Lush jungle scenery, volcano views and a cool climate make it the best place for a moody mountain getaway. With its innovative eco-boutique hotels, nature and outdoor activities it’s a place that should be on your radar when visiting Bali! This 2-Day Munduk Travel Guide will give you an overview of this unique area of Bali and how to plan and spend a 2-day getaway.
(Updated: September 2022)
This 2-Day Munduk Travel Guide will cover everything you need to know when visiting this region of Bali, including photo locations and other cool things to do in the area. Keep reading for the must-visit sites in Munduk and information on transport, accommodation, food and more.
A Brief Overview of Munduk
The lush mountain region of Munduk is still one of the most underrated places in Bali.
Every time I want to escape the heat and sun in Canggu or Uluwatu I make sure to go up north to Munduk. There’s something about this place that not many people heard of but that gets more and more popular. A bit off the beaten track, it allows for some real jungle adventure that likely requires your warm sweater.
Especially in the rainy season, this is a great destination as it only adds to the atmosphere. Sure there are limited trendy restaurants and coffee shops, but an array of waterfalls and in-nature immersed hotels and resorts that are providing you with an unforgettable experience.
Furthermore its fantastic for watching the sunset over Bali’s northern coast.
How To Reach Munduk
The best way to reach Munduk is with your own car or scooter or alternatively, with a driver. Hiring a Balinese driver for the trip is great if you don’t know how to drive a scooter or if the often crazy traffic just overwhelms you. As of now there are no public buses going to Munduk.
Getting a driver for a full day will cost you about 550.000 IDR (30 USD). If you intend to stay multiple days, you might be able to negotiate with him to also drive you back to your hotel.
Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus to Bedugul and look for a driver there.
To drive with your own scooter might give you the most freedom and most of the places I recommend visiting are based on a scooter road trip.
Cost to hire a scooter for one day: starting at 50.000 IDR (3 USD)
Munduk is also a perfect location to go on day trips to Lovina, Pemuteran or Buleleng.
Munduk Bali: Best 6 Things to See & Do
When you start your journey to the north, I highly encourage you to make a detour through the World Heritage Site of Jatiluwih. This area is well known for its stunning valleys of rice terraces. It’s also where you can find one of my favourite cafes with some stunning ricefield views – Batu Karu Kopi.
1.) Jungle Experience Stay at Munduk Cabins
If you want a different experience for your stay in Bali I highly recommend these modern cabins with views of the valley and volcanos. Munduk Cabin’s beautiful interior, amenities such as jacuzzi, unique fireplace to roast marshmallows (yes you heard right!) and the beautiful green garden is one special place.
2.) Capture the Sunrise at Tamblingan Lake
Moving on to one of my favourite temples to visit for sunrise. Tamblingan Lake and Temple are just a 15 minutes drive from most accommodations around Munduk. If you’re into travel photography I highly recommend you visit this place for sunrise. The misty lake, the morning dew on the grass and the temple covered in golden glow makes it an amazing photo location. If you’re really up for a unique shot, you can rent one of the boats and go out into the lake
Entry: free. Parking by donation
3.) Stop at the Twin Lakes Viewpoint
Visiting the Twin Lakes is just a must on every trip to Munduk. Generally speaking, the views are better in the morning, as fog and clouds roll in most afternoons.
There are lots of local restaurants around the area, each having a little hut on the edge to have a nice view while eating. From there, it’s also a great starting point if you want to visit the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and others!
Are you planning a trip to North Bali? Check out my North Bali Guide with the 16 most amazing places to visit!
4.) Visit Bedugul, the Scenic Mountain Village
No trip to Munduk would be complete without a stopover in Bedugul. One of the most popular spots is the Ulun Danu Temple, one of Bali’s most sacred sites. I’d suggest coming here early in the morning, to avoid the crowds.
Bedugul is also known for all its fresh veggies and fruit. Every day, the local women are selling all kinds of crackers, nuts and especially strawberries, alongside the roads. Taking home a pack of strawberries is something I always do when I’m in the area. It’s a nice thing to do to support locals.
On that note, don’t miss out on the Hot Chocolate House where you can enjoy strawberry fondue and warm up with a hot chocolate!
5.) Go on a Picnic at Rumah Gemuk Wedding Venue
Another highlight of Bedugul, the Rumah Gemuk wedding venue on top of a hill. It overlooks the Beratan lake and is a stunning venue, not only to get married at. They offer a lovely picnic setup for up to 4 people in their garden area. You’re surrounded by beautiful plants and the picnic includes a variety of items to choose from. We enjoyed some tasty green juice, two main dishes and even had some Spanish churros as a dessert!
Price for the picnic starts at 18 US$ for 2 people
Stunning Wedding location in Bedugul – Rumah Gemuk
6.) Visit Banyumala Waterfall
Going on an adventure to one of the waterfalls should be a must when in Munduk. There are at least four waterfalls in close proximity – each one special in its own way. We decided to visit Banyumala Waterfall as it seemed to be the easiest one. It was a 15min drive to the entry and another 25-minute walk down some well-preserved wooden stairs. Banyumala’s Twin Falls have a fantastic big swimming hole at the bottom, ideal for a swim.
Entry: 30.000 IDR for foreigners
Other waterfalls nearby are Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, Golden Valley Waterfall and Melanting Waterfalls.
Munduk, Bali: Other Cool Things To Do
- Buy flowers fresh from the farm
- Practice landscape photography
- Buy a day-pass at Munduk Moding Plantation and try their coffee
- Go on a trek near the Twin Lakes
- Camp for one night at Lake Buyan
Tips for travelling to Munduk:
Munduk, Bali – Where To Eat:
The Botanist Munduk within Ekommunity
Eco Cafe 2
Farmstay Restaurant
Munduk, Bali – Where to Stay:
Munduk’s Luxury Hotels:
Munduk Cabins – (454US$ / night)
Munduk Moding Plantation – (340 US$ / night)
Medium Range Hotels:
Sanak Retreat – (225 US$ / night)
Munduk Farmhouse (35 US$ / night)
Munduk Clove House – (30 US$ / night)
Budget Range Hotel:
Ekommunity – Eco Clamping – (25 US$ / night)
Munduk might have not been on your radar and maybe your travels in Bali won’t be long enough to make it up there but if you have time, I highly recommend visiting. If this Munduk Travel Guide was helpful, share it and put it to practice when in Bali. Any questions, feel free to reach out!
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