Munduk- The Most Underrated Spot in All of Bali
With winding roads, greenery as far as the eye can see, cooler temperatures, wild hydrangea fields, a waterfall at every corner, and no crowds- Munduk is easily the most underrated spot in all of Bali.
6 weeks into my Bali trip, after spending a weekend in the chaos of the Ubud city centre, I sought out a Bali destination off the typical beaten path. We drove 2 hours up North, passing through thickening green forests, winding roads, and rice terraces humming with local Balinese life. 1000 meters higher than Ubud, with much cooler temperatures and a mist that hangs in the air, lies Munduk, a charming village in the mountainous region of Bali. If you’re seeking an escape from the swarms of tourists, stunning scenery, cozy accommodations, and sunsets that set the sky on fire, look no further.
How to get there:
Located in the mountains of North Bali, Munduk is a secluded oasis far from the typical jam-packed tourist destinations. Getting there will require a bit of effort. I suggest hiring a private driver for the journey, which can take anywhere from 2-3 hours depending on traffic.
From Denpasar: 2.5 Hours
From Canggu: 2 Hours
From Ubud: 2 Hours
Contact My Driver Ari: WA +62 812-4636-7603
Contact My Driver Edi: WA +62 882-1925-4785
Stay
I stayed in 2 places in the region of Munduk, one being the famed, but underwhelming, Munduk Moding Plantation. Alternatively, the more expensive Munduk Cabins was one of my favorite places in all of Bali.
$ Ekommunity- Book Here
Nestled into the Hills of Munduk lies Ekommunity, a glamping experience located just above the Munduk Waterfalls trail. If you are seeking simple living with an earthy feel, look no further. Stay in a tent under the Balinese stars and enjoy farm-to-table food at their signature restaurant: the Botanist.
$$ Munduk Moding Plantation - Book Here
Located on a coffee plantation and famed for its infinity pool that quite literally appears to lead to infinity, I stayed at Munduk Moding Plantation for 3 nights. To be totally honest, it was a bit underwhelming. For the price, the rooms were extremely spacious. We actually had the largest bed I’ve ever slept in and a bathroom that could house an entire family in their most basic tamarillo room. The service was next level (as is true for most places we went in Munduk), but it was definitely a case of “Instagram vs. Reality” at the resort itself. The famed infinity pool was packed with influencers at sunset, the food was average, and the spa was well overpriced for the quality compared to other spots in Bali. Nevertheless, we enjoyed sunsets spent in the hot tub, the massive bed, and the extremely kind Balinese staff at the hotel. We would stay there again, however, it would not be our first choice in Munduk.
@simply.madeleine
@mundukmodingplantation
$$ The Clove House Munduk - Book Here
Experience the very best of Munduk in a concealed chalet high above the clouds. Munduk Clove House is the perfect hideaway for two. Located across from the Melanting waterfall, you will have both privacy and adventure at your doorstep. Not to mention, a deep soaking tub located on a wrap-around patio in the sky…yes, you read that right.
$$$ Munduk Cabins - Book Here
Created by Desa Hay retreats, I could probably write a dissertation on Munduk Cabins. A bit of a splurge, but totally worth every last penny: Munduk Cabins truly thought of every circumstance. The view alone was stunning, up in the clouds overlooking the lush mountains with a view of Lovina and the sea. The higher elevation was a bit colder than other areas of Bali, with sporadic showers throughout the day. Our cozy cabin had every amenity one could possibly think of: a huge comfy bed with extra blankets, universal plugs everywhere, pre-made espresso martinis in the mini bar, books, puzzles, and yoga mats. Munduk Cabins WhatsApp concierge helped us order room service from the legendary Canggu - brought - to -Munduk eatery, Ulekan. The Old Man Kretek’s from the Clove Bar are a must-try. We spent the evenings watching the sunset over the spectacular mountains in their perfectly heated hot tub, sipping smoked Old Fashioned’s, and cozying up by the fire pit. It is without a doubt our favorite place in all of Bali. Overall, I can’t recommend this place enough. The staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome, the accommodations were out of this world, and the location was prime for exploring the best of North Bali.
Explore
Munduk Waterfall Trekking
Munduk is quite literally the land of waterfalls. At every misty, winding turn in the road, there seems to be another trail leading you down a million stairs to a thundering jungle cascade. On our way from Ubud to Munduk, we stopped at NungNung and LekeLeke, 2 waterfalls that were absolutely stunning, but equally as crowded.
