When I first set eyes on Munduk, I knew I’d found the Bali I had been craving. Perched around 700 meters above sea level in North Bali’s Buleleng Regency, the village sits on a ridge wrapped in mountain mist, flanked by rice terraces, coffee and clove plantations, and dense jungle.
It’s the kind of place where mornings are cool enough for a sweater, the air smells faintly of spice, and life moves to the rhythm of nature. If Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, Munduk is its tranquil soul.
How to Go to Munduk
From Ubud, it’s a winding two-hour drive through lush mountain roads, with scenic cafe stops and temple detours along the way. From Canggu or Seminyak, expect closer to three hours. You can ride a scooter if you are experienced with steep curves and occasional potholes, but I’d recommend hiring a local driver. Especially, if you want to catch sunrise at a lake or stop at lookouts without worrying about the road.
Top Things To Do in Munduk
I still remember the moment I first caught sight of Munduk. Surrounded by coffee and clove plantations, rice terraces, and dense forests, it felt like stumbling into a living postcard. Below, I list things to do in Munduk for a full experience. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve visited Bali before, these are the must see and do activities.
Munduk (Red Coral) Waterfall
My first stop was the famous Munduk Waterfall, also known as Red Coral Waterfall. The trail begins just off the main road, descending through lush tropical plants until the sound of rushing water swells around you. At 15 meters tall, the falls crash into a clear pool surrounded by mossy rocks, sending up a fine mist that cools your skin instantly.
In the early morning, I had the place almost to myself, just the roar of water and the occasional birdcall. I sat on a rock, watching the sunlight shift through the canopy, and thought, this is what people mean when they talk about Bali’s magic.
Entrance: 45,000 IDR
Road condition: Easy paved path with some steps.
Tip: Arrive before 9 AM to avoid tour groups.
The Munduk Waterfall Trek
From Red Coral, I continued on the famous waterfall loop, a trek that connects Red Coral and three other waterfalls. It’s not just about the destinations. You can access this hike easily on foot from the middle of Munduk Village and it’s fairly easy to do self-guided. The trail itself winds past coffee plantations, clove trees, and tiny warungs serving fresh ginger tea. Here are the waterfalls that you will see on this trek:
- Labuhan Kebo Waterfall is a narrow, tall cascade hidden in the forest. The 15-minute walk there felt like stepping into a jungle fairytale, with roots twisting across the path. Entry is about 20,000 IDR.
- Laan Melanting Waterfall is for the leg-strong, you’ll descend (and later climb) over 500 stone steps. The reward? A powerful fall surrounded by untouched greenery, with only the sound of rushing water. Entry is about 20,000 IDR.
- Golden Valley Waterfall is the most peaceful of them all. An eco cafe sits on the edge of the falls, where I ordered a steaming Munduk coffee and watched the water tumble into the valley. Here, you pay by donation.
Trek note: The full loop can take 3 – 5 hours depending on your pace. Wear proper walking shoes; the trail can be slippery, especially after rain.
Tamblingan Lake at Sunrise
If there’s one thing you wake up before dawn for in Munduk, it’s Tamblingan Lake. I left my homestay at 5 AM, the road snaking through sleeping villages until I reached the lakeshore. Mist floated above the glassy surface, and a small temple stood quietly in the shallows.
I rented a traditional wooden canoe (150,000 IDR) and drifted out into the stillness. The only sounds were the gentle splash of the paddle and the call of distant birds. It felt timeless, like I had stepped into an old Balinese legend.
Entrance: 50,000 IDR (includes forest area)
Tip: Dress warmly; temperatures can drop to 16°C. Bring a thermos of hot tea for the wait before sunrise.
Just a short drive away is Lake Buyan, often seen together with Tamblingan from roadside lookouts. The view of the twin lakes framed by the mountains is one of my favorite photos from this trip.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
An hour from Munduk, Jatiluwih spreads out in every direction, a UNESCO-listed wonder of agricultural beauty. These are Bali’s largest rice terraces, shaped by the ancient Subak irrigation system. I walked one of the mid-length loops, which took about two hours, and in that time I saw farmers planting seedlings, women carrying baskets of vegetables, and ducks waddling through the paddies like they owned the place.
The fields glowed bright green under the mid-morning sun, with mountains hazy in the distance. I stopped at a small café in the middle of the terraces for fresh coconut water, drinking it straight from the shell.
