20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MUNDUK BALI – The Ultimate Guide
Munduk is a charming mountain village in the highlands of Northern Bali. Tucked away in the lush jungle of Bali and surrounded by the best waterfalls of the island, Munduk is one of the most underrated places on the island. It is a fantastic area to stay for a few days and explore all the fun, adventurous and cultural things to do in Munduk. From hiking to some of the most beautiful Bali waterfalls to visiting some of the most sacred and unique Bali temples in a crater lake. Munduk has so much to offer and is in our opinion some of the best spots to experience the real Bali. Find in this complete guide all the 20 best things to do in Munduk Bali.
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Best time to visit Munduk Bali
Munduk has its charm in every season. However during the rainy season in Bali that runs from November until March you can expect much more rain in the mountains. This results in misty mountains and cooler temperatures. But also powerful waterfalls and lush green vegetation. Always bring a jacket when you’re going to the highlands of North Bali and be prepared for some rain. Because even in dry season it tends to be a bit wetter in this region than more toward the coastal towns.
How to get to Munduk Bali
The best way to explore Bali on your own terms is by motorbike. This would also be the best option when exploring Munduk as you can then easily drive from all these great things to do in Munduk. Keep in mind that there are lots of hilly roads in Munduk so make sure to rent a motorbike from at least 125 cc. Hiring a private driver for the day is also an option so you can customize your own itinerary.
Where to stay in Munduk Bali
There are great accommodation options in Munduk for every budget. From affordable guesthouses to luxury villa’s and cabins. We stayed at Munduk Cabins which has opened in 2022 and is a beautiful small luxury boutique resort with very stylish cabins and amazing views on the mountains.
Munduk Cabins
Other amazing luxury accommodations in Munduk are the newly opened Elevate by Hanging Gardens Munduk. A more affordable option is Arya Utama Garden villa which has beautiful mountain views as well. Munduk Moding Plantation, famous for their incredible infinity pool offers luxury villas with private pool and they have their own coffee plantation which is a great educative activity.
Elevate by Hanging Gardens
Best tours in Munduk Bali
If you want to explore Munduk without the hassle of driving yourself and navigating around, then it is highly recommended to book a tour. Because of Bali’s popularity it is highly recommended to book your tours in advance as it is likely that tours sell out. So don’t wait with booking until you get to Bali. Choose your favorite tours here and secure your booking! All of these tours include air conditioned transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes also lunch and the entrance fees. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
- Full day waterfalls in Munduk tour. Full day adventure to some of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in Bali. Jump and slide from the waterfalls and hike through the jungle during this adventurous day tour.
- Customized Bali tour. Create your own Bali itinerary and have your private driver for 10-11 hours. Enjoy unlimited mileage and go to all the best spots in and around Munduk that you wish to visit.
- Private Sekumpul Waterfall Hiking Tour. Go off the beaten path on a private trek past a series of picturesque waterfalls in Bali. You will see the majestic Sekumpul Waterfall, often claimed as the most beautiful on the island and learn how the world’s most expensive coffee is produced.
- 3 day island tour including Munduk, Ubud, Jatiluwih, Tanah Lot and more. Explore the best and most beautiful nature areas in Bali during this completely organised 3 day tour.
- Munduk tour to Lake Bratan, Handara gate, Wanagiri swing and Banyumala waterfall
20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MUNDUK, BALI
Munduk waterfalls trek
One of the must things to do in Munduk is doing the Munduk waterfalls trek. This 3 – 4 hour hike takes you along some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali. You can either do this trek as a point to point hike, or start and end at the Munduk waterfall, also known as Red Coral waterfall. During this trek you will have to cross a river and there is some incline involved. So be prepared and bring your hiking shoes, enough water and comfortable clothing.
Laan Melanting waterfall – Munduk waterfalls hike
The waterfalls you will see during the Munduk waterfalls trek are Red Coral waterfall (also known as Munduk waterfall), Labuan Kebo waterfall, Melanting waterfall and Golden Valley waterfall which is located next to an Eco cafe. This is a great spot to end the trek so you can have some and drinks with beautiful views on the Golden Valley waterfall. In our opinion this is a must do in Munduk as it is not only a fun activity, but will also show you some of the most beautiful Bali waterfalls.
