Munduk, North Bali- a 4 Day Itinerary
Nestled just 2 hours north of Ubud, the village of Munduk is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets—a place where the island’s natural beauty truly shines. Imagine winding roads surrounded by lush greenery, cooler temperatures, and wild hydrangea fields stretching as far as the eye can see. At 1,000 meters above sea level, Munduk offers a refreshing escape with misty air and waterfalls at nearly every corner.
Though it’s located 2-3 hours from Ubud in North Bali, Munduk remains an underrated destination, often overlooked by travelers. But trust me, the journey is more than worth it. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, Munduk’s charm will captivate you. Here’s the perfect 3-night, 4-day itinerary to make the most of your visit.
How to get to Munduk
Munduk, a hidden gem in North Bali, offers a tranquil escape from the island’s bustling tourist spots. Though reaching Munduk requires a 2-3 hour drive, the journey through lush forests and terraced landscapes is part of the adventure. I suggest hiring a private driver for a comfortable trip. Once you arrive, Munduk’s serene atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty make it the perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and a true Balinese experience.
Munduk Itinerary Day 1
For this itinerary, I recommend starting from Ubud, though you can also depart from Canggu or other parts of Bali.
Leke Leke Waterfall
Begin Day 1 by leaving your hotel in Ubud around 10-12 pm and head north to your first stop, Leke Leke Waterfall, located about an hour away. This waterfall, like many in Munduk and Bali, requires a short hike through the jungle to reach it. Arriving earlier in the day will help you avoid the crowds, allowing you to fully enjoy the serene beauty of this hidden cascade.
Nung Nung Waterfall
After soaking in the tranquility of Leke Leke, continue to your second destination about 35 minutes away, the powerful NungNung Waterfall. This stop involves a longer hike with numerous stairs, but the effort is well worth it. NungNung is known for its impressive, thundering cascade, offering a breathtaking view that captures the raw beauty of Bali’s natural landscape.
Check-in to your Munduk Hotel
After hiking the waterfalls, continue your journey to your hotel in Munduk for check-in. By this time, your legs will likely feel like jello from all the stairs, so take it easy with an early evening by the pool. As you unwind, consider dining at Ulekan Munduk, located at Munduk Cabins, for a delicious dinner. Afterwards, enjoy a cocktail at their Clove Bar while watching one of Munduk’s famous sunsets—a perfect way to wrap up your first day of adventure.
Munduk Itinerary Day 2
Day 2 is dedicated to immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural charm of Munduk village and its stunning surroundings. To fully experience the area, I highly recommend renting a scooter, which allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace and take in the breathtaking landscapes.
Munduk Rice Terraces
Start your day by visiting the iconic Munduk rice terraces. These lush, emerald-green fields are a quintessential part of Bali’s landscape and offer a serene backdrop for your morning exploration. As you navigate the winding roads, you'll be greeted with panoramic views of terraced rice paddies that stretch as far as the eye can see. This is an excellent spot for photography, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
After exploring the Munduk rice terraces, head to the trailhead of the Munduk Waterfall Trekking Path, one of the top destinations for secluded waterfalls in Bali.
Munduk Waterfall Trekking Path
The best thing to do in Munduk is to hike and chase waterfalls, as this region offers some of the most secluded and stunning waterfalls on the island. My favorite trail winds through dense jungle and leads to 4-6 breathtaking waterfalls, depending on how far you choose to go. The journey is challenging, with thousands of stairs that will leave your legs pleasantly fatigued by the end, but the reward is worth the effort. Find the trailhead here.
The waterfalls you’ll encounter—Labuhan Kebo Waterfall, Melanting Waterfall, Golden Valley Waterfall, and the impressive Munduk Waterfall—are all hidden gems, offering a peaceful escape from the usual tourist spots. With combined entrance fees of only about 90k IDR ($5-6), this hike is an affordable and serene experience in Munduk.
The effort it takes to reach each waterfall is more than worth it as you’ll likely end up having the trail all to yourself, which is rare in Bali.