Upon arriving to Munduk, we set off to hike to Melanting Waterfall and were shocked to find a powerful and stunning piece of paradise all to ourselves. After continuing down the path (and a thousand stairs later!) we ended up hiking to Labuhan Kebo waterfall, Red Coral waterfall, Golden Valley, waterfall, and the oh-so-impressive Munduk waterfall.
The hike to the waterfalls required a bit of work, but we had each and every one entirely to ourselves, a luxury rarely found in Bali.
Visit Sekumpul
Sekumpul is the main reason I decided to venture up to Munduk in the first place. The tallest and most impressive waterfall in all of Bali, Sekumpul is a 2.5 hour drive from Ubud alone. After our first night at Munduk Moding Plantation, Keanu & I decided to wake up at 6 am to explore this otherworldly sight for ourselves. From Munduk, it took us about 45 minutes to reach the trailhead, and another 15 minutes for our driver to wake up one of the few local guides who were awake at that time of the morning. At 6:45 am, we had the place completely to ourselves. The entrance fee was a bit steeper than other waterfalls in Bali, and understandably so. You have 3 packages to choose from upon entering, one which grants you only a viewpoint to Sekumpul, the second which allows you to hike to the base of the falls and another smaller waterfall (this is the package we went with for about 250K IDR per person). The third package will buy you the local guide included with the first 2 packages, a trip to Sekumpul, and a trek to the impressive Fiji waterfall.
Our sweet guide Ketut led us through the Bali jungle, teaching us about the different variations of coffee and sugarcane grown in the mountains of Munduk. We removed our shoes before crossing a canyon that led us to the falls. Completely and utterly alone, Keanu and I swam under the mist of Bali’s tallest waterfall, and Ketut was ever-so-kind as to snap some unexpected photos of us. Visiting Sekumpul is a must-do in Munduk.
Chase Waterfalls
Munduk is home to some of Bali’s most impressive waterfalls. Hire a private driver for the day and visit some of the ones that are spaced farther apart.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
GitGit Waterfall
Aling-Aling Waterfall
NungNung (between Ubud and Munduk)
LekeLeke (between Ubud and Munduk)
Sekumpul (read above)
Munduk Waterfall Trekking (read above)
Contact my driver Edi in Munduk: WA +62 88219254785
Catch Sunrise at Bali’s Most Beautiful Temple
Nestled atop the spectacular Lake Danu and surrounded by lush, rugged mountainsides, this ancient temple is truly a sight to behold - especially during sunrise! Make sure you plan ahead though; as one of Bali's most popular attractions, it often gets quite crowded. About a 30-minute drive from Munduk, go as early as you can and watch the sun rise over the mountains and misty lake.
Skip the Handara Gates
If you have been doing some research for your Bali trip, chances are you’ve come across photos of the famous Handara gates. I personally chose to skip over this attraction, as they merely mark the entrance to a golf course and have no cultural significance. We drove past them and they were extremely underwhelming, with long lines of tourists paying a hefty entrance fee to queue in line for a photo.
Taste Local Coffee
With its high elevation and cooler climate, Munduk makes the perfect place for farming Bali coffee. I stayed at Munduk Moding Plantation, which is a coffee plantation in itself that offered tastings, but there are many other plantations in the area.
Munduk Rice Terraces
If you want a look at authentic Balinese life, head to the Munduk rice terraces. We rented a scooter and drove through them, gasping at the surrounding beauty. Unlike Ubud, the rice terraces here were authentic and empty.
@alifeiimagined
Eat
Ulekan Munduk
With a location in Canggu and now at Munduk Cabins, Ulekan was by far our favorite place to eat in Bali. They have chic interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bedugal region. Their truffle mac n cheese and smoked Old Fashioned’s were to die for!
Elevate
This location is stunning, perched on top of a hill overlooking the misty mountains. They had some of the best espresso martinis in Bali, delicious food, and top-notch service.
Eco Cafe
This tiny coffee shop is located directly across from the Golden Valley waterfall. I stopped here to enjoy the view of the falls while waiting for a bout of rain to pass.
The Botanist
Dining at The Botanist is an experience that goes beyond farm-to-table. Their menu features dishes made from ingredients grown in their own garden. It’s perfect for those looking to eat healthier while taking in the stunning scenery of Munduk.
Map
Munduk is significantly colder than other parts of Bali due to its high elevation. The mornings & evenings will be cold, and you will likely experience more rain than the South.
