Is Munduk Worth Visiting? Exploring North Bali’s Hidden Gem
Munduk is undoubtedly one of Bali’s most beautiful hidden gems and is absolutely worth visiting on your Bali adventure.
Tucked away in the cool mountains of North Bali, Munduk is a peaceful oasis where you’ll find coffee plantations, hidden waterfalls, thick jungle, and swaying rice paddies.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love the warm, sandy beaches of the busy beach towns as much as the next person. But I discovered that Munduk is a quiet escape nestled in nature, perfect for a few days of exploring the raw beauty of Bali.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing all the reasons why Munduk deserves a spot on your Bali itinerary.
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Visiting Munduk At A Glance
Is It Worth Visiting Munduk?
The very short answer to this is yes, Munduk is 100% worth visiting! It’s actually up there as one of my favourite places to visit in Bali (it’s a very close second to Sidemen!) and it’s one of the many reasons Bali is worth visiting!
Due to its remote location in the mountains, Munduk remains one of the more untouched areas of Bali, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. It’s also much quieter than the usual touristy hotspots and I loved going at a much slower pace here.
You’ll find plenty to do, from visiting waterfalls and temples to relaxing at some stunning hotels with beautiful pools.
It’s worth knowing that Munduk isn’t as easy to reach as places like Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud as it’s located in the North Bali region. Being a two-hour drive from the airport, I wouldn’t recommend starting your Bali trip here. However, it is a great addition to your Bali itinerary once you start heading further north.
Munduk is also a bit cooler than the rest of Bali, which can actually be a welcome change from the heat of the coastal areas. Just make sure you bring some warmer clothes for the evenings!
How Long Do You Need In Munduk?
Many people only pass through Munduk to see a few of the sights but there is actually so much to see and do that you could easily spend a few days here.
When we visited, we spent 2 days in Munduk and as much as this was a nice amount of time, I honestly could have stayed another day or two if we weren’t short on time!
If you do decide to stay longer, it’s also a great location to base yourself while exploring other parts of northern Bali.
Things To Do In Munduk
If you love exploring waterfalls, Balinese culture and being outdoors, Munduk is an absolute paradise!
Just a heads up, there is no Grab or Gojek in Munduk and a lot of the sights are spread out. You’ll need to hire a private driver for the day or rent a scooter if you’re a confident driver and have travel insurance.
Alternatively, you can book guided tours that will take you to many of the places I’ve listed below.
Banyumala Twin Waterfall
I think Banyumala Twin Waterfall has to be up there as one of my favourite waterfalls in Bali! This stunning split waterfall flows over a mossy green cliff into a jungle pool, and the mists often create beautiful rainbows.
The 15-minute hike down to the falls takes you through a lush jungle path. It’s a beautiful walk, but be careful as the steps can get very slippery, especially on the way down. Once you reach the bottom, there’s a kiosk where you pay a small entrance fee.
When we visited, we arrived early in the morning and had the place to ourselves for about half an hour. While we were here, we enjoyed a cold but relaxing morning dip in the pool, which really woke us up for the day!
Munduk Rice Terraces
It’s no secret that Bali is home to some of the most beautiful rice fields! But did you know that the rice paddies in Munduk are often overlooked?
Visitors often flock to the popular Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, which means the ones in Munduk are much quieter. Granted, they aren’t as grand as the larger terraces, but an afternoon strolling through the swaying paddies makes Munduk worth visiting on its own.
You’ll often see local farmers tending to their crops as you wander the fields and there’s a small local warung where you can grab a bite to eat.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills
I’m going to start this by telling you that, yes, this is a little bit of a tourist trap if I’m honest with you. BUT you do get some really stunning views over Twin Lakes up here and can snap some great photos for Instagram! If this is your thing, I’d definitely recommend stopping here. However, if busy tourist spots are your idea of hell, I’d give this one a miss.
There are multiple photo points where you can sit on swings, hanging baskets, and wooden platforms, all with sweeping views across the lakes below. There is an entrance fee, and you can also tip the staff on-site to take some photos for you.
The earlier you get here, the better, as the queues can get very long.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Just a short 30-minute drive from Munduk is Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, one of those places that looks like a scene straight out of a postcard. The temple is perched right on the shores of Lake Bratan which gives it the appearance of floating on the water.
The temple grounds are beautifully maintained, and the reflections of the temple and the surrounding mountains on the lake are a pretty awesome sight!
The cost to enter the temple is 75,000 IDR per person and parking is 3,000 IDR per scooter.
Handara Gate
You’ll most likely recognize Handara Gate from social media, as it’s one of Bali’s most photographed locations! But what you might be surprised to know is that this iconic spot is actually the entrance to a private golf course.
Handara Gate is found on the drive towards Munduk. The first time I drove past here on my first trip to Bali, only a handful of people were stopping to grab a quick pic. Nowadays, it’s become so popular that you’ll need to pay a small fee to take a picture, and you’ll often have to queue up unless you get there early.
