shops, or grab coffee at the lakeside café.
But the real magic? The temple's reflection on the calm waters of Lake Bratan. A sight for sore eyes.
3. Tour the Local Coffee Estates
We stayed in an Airbnb with a great view and a coffee estate right there—so we didn't have to go far!
Even if your accommodation doesn't have one, coffee estates are everywhere in Munduk. Many offer tours showing the coffee-growing and roasting process, plus the chance to try fresh Balinese coffee while overlooking the mountains.
4. Meet a Luwak, Try the Luwak coffee, and get a complimentary coffee tasting.
Most coffee estates in Munduk make their own Luwak coffee and offer tasting sessions.
What's Luwak coffee? It's a unique (and controversial) coffee where beans are consumed and excreted by civets (luwaks). The digestion process transforms the pH levels and flavor. The beans are collected from the luwak's droppings, cleaned, dried, roasted, and processed. The result? A smooth, distinctive taste.
QUICK FACTS
Cost: ~IDR 50,000 ($3 USD)
Includes: 1 cup of Luwak coffee + tasting tray of other estate coffees and green tea
Bonus: Often you can meet the luwaks at the estate
More often than not, you'll be able to say hi to the actual luwak at the estate—they're adorable little creatures!
5. Stay Somewhere with a View That Takes Your Breath Away
There are several accommodation options on Booking.com or Airbnb. Camp with style in white glamping tents, cozy up in a wooden A-frame, or splurge on luxury resorts with panoramic mountain views.
Trust me, waking up to misty mountains and sunrise over coffee plantations? Unreal.
TIP: Book accommodations with good reviews for views and proximity to waterfalls. Many hosts also offer bike rentals and can arrange local tours.
6. Visit a hydrangea farm
Set against lush landscapes and rolling hills, hydrangea farms create visually stunning patterns of colorful blooms. Scenic pathways wind through the fields—perfect for strolling, taking in panoramic views, and capturing photos.
The farms are locally owned, and the owners are extremely hospitable. They'd love to show you around! Alternatively, ask your accommodation host to arrange a visit to a nearby farm.
7. Try Exotic Local Food & Fruits at the Market
Munduk's local markets are a feast for the senses. Fresh tropical fruits you've never seen before, traditional Balinese dishes, local snacks.
Don't skip this—it's where you really taste the region.
8. Snap Some Instagram-Worthy Shots
The Famous Spots:
Bali Swings around Wanagiri Hills (nominal fee for photos)
Handara Gate - A giant Balinese gate that's blown up on Instagram (you'll find it on your left riding from Wanagiri Hills to Ulun Danu Temple)
Wanagiri Hills viewpoints
But here's the thing: We didn't do the whole Instagram checklist. Instead, we immersed ourselves in the essence of the place.
We just vibed with Munduk—basked in the beauty of nature, indulged in delicious local cuisine, relished the perfect weather. But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the warmth of the people we encountered.
❌ 3 MISTAKES TO AVOID
1. Only staying 1 day └─ We made this mistake! Three days is ideal—2 for waterfalls, 1 for temples/coffee/markets. You'll regret rushing through.
2. Not renting a bike └─ Public transport is limited. A scooter gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. Most accommodations offer rentals or can arrange them.
3. Skipping the local markets and coffee estates └─ The Instagram spots are nice, but the real magic of Munduk is in the slower experiences—coffee tastings, market visits, conversations with locals.
GETTING TO MUNDUK
From South Bali/Airport: 2.5-3 hours drive From Ubud: 1.5-2 hours drive
Options:
Private driver (most comfortable, ~IDR 500,000-700,000)
Rent a scooter (adventurous, scenic route)
Grab/Gojek (may be limited availability)
TIP: If coming from the Gilimanuk Ferry (from Java), Munduk is a perfect first stop—only about 1.5 hours away.
✓ BEFORE YOU GO CHECKLIST
□ Book accommodation with mountain/valley views
□ Arrange bike rental through your host
□ Pack layers (mornings and evenings are cool in the highlands)
□ Bring good walking shoes for waterfall hikes
□ Download offline maps (signal can be spotty)
□ Modest clothing for temple visits (or rent sarongs there)
□ Waterproof bag for waterfall visits
□ Cash (many small vendors don't take cards)
FINAL TIPS
Logistics:
Rent a scooter to explore (most waterfalls and sites require transport)
Stock up on cash before arriving (ATMs are limited)
Ask your accommodation host for waterfall conditions before heading out
Mornings are often misty—beautiful but can obscure views
What surprised us:
How cool the temperature is compared to South Bali (bring a light jacket!)
The hospitality of local coffee estate and farm owners
How few tourists there are compared to Ubud or Seminyak
The quality of local food at small warungs
What we'd do differently:
Stay at least 3 days instead of 1
Wake up earlier for sunrise views (the mist lifting off the mountains is magical)
Spend more time just sitting at coffee estates watching the world go by
Visit more waterfalls (we only scratched the surface)
🏨 WHERE WE STAYED
Wanagiri Campsite Amazing views, right in the heart of North Bali, access to coffee estates. Highly recommend.
📌 SAVE THIS POST
Planning North Bali? Bookmark this guide—Munduk is the escape you didn't know you needed.
Want more Bali content? Check out the Complete Indonesia Guide and 2-Week Itinerary.
Questions about Munduk? Drop them below. This peaceful corner of Bali deserves more love—it's the antidote to South Bali's chaos.
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