Read in our complete guide everything about the Munduk waterfalls trek.
Labuan Kebo waterfall – Munduk waterfalls hike
Take in the views at Twin Lake viewpoint
The lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan which you will see along the road towards Munduk are the so called Twin Lakes. Previously the lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan were one, but since a landslide occurred in the 19th century they are divided and are now also known as Twin Lakes. Along the road are several points where you can stop to take in the views. Sunrise is also beautiful to watch here as the colours can be outstanding up in the mountains.
This site is a great overview of the volcanic heart of Bali where volcanoes have created and shaped the island, creating volcanic cones and lakes, and producing rich soils enabling a lush forest to grow. If you feel like being active you can also hike along the Twin Lakes to explore the vegetation and go to another viewpoint.
A magical sunrise at Lake Buyan
Git Git Twin waterfall
This pretty but small waterfall twin waterfall is worth a visit if you love chasing waterfalls. The entrance is located along Jl Raya Bedugul – Singaraja. You will see a sign where a small paved path is going down. If you are experienced driving a motor cycle you can drive all the way down until you can’t drive further. Otherwise you can park your vehicle along the road and walk down which will take you anywhere between 15 – 25 minutes. Git Git Twin waterfall is also known as Air Terjun Campuhan and although it is not the biggest waterfall in Bali, it is a unique one as there are two opposite streams of water flow over one other, creating a spectacular and fairytale like scenery.
Visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
This iconic temple is seen on many postcards from Bali and is without a doubt some of the most famous Bali temples. The unique complex located at the edge of Bratan lake consists of five various shrines dedicated to several Hindu Gods. Built in 1633, the temple is used for offerings and ceremonies dedicated to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu. When the Bratan River rises it looks like the temple is floating in the lake. Therefore it is also called the “Bali temple on the Lake”. Make sure to come early as it is such a popular tourist destination to visit. If you’re a photographer you can add this location as some of the best Bali sunrise spots to shoot!
Entrance fee is 50 000 IDR per person.
Hike to Leke Leke waterfall
Leke Leke waterfall is only a little hour drive from Munduk and is another beautiful Bali waterfall to explore. Leke Leke waterfall has a narrow stream of water that flows gently down the rocks into a small and shallow pool of water. Surrounded by green and lush forestation, you really have the feeling as if you’ve entered a scene from a jungle film. You can even explore behind the falls where you will find a cave which is naturally carved out. Despite it is not possible to swim at Leke Leke because the pool is too small and shallow, you will absolutely enjoy your time here. Besides that, Leke Leke is a very photogenic waterfall, especially if you like to take long exposure photos.
Book this tour to Leke Leke waterfall, Monkey Forest and Jungle swing. Visit three highlights of Bali in this one day tour. Visit the iconic Leke Leke Waterfall, spot monkeys in the Monkey Forest and get stunning views of Ubud rice fields.
The entrance fee for Leke Leke waterfall is 50 000 IDR per person and the hike down takes about 15 minutes through a scenic jungle path.
Read in our complete guide everything about Leke Leke waterfall.
Go for a beach day to Lovina
Only a 45 minute drive away from Munduk is Pantai Lovina located. This beautiful beach on the North coast of Bali is a great place to relax for a midday. Lovina is also a great place to stay if you’re looking for more beach vibes instead of mountain vibes in Munduk. But, assuming you’re staying in Munduk and in need of some Vitamin Sea, you can perfectly go to Lovina for a midday, watch the sunset on the beach and then return to Munduk village.
The water is very calm near Lovina beach making it the perfect place for swimming in the ocean. There are also some beach clubs around if you’d like to combine your beach day with food and sunbeds.
Explore the big GitGit waterfall
This waterfall is the bigger brother of the earlier mentioned Git Git Twin waterfall. With a huge parking lot along the road, you can’t miss it. GitGit waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Bali and only takes about 10 minutes to walk from the parking. You don’t need a guide to get to the waterfall, but there is a chance some men are very pushy on you for taking a guide. Refuse this and say that you know the way. The entrance fee is 20 000 IDR per person. You can’t swim in the natural pool as GitGit waterfall is too powerful. But nevertheless, it is a beautiful waterfall to explore.
