During my recent trip to Bali, I made a last-minute decision to head north and spend a few days exploring Munduk.
I had no expectations and no plan. All I wanted was to get away from the chaos of Bali that I’d come to resent.
And then I discovered this beautiful mountainous village! There are so many things to do in Munduk, and it reminded me of why I’d fallen in love with this island in the first place.
So if you’re planning your trip and wondering what to do in Munduk, this post has got you covered.
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Is Munduk worth it?
Most people visit Munduk on a day trip from other areas of Bali.
But if you don’t stay a few days, you’ll miss out on the true beauty of Munduk.
I loved riding around on my scooter before the tour groups arrived, exploring the rice fields at sunset, and going for dinners at local warungs.
There’s no traffic, no chaos, and no stress. Munduk has my heart!
Things to do in Munduk
Here are my favorite things to do in Munduk. I’ve added the Google Maps locations so you can save them for later.
I recommend planning a 2 day Munduk itinerary before heading to your next destination in Bali.
Munduk Waterfalls route
The best thing to do in Munduk is to explore the Munduk Waterfall trail. This trek takes you to multiple waterfalls all within the same area.
We started our walk here, which is just a short drive from Munduk village.
These are the waterfalls you’ll find along the way.
Munduk Waterfall | Also known as Red Coral Waterfall, this is the most impressive of all the waterfalls on the route.
Melanting Waterfall | Continuing down the same path that leads to Munduk Waterfall, take a left and venture all the way down until you reach Melanting Waterfall.
Golden Valley Waterfall | Golden Valley Waterfall is less dramatic than the Munduk Waterfall. But on the plus side, it attracts fewer crowds. Alongside the falls is a small cafe where you can have breakfast or lunch and sip on some good local coffee.
Munduk Waterfalls Trek map
Munduk rice terrace
Munduk has some of the best rice fields I’ve seen in Bali. And they’re not crowded!
We drove our scooter past Warung Classic to this point here and walked through the fields.
It was a beautiful adventure, and yes, we got lost a few times! But there were no other people in sight, and I was in my happy place.
If you don’t have as much time as we did, you may want to join this trekking tour through the Munduk rice fields. A local guide will show you all the hidden spots and customize an itinerary for you.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Costs | 75 000 IDR
Location | Uluan Dan Temple
The Ulun Danu Temple is arguably one of the most iconic sites in Bali. You might recognize it from the 50,000 IDR note.
It was built in the 17th century in honor of Goddess Danu, who was the goddess of lakes, water, and rivers.
The temple itself is smaller than I expected, and lacks that personal touch when compared to some other temples I’ve visited in Ubud and Uluwatu.
But it is incredibly picturesque!
If you’re visiting the Ulun Danu Temple, do so before 9 am to avoid the crowds.
Visit Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Entrance fee | 50 000 IDR
Location | Banyumala Twin Waterfall
About a 30-minute drive from the Munduk Waterfall lies the Banyumala Twin Waterfall. They have a wild feel to them, and you can swim in the massive pool below the falls.
This is the most popular waterfall in Munduk, so get here early to avoid the crowds.
It took us 20 minutes to walk down to the base of the falls, and the trail is quite rocky and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes.
If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter, you can join a tour like this that takes you to all the Munduk Waterfalls.
Take a photo at the Handara Golf Gate
Cost | 100 000 IDR
Location | Handara Golf Gates
The Handara Golf Gate has fast become a leading attraction in Munduk thanks to the thousands of pictures floating around on social media.
The majestic mountain makes for the perfect backdrop to this grand entrance of the Handara Golf course.
We drove past here in the afternoon, and the queue for a photo was so long!
I’m not a fan of crowds, so I chose to visit the next morning on my way to the Ulun Danu Temple. I’d recommend you do the same, as I had the gate all to myself.
Stay in a treehouse
Munduk village has some of the most incredible bamboo houses in Bali.
Remote and romantic, they’re the perfect place for couples. If you book a stay at one of these, you’ll never want to leave. And I don’t blame you!