Lunch at the Botanist
Just up the road from the Munduk Waterfall trekking trail, you'll find The Botanist at Ekommunity Munduk. This eco-conscious restaurant features a menu crafted from ingredients grown in their own garden, making it an ideal stop for those looking to eat healthier while soaking in Munduk's stunning scenery. Take a break and enjoy an amazing lunch here to refuel before continuing your adventure.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills
From here, you can choose to either retire for the day and relax or continue exploring by heading to Wanagiri Hidden Hills or the scenic Tembling Lake viewpoints. Both options offer stunning views and unique experiences to round out your day in Munduk.
Munduk Itinerary Day 3
Start your day early and head to Sekumpul Waterfall, Bali’s tallest and most impressive waterfall. From Munduk, it's about a 45-minute drive to the trailhead. I advise leaving at 6 to have the place all to yourself.
Sekumpul Waterfall - Bali’s Biggest Waterfall
Upon entering Sekumpul, you have 3 packages to choose from, 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.
Your guide will lead you through the jungle, sharing insights about the various coffee and sugarcane varieties grown in the mountains of Munduk. As you approach the falls, you'll remove your shoes to cross various creeks and streams, adding to the adventure. Finally, you’ll cross a canyon to reach the base of Sekumpul, where you can enjoy a peaceful swim under the mist of the falls.
Visiting Sekumpul is a must-do in Munduk.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall: Munduk's Hidden Gem
Just a short drive from Sekumpul, your next stop is Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. This hidden gem boasts multiple cascades and a gentle hike through lush tropical trails. With fewer crowds, it’s an ideal spot to relax, swim, and soak in Bali’s serene natural beauty.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Finish the day with a visit to Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, where a relatively easy and straightforward hike will lead you to one of Bali’s most picturesque spots. The twin cascades create a stunning backdrop, making it the perfect place to relax and reflect on your day of exploring Munduk’s natural wonders.
Munduk Itinerary Day 4
Sunrise at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
On Day 4, start your journey to your next Bali destination with a magical sunrise at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. Perched atop the serene Lake Danu and framed by lush, rugged mountains, this ancient temple is breathtaking, especially at dawn. To avoid the crowds, plan to arrive early—about a 30-minute drive from Munduk—so you can watch the sun rise over the misty lake and mountains, creating an unforgettable start to your day.
GitGit and Aling Aling Waterfalls
There are more waterfalls in Munduk to explore, including the stunning GitGit and Aling Aling Waterfalls. Each offers unique beauty and is worth a visit if you have extra time to continue your adventure in this lush, waterfall-rich region.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
On your way back to Ubud or to your next destination, make a stop at Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. If you're looking for stunning rice terraces in Bali, skip the often crowded Tegallalang and head to Jatiluwih instead. Just an hour from Ubud, this UNESCO-protected heritage site offers breathtaking views with far fewer crowds, leaving you in awe of Bali's natural beauty.
Where to Stay in Munduk
Munduk is a vast region in Bali, with many hotels located in Gobleg village or near Singaraja by Sekumpul, Bali’s largest and most famous waterfall. For the best experience, I recommend staying in Gobleg, where you'll be closest to Munduk’s top waterfalls, hotels, and restaurants.
Best Budget Stay in Munduk: Kayu Kopi
Kayu Kopi is a hidden gem in Gobleg, offering pet-friendly, budget-friendly villas with stunning 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean and Lovina. Despite its affordability, this boutique hotel provides cozy, spacious accommodations with all the amenities, making it one of Bali's best value stays.
Best Glamping in Munduk: Eko Community
Ekommunity offers a unique glamping experience in the lush hills of Munduk, just above the Munduk Waterfalls trail. Stay in cozy tents, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at The Botanist, and reconnect with nature in this eco-friendly retreat.
Most Popular Hotel in Munduk: Munduk Moding Plantation
Munduk Moding Plantation, set on a scenic coffee plantation, is renowned for its breathtaking infinity pool and spacious rooms with expansive amenities. The exceptional service and stunning sunsets from the hot tub made our stay truly unforgettable.
Best Luxury Hotel in Munduk: Munduk Cabins
Munduk Cabins by Desa Hay retreats offers a luxurious mountain getaway in Bali with stunning views of the lush landscape and glimpses of Lovina and the sea. Enjoy cozy cabins with plush amenities, a helpful WhatsApp concierge, and unforgettable evenings with breathtaking sunsets and perfectly heated hot tubs.