Wander through the UNESCO Jatiluwih rice terraces
On an hour drive from Munduk you can see the UNESCO world heritage rice fields of Bali, Jatiluwih. Located in the middle of Bali near Gunung Batukaru, the Jatiluwih green land offers amazing views. With over 600 hectares of rice paddies following the flowing lush hillside of the Batukaru mountain range, the Jatiluwih rice terraces give a new meaning to the word green. The area is very rural with nothing but farming communities which makes a visit to these rice terraces very authentic. It is super worth it to visit the Jatiluwih rice fields for a day trip from Munduk and you can perfectly combine it with a visit to Leke Leke waterfall and NungNung waterfall.
Book here your 2 hour e-biking tour to explore the Jatiluwih rice fields
Read in our complete guide everything about Jatiluwih rice terraces.
Swim under the beautiful Banyumala Twin waterfall
The Banyumala Twin waterfalls is a stunning waterfall which is only 20 minutes away from Munduk. A 10 minute hike brings you to the bottom of this stunning waterfall that has a perfect natural pool for swimming. The veil like twin curtains that flows down along the mossy rocks makes it a very photogenic waterfall. Because Banyumala is a popular Bali waterfall it is recommended to get here early to beat the crowds. Bring your swimsuit, towel and camera and you will be enjoying this beautiful place for some time for sure.
Read everything about Banyumala Twin waterfall in our complete guide
Take your instagram picture at the Handara gate
The Handara gate is some of the most famous Instagram spots in Bali. This gate belongs to the Handara Golf Court and is the entrance to the resort. However it is open for the public to take pictures at the Handara Gate for a fee of 30.000 IDR per person.
Surrounded by lush mountains, crater lakes and rain forest that create dramatic backdrops, the traditional Hindu gate makes it the perfect location for an Instagram shot. The best time to take your picture here is in the early morning or late afternoon. Reasons are because the light is better in the morning or afternoon and there are less people. When the tourists arrive to this area, it tend to get busier with sometimes even a line of people waiting to take their shot! You can fly the drone here if you like but always respect the rules.
Visit the impressive Sekumpul waterfall
Sekumpul waterfall is some of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in Bali and only a 45 minutes drive away from Munduk. The 80 meters high waterfall that plunges down in two separate streams with all the green vegetation around it really gives you the Jurassic Park jungle vibes. It is a 15-25 minutes hike down to the base of the waterfall, but you can also admire the falls from a higher viewpoint. There’s not a great natural pool to swim in, but for adventuring and photography it is one of the best waterfalls in Bali to explore.
Book your full day waterfall adventure to Sekumpul and more hidden waterfalls in North Bali here
Read in our complete guide everything about Sekumpul waterfall.
Go see the magical temple at Tamblingan Lake
Lake Tamblingan is a caldera lake on 10 minutes driving from Munduk village. It is very closely located to the two other lakes in Bali, Lake Buyan and Lake Beratan. Among the three mentioned lakes, Tamblingan Lake is the smallest in size. It used to be one lake together with Lake Buyan, but since a landslide occurred in the 19th century, the lake was divided and is now also being called the Twin Lakes of Bali. Tamblingan Lake has a very unique panorama with the background on the lush hills and a beautiful Hindu temple along the shore of the water. These ingredients make it a fantastic photo spot and therefore Tamblingan Lake is also known as one of the best Instagram spots in Bali. Definitely worth it to plan a trip around sunrise to this lake for a unique photoshoot, or just to enjoy the serene surroundings.
Explore Aling Aling waterfall
Aling Aling waterfall is an epic collection of in total four waterfalls to explore along a short hiking trail. The first three waterfalls you will come across before making your way to Aling Aling have the option for jumping from a platform into the natural pool. So if you’re looking for an adrenaline filled adventure, then definitely hire a guide and dive into the waterfall pools! But, there is also the option to just view the waterfalls, which comes with a cheaper price. Only viewing the waterfalls at Aling Aling costs 20 000 IDR per person and can be done without a guide. Jumping is only allowed with a guide for your own safety and costs 125 000 IDR per person.
Book your full day waterfall adventure to Aling Aling and more hidden waterfalls in North Bali here
Read in our complete guide everything about Aling Aling waterfall.