With views for days and a jungle setting, Desa Eko is one of the most unique places to stay in Munduk. It is a stunning glamping option set in the mountains with gorgeous scenery.
See what all the hype is about and read reviews here.
Watch the sunset
One of the best things to do in Munduk after a long day of exploring is to sit back, relax (with a beer in hand, of course), and watch the sunset.
The best place to do this is at Warung Classic (location here). It’s not only popular for its amazing views, but also for its delicious food.
Join a cooking class
If the weather isn’t playing its part, there are so many other things to do in Munduk. This includes joining a cooking class at one of the many local warungs.
It’s a fun way to mingle with the locals, learn more about Balinese cooking, and be rewarded with a delicious meal after!
We skipped this as we did a cooking class in Sidemen a few days earlier. But so many people recommended this class here or the one offered by Chef Rico.
The viewpoints around the twin lakes
Location: Wanagiri Hidden Hill
As you get closer to Munduk, you’ll pass Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, otherwise known as The Twin Lakes. They’re home to numerous viewpoints – well, I like to call them selfie parks!
However, these spots come at a price (and queues). So I skipped the photo and stopped for a bite to eat at a cafe with a view instead.
Another option is to join a trekking tour like this, where you walk around the lakes and visit those viewpoints that not many people venture to.
READ MORE: ULTIMATE ULUWATU ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
Day pass to Munduk Moding Plantation
Munduk Moding Plantation is a luxury eco-resort well-known for its infinity pool that overlooks the mountainous valley with a glorious view of the fields below.
Staying here will be a bit of a splurge. So if you’re on a tight budget, another great option is to visit for the day instead.
They offer a day pass where you can take advantage of the magnificent facilities at the resort, as well as join in on other activities and classes.
These include horse riding, coffee tours, trekking, and more. Find out more here.
Where to stay in Munduk
If you’re looking for accommodation with impressive views, you’ve come to the right place.
Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas offer spectacular accommodation with sprawling views of the lush forests. The facilities are next-level!
I stayed at Maliana Homestay, which is located in the middle of Munduk village. It’s a budget accommodation option, but I was very impressed considering it came with a delicious breakfast. Aditya Homestay was also on my radar, as the reviews were fantastic, but they didn’t have availability.
If you’re on a mid-range budget, check out Lesong Hotel. If you’re looking to stay on the rice paddies, this is the best place to stay in Munduk.
Where to eat in Munduk, Bali
All of the warungs below offer unspoiled views of hills and valleys, along with some of the most delicious food I’ve eaten in Bali.
- Warung Made: The best Indonesian curry (and the owner is super sweet)
- Warung Classic: The best sunset spot followed by dinner
- Warung D’Munduk: Delicious cap cai (and great views)
- Eco Café 2: The best views of the Golden Valley Waterfall and they make a mean mie goreng
How to get around Munduk
The attractions near Munduk are all fairly spread out, making it difficult to walk between them.
The easiest and cheapest way to get is to rent a scooter. The cost for scooter rental is about 150 000 IDR per day.
Alternatively, you can hire a private driver. They’ll customize your itinerary based on what you want to see in Munduk (and most drivers even offer to double up as your phatographer). Here’s a driver that comes highly recommended.
Final thoughts on what to do in Munduk
I loved Munduk. The small village has a remote feel with a laid-back vibe – just what I was looking for.
If you enjoy the remoteness of Munduk, then you’ll love Sidemen, Bali!
It’s similar to Munduk in many ways, but a lot more secluded. It’s the perfect getaway for couples, and I highly recommend checking it out.
You can read all about Sidemen here.
Looking for more Indonesia travel information? Check out my other posts!
- Ultimate Guide to Rafting in Bali: Telaga Waja River
- 10 Best Things To Do in Gili Trawangan
- Guide to Mount Batur Hike in Bali
- 12 Best Beaches in Uluwatu
- Pros and Cons of Living in Bali
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