Munduk- North Bali Travel Guide
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.
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How to get to Munduk
Munduk is North Bali’s best-kept secret—a peaceful mountain escape far from the chaos of the tourist hotspots. Getting here takes a bit of effort, but that’s all part of the charm. A private driver is your best bet for the journey, which winds through lush jungle and cascading rice terraces, stretching anywhere from 2-3 hours depending on the day. But trust me, the reward is worth it. This quiet hideaway feels worlds away from bustling Canggu or Ubud, making it the perfect retreat for those craving solitude, fresh mountain air, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Bali.
From Denpasar: 2.5 Hours
From Canggu: 2 Hours
From Ubud: 2 Hours
Where to Stay in Munduk
$$$$ Munduk Cabins
Munduk Cabins is the kind of place that makes you forget about the rest of the world. Tucked high in the mountains of Bali, this retreat by Desa Hay is pure luxury wrapped in nature. From the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping into a dream—mist rolling over the hills, the scent of fresh mountain air, and views that stretch all the way to Lovina and the sea beyond. The higher elevation brings crisp, cool temperatures and the occasional light rain, making it even cozier.
Every detail here is designed for comfort. The bed is plush with extra blankets for those chilly nights, and the mini-bar? Fully stocked, including pre-made espresso martinis. They’ve thought of everything—universal plugs, yoga mats, books, and puzzles for lazy afternoons. The WhatsApp concierge is next-level, handling everything from activity recommendations to room service from Ulekan (yes, the same legendary spot from Canggu). And if you’re into craft cocktails, don’t leave without trying the Old Man Kretek’s from the on-site Clove Bar.
Evenings at Munduk Cabins are straight-up magic. Watching the sun dip behind the mountains from the hot tub with a smoked Old Fashioned in hand? Unreal. And when the night gets cooler, the fire pit is the perfect spot to cozy up. The staff is incredible—thoughtful, welcoming, and always one step ahead.
$$ Eko Community
Ekommunity is a hidden retreat in the hills of Munduk, offering a glamping experience that feels completely immersed in nature. Sleep under the stars, wake up to fresh mountain air, and fuel your days with farm-to-table meals at The Botanist. Set just above the Munduk Waterfalls trail, it’s the perfect spot to reconnect with nature and embrace the slower pace of Bali’s highlands.
$$$ Munduk Moding Plantation
Perched on a scenic coffee plantation, Munduk Moding Plantation is best known for its jaw-dropping infinity pool that feels like it stretches straight into the clouds. During my three-night stay, the sheer space in the rooms stood out—the biggest bed I’ve ever slept in and a bathroom so massive it could fit an entire family, even in the most basic Tamarillo room.
Sunset views from the hot tub, lazy mornings in that enormous bed, and the peaceful atmosphere made for an unforgettable stay. While we loved our time here and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it, it might not be our first pick for a return visit to Munduk.
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$ Kayu Kopi (my secret spot)
I’m so tempted to keep this hidden gem to myself, but it’s too good not to share! On our recent trip to Munduk, we stumbled upon Kayu Kopi, a charming boutique villa hotel that’s perfect for a pet-friendly, budget-friendly escape. Nestled atop the hills of Gobleg, the views are nothing short of spectacular, stretching over the Indian Ocean and Lovina with breathtaking 180-degree views.
Despite the budget-friendly rates, the villas are cozy, spacious, and packed with amenities. The pet-friendly vibe, the cozy firepit, the onsite warung, and those stunning views made our stay absolutely unforgettable. It’s easily one of the best value stays in Bali! We’ll definitely be back!
Book Your Munduk Stay
Munduk’s best resorts, ecostays, homestays, and hostels.
Explore Munduk
Munduk Waterfalls
Munduk is the land of waterfalls—every winding road reveals another hidden trail waiting to be explored. The best part? You’ll likely have them all to yourself. If you’re making the trip from Ubud, set your alarm early and stop at NungNung and Leke Leke along the way—both are absolutely worth the detour before the crowds roll in.
Once you reach the misty mountain village of Munduk, the real adventure begins. Don’t miss Banyu Wana Amertha, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, GitGit, and Aling-Aling—each one has its own charm, from hidden jungle pools to cliff jumping. These waterfalls are pure Northern Bali magic, untouched and overflowing with raw, natural beauty.
Munduk Waterfall Trekking Path
Most of my time in Munduk is spent hiking—it’s easily one of the best spots in Bali for waterfall chasing. My favorite trail leads to 4-6 secluded waterfalls, depending on how far you want to go, and trust me, your legs will feel it afterward (so many stairs!). The effort is well worth it, though—Labuhan Kebo, Melanting, Golden Valley, and the breathtaking Munduk Waterfall are beautiful & secluded, far from the usual crowds. And the best part? The combined entrance fees are only about 90k IDR ($5-6), making this one of the most peaceful and budget-friendly adventures in Munduk.
Pro tip: The trailhead we usually start at is here.
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.
Catch Sunrise at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Nestled atop the spectacular Lake Danu and surrounded by lush, rugged mountainsides, this ancient temple is truly the most stunning temple in Bali – 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.
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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.
Where to Eat in Munduk
Ulekan Munduk
With a location in Canggu and now at Munduk Cabins, Ulekan was by far our favorite place to eat in Munduk. They have chic interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bedugal region. The Old Man Kretek, Urap Urap, and curry is 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
Sitting at Ekommunity, The Botanist looks out over Munduk’s lush valleys, serving up farm-to-table dishes made with ingredients straight from their own gardens. Everything is fresh and full of flavor, but nothing hits better than a bowl of their tomato soup on a chilly afternoon.
See all locations in my Bali Google Map
Book Your Munduk Stay
Munduk’s best resorts, ecostays, homestays, and hostels.
Munduk Frequently Asked Questions
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