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Book Your Munduk Stay
Munduk’s best resorts, ecostays, homestays, and hostels.
Take the Hassle Out of Travel Planning
Planning your trip to Bali should be a breeze, but with so many amazing attractions and hidden spots on this beautiful island, it can get overwhelming. That's why I created the ultimate Bali Google Map! Take the stress out of travel planning- this map has been curated for travelers and includes over 500+ pre-pinned locations.
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This map contains 500+ Google pins, including:
Where to stay: everything from hostels & local homestays to eco-luxe Airbnb’s and luxurious 5-star resorts- all in prime locations.
Secret waterfalls, beaches, ricefields, temples, and viewpoints.
Attractions in hotspots like Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan.
Attractions in lesser-known areas such as Munduk, Sidemen, Lovina, Kintamani, Amed, Tabanan, Keramas, & West Bali.
Where to eat: cafes, coffeeshops, local warungs, and full-blown dining experiences.
Travel essentials: where to find Western-grade medical care, pharmacies, grocery stores, laundry, my visa agents, reliable ATM’s, etc.
The best beaches & prime surf breaks.
My favorite spas, wellness centers, and yoga studios.
The most Insta-worthy spots on the island.
Where to play: beachclubs, sunset-spots, speakeasys (you can even get a free tattoo when you buy a taco at one Canggu hotspot!).
Harbors, airports, and other transport points.
Insider tips for the smoothest travel, happy hour deals, and more!
Temples, markets, water-palaces, local trekking, and scenic viewpoints.
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No WIFI, no problem. Simply download Google Maps offline on your phone to secure access no matter your signal.
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This Google map will automatically update to your phone whenever I add a new location, tip, or region of Bali
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Once purchased, I will grant your email access to the Google map. You then have unlimited access to 500+ locations in Bali at your fingertips.
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I did the work so you don’t have to! I read countless blogs, scrolled endlessly on Instagram, and even bought a few guidebooks to plan my 3-month Bali trip. After all this, I pinned everything on this Google map and planned my itinerary by grouping things from my maps together. I ended up finding the best spots & making my travel days as smooth as possible!
Explore Destinations in Bali, Indonesia
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Gili Meno, Lombok
Picture a tiny island surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters. There are no cars or motorbikes (only horse-drawn carriages) and scarcely any people. Gili Meno may be Bali’s best kept secret.
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![With crystal clear turquoise waters, beach front day clubs, and laid-back island life, Nusa Lembongan is an idyllic piece of paradise off the coast of Bali.]()
Nusa Lembongan
With crystal clear turquoise waters, beach front day clubs, and laid-back island life, Nusa Lembongan is an idyllic piece of paradise off the coast of Bali.
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![Cooler temperatures, waterfalls at every corner, the famous Ulun Danu Bratan temple & stunning sunsets. Munduk is the most underrated spot in all of Bali.]()
Munduk
Cooler temperatures, waterfalls at every corner, the famous Ulun Danu Bratan temple & stunning sunsets. Munduk is the most underrated spot in all of Bali.
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Sidemen
A glimpse of “old Bali,” Sidemen offers an escape from the crowds in Ubud and Seminyak. Spend the days wandering through secluded rice fields and stay in elaborate eco-friendly bamboo homes.
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![Towering Cliffs, beautiful scenery, and Bali's best beaches.]()
Nusa Penida
Towering Cliffs, beautiful scenery, and Bali's best beaches.
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Ubud
Set amidst the quiet jungle, Ubud is filled with healthy cafes, yoga studios, wellness spas…and of course, monkeys.
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Keramas
Lying in the foothills of Mount Agung, and frequented by Kelly Slater, Keramas offers a sanctuary for surfers.
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Canggu
Streets packed to the brim with hipster cafes, a spa on every corner, and an overflow of beach & night clubs. The hustle & bustle of Canggu has a little of something for everyone.
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West Bali
The lesser-known side of Bali. Known for its longest left wave and it’s black sand beaches. Spend a few days in Medewi or Balian for some peace and quiet.
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Uluwatu
A sleepy little surf town with laid back vibes, cute cafes, and world class beach clubs all within a 10 minute drive.
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![Kintamani]()
Kintamani
Nestled among three majestic volcanoes, Mount Abang, Mount Batur, and Mount Agung, this hidden gem offers breathtaking vistas, cloud-kissed cafes, and charming boutique glamping options.
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