Despite the wait, it’s worth it for the chance to snap a photo at this stunning spot, framed by lush greenery and mountains in the background. While it is primarily a photo stop, it’s definitely worth visiting on your way into Munduk.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Contrary to its name, Banyu Wana Amertha isn’t just one waterfall – it’s actually home to four stunning waterfalls! What’s even better is these falls haven’t become part of the well-trodden tourist spots (yet!) so there is a chance that you could be here on your own or with very few other people around!
To reach the falls the walk is about 1km and is down some steps but this is a very pretty area to walk through. You can pay for someone to drive you most of the way (up or down) if you want but I thought the walk was lovely.
Each of the four waterfalls at Banyu Wana Amertha is unique. Bhuana Sari Waterfall has small streams flowing down a green cliff, while One Waterfall (yes that’s actually its name!) has a tall cascade and a cave behind it. Spray Waterfall, often the favourite, has multiple streams flowing into a pool and lastly, Twin Waterfalls has two waterfalls side by side.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is Bali’s tallest waterfall, standing at 80m high, and it’s one of the harder waterfalls to reach if you’re staying in places like Canggu or Uluwatu. But while you’re staying in Munduk, you’ll be pleased to know this striking waterfall is only an hour away!
Surrounded by dense jungle and cliffs covered in lush greenery, the main falls are incredibly tall and powerful, creating a misty and magical atmosphere. The walk is about 2km each way to reach the falls, and you’ll need to cross a couple of rivers. There are also two other waterfalls here, Fiji Waterfall and Canyon Waterfall.
You used to be able to access the falls for free, but since I was last in Bali, I believe this has changed, and you now need to pay for a guide, costing anywhere between 150 – 250 IDR, depending on how many of the waterfalls you want to see.
I do think this is steep compared to other waterfalls in Bali, and I’ve heard there have been some issues with scams, which is really frustrating. Just something to be aware of if you choose to visit.
Leke Leke is just an hour away from Munduk and is a good alternative if you don’t want to pay the prices at Sekumpul.
Where To Stay In Munduk
I’ve made no secret about how much I love the accommodations in Bali, there is so much variety for all types of budgets, and some really unique and stunning locations. Munduk is no exception, and here are some of the places I think are worth visiting.
Munduk Moding Plantation
If you fancy a bit of a treat, Munduk Moding Plantation is a beautiful place to stay. This is one of my favourite sunset spots in Bali and the infinity pool has beautiful views across the mountains.
They have an onsite spa and wellness centre, three on-site restaurants that have some great vegan options and an organic coffee plantation.
You can choose from private villas with a jacuzzi and pool or a luxury room with beautiful views. If you want to visit for the day without actually staying here, you can book a day pass instead.
Gumi Ayu EcoStay
Gumi Ayu EcoStay is a mid-range accommodation nestled in the heart of Munduk. The accommodation gives off tree house in the jungle vibes with cosy rooms and spacious suites that have stunning views. The property has a beautiful garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind in nature.
Umah De Madya
This budget-friendly guesthouse also comes with sweeping views which seem to be the theme in Munduk!
Umah De Madya has an onsite restaurant that serves tasty local food and is in a great location to explore the nearby waterfalls (Labuhan Kebo Waterfall and Melanting Waterfall).
Is Munduk Worth Visiting FAQs
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about whether Munduk is worth visiting while you’re in Bali.
Are there Grabs or Gojek in Munduk?
Grab and Gojek are Bali’s alternatives to Uber and are commonly used in the busier towns around the island.
As Munduk is still one of Bali’s quieter locations, you won’t be able to use the ride-sharing apps here. Instead, the best way to get around will be by hiring a private driver, renting a scooter or by foot if you are staying in a central location.
How To Reach Munduk?
The distance from Ngurah Rai Airport to Munduk is 83 km and takes around 2.5 hours to reach. I don’t really recommend starting your Bali trip here, as it’s a long distance to travel right after your flight.
Instead, consider adding Munduk to your itinerary after visiting Ubud or when you start to head further north on your trip. The best way to reach Munduk is to hire a private driver to pick you up from your accommodation.
When’s The Best Time To Visit Munduk?
The best time to visit Bali, in general, is between April and October, as this is the dry season, and Munduk is no exception.
Munduk is much cooler than other parts of Bali, and the shoulder season and wet season can get a bit chilly in the evenings, so remember to pack some warmer clothing.
Final Thoughts: Is Munduk Worth Visiting? Exploring North Bali’s Hidden Gem
I love Munduk and definitely think it is worth visiting if you have time on your Bali trip. It’s one of the island’s untouched gems and offers a serene escape in the heart of nature. With plenty of waterfalls, rice fields, and stunning scenery to explore, you’ll want to spend a few days enjoying the slower pace of island life.