Wander through Kebun Raya forest
Kebun Raya, also known as Bali Botanic Garden, is located near Lake Danau Beratan and is a forest and botanical garden where you can explore diverse tree, bird and plant species. It is a beautiful, serene place and the largest botanical garden in Indonesia. Bali Botanical Garden is a unique place on the island of Bali which combines botanical research, plant conservation, education, and recreation.
Hike along the Banyu Wana Amertha waterfalls
Another lesser known waterfall in Munduk is the Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall. This collection of beautiful waterfalls looks like its coming straight out of a fairytale. And the best thing is, there is not only one waterfall to explore but four waterfalls in total! They are all just a few minutes away from each other and easy to access.
Read in our complete guide everything about Banyu Wana Amertha waterfalls
Do the Mt Batur sunrise hike
Well, it’s not really a thing to do in Munduk, but you can eventually do this activity from Munduk, or when traveling further towards East Bali. Trekking Mt Batur before sunrise is one of the must things to do in Bali. You can do this hike in an hour so it’s not very demanding, but the views are beautiful. If you’re lucky you will be above the clouds, but also on a clear day the views are stunning. You can look all the way to Mt Rinjani on Lombok island and the views on Mt Abang and Mt Agung on Bali are wonderful as well. From the top of Mount Batur you can see how big the caldera of Kintamani is.
Book your Mount Batur hike including guide and pick up here
Read in our complete guide everything about the sunrise trekking Mt Batur.
Hike down to the powerful NungNung waterfall
Nung Nung waterfall is an hour drive from Munduk and can be perfectly combined with a visit to Jatiluwih rice terraces and Leke Leke waterfall. 500 steps down must be conquered to get to the bottom of NungNung waterfall. But the views are so rewarding. The powerful NungNung is one of the most impressive Bali waterfalls and is super photogenic. You can find many different angles at NungNung for photography. Definitely a Bali waterfall you want to put on your Bali itinerary!
Book here your fun day tour hiking up Mount Batur and visiting NungNung waterfall afterwards
Read in our complete guide everything about NungNung waterfall
Visit the Munduk rice fields
The Munduk rice fields offer beautiful views on the wide expanse of the forests in the distance and the Batukaru mountains. Particularly around the villages of Gobleg and Gesing you will find beautiful rice terraces. If you want to you can book a trekking tour from Munduk village through the rice fields to learn more about rice farming and the local farms that produce several local fruits like strawberry and durian.
Take pictures at Wanagiri Hidden Hills
The Wanagiri Hidden Hills is a man made Photospot of all sorts of bamboo attractions. There is a birds nest, swing cocoon and much more. All with views on the stunning Lake Buyan and lush green mountains as backdrop. Perfect for an Instagram shot, but quite pricey if you compare it to other places to visit in Bali.
Visit a coffee plantation
Munduk has the only working coffee plantation in Bali at the luxury boutique resort called Munduk Moding Plantation. The organic coffee grown on their property has received International recognition. And besides that, the local community of Munduk is supported through jobs created by the coffee plantation. During a coffee plantation tour you can learn about how coffee is grown and processed until a cup of coffee.
General travel must haves for Bali
Before we dive into the best things to do in Munduk, let’s check a few things to make your travels in Bali easy and safe.
Have you thought about how to get around in Bali? A scooter is the easiest way if you’re comfortable driving one yourself.
- Book your scooter or motorbike here to get around in Bali. This is the most convenient way to arrange your rental motorbike, especially because it gets delivered and picked up for free to your accommodation within Ubud, Canggu, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Kerobokan, Jimbaran, Sanur. Requirements: 20 years old; international car (B) drivers license for scooters (or moto (A) license for motorcycles); copies of passport and drivers license.
Do you prefer a private driver for the day and the freedom to create your own itinerary?
Did you already book your accommodation?
Are you insured during your travels?
- Buy your travel insurance here. Safetywing not only includes coverage for travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability. But also covers all your medical expenses for hospitalisation.
More Bali travel inspiration
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the best things to do in Munduk Bali.
Read more in-depth information in our other travel guides about Bali.
14 best waterfalls in Bali – The Complete Guide
Bali itinerary – Ultimate guide with all the best things to do
Hi ILse, what a great insight in Munduk Bali👍. Your info and pictures are so interesting and beautiful. Thanks for sharing. .