Entrance: 40,000 IDR
Tip: Wear a hat and sunscreen. Bike rentals are available at the entrance for around 50,000 IDR if you prefer cycling this area.
Munduk Moding Coffee Plantation
In the afternoon, I toured the Munduk Moding Coffee Plantation. Here, coffee isn’t just a product, it’s a part of the land’s rhythm. I saw red coffee cherries being picked, learned about the drying process, and even tried roasting beans over a wood fire.
The coffee here is highland-grown Arabica, smooth and fragrant. They also produce ethical civet coffee from wild (not caged) civets. But for me, their regular Arabica was perfection, especially enjoyed from their infinity pool that overlooks the valley.
Tours: Free with coffee purchase (bags start at 50,000 IDR)
Tip: Even if you’re not staying at their resort, you can book a pool day pass for an extra treat.
The Great Banyan Tree
Just outside Munduk in Gesing village stands a living giant, the Great Banyan Tree. Estimated at over 700 years old, its roots twist and weave into archways, creating natural tunnels you can walk through. Standing beneath its canopy, I felt tiny, like I had stepped inside a temple built by nature.
It’s not a major tourist spot, so you may have it all to yourself. Entry is free, but a small donation to the local caretaker is appreciated.
Extra Stops Worth Your Time
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
If you’re coming to Munduk from Ubud or Canggu, you’ll almost certainly pass Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, and it’s worth stopping for at least an hour. This iconic water temple sits on the edge of Lake Bratan, its shrines seemingly floating when the water level is high. Mist often rolls down from the surrounding mountains, giving the whole place a dreamlike quality.
Dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, this temple has been a vital site for Balinese water rituals for centuries. You’ll see delicate meru towers, well-tended gardens, and sometimes local women in ceremonial dress carrying offerings to the shore.
Entrance: 75,000 IDR (includes gardens and lakeshore access)
Road condition: Located right on the main Bedugul highway, easy to access by car or scooter.
Tip: Arrive before 10 AM to catch the calm water reflections before tour buses arrive. If you have time, rent a small boat (50,000 IDR) for a short paddle around the lake.
Handara Gate
A short drive from Ulun Danu Bratan lies the famous Handara Gate, a towering traditional Balinese split gate framed by misty mountains. It’s actually the entrance to a golf resort, but over the years, it’s become a popular photo spot thanks to its dramatic backdrop.
I arrived early in the morning to find the air still cool and the grass wet with dew. There was no queue yet, so I could take my time setting up a few shots without rushing. When the clouds clear, you can see the full stretch of mountain behind the gate, making it even more impressive.
Entrance/photo fee: 30,000 IDR per person
Road condition: Right off the main road, with parking nearby.
Tip: If you arrive later in the day, expect a small line for photos. Bring a scarf or sarong to add color and movement to your shots.
Banjar Hot Springs
After days of trekking waterfalls and winding roads, Banjar Hot Springs are the perfect way to soak sore muscles. Located about 40 minutes from Munduk, this set of natural geothermal pools is surrounded by lush gardens and tropical flowers. The warm, sulfur-rich water flows from dragon-head spouts into three different pools of varying depths.
I went in the late afternoon, and the golden light through the palm trees made the place feel like a hidden spa. The water is only mildly sulfurous, just enough to feel therapeutic without being overwhelming.
Entrance: start from 20,000 IDR
Facilities: Changing rooms, lockers, and a small café.
Tip: Avoid weekends if you want a quieter soak. Bring a dark swimsuit, as the minerals can slightly stain lighter fabrics.
Final Thoughts
By the time I left Munduk, my camera was full, my legs were happily sore from trekking, and my mind was calmer than it had been in months. This little mountain village isn’t just about ticking off waterfalls or grabbing that perfect Instagram shot, it’s about slowing down, breathing in the cool misty air, and letting nature do its quiet magic.
From mornings sipping coffee with a view of terraced hills, to afternoons chasing the sound of rushing water, to evenings dining at cozy spots like Visiting Woods, Munduk feels like a softer, more soulful side of Bali. It’s the kind of place where you can fill your days with adventure, but still find time to sit still and listen to the forest.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali and want to balance the beaches and nightlife with something wilder, greener, and more peaceful, make the journey to Munduk. Just be prepared, you might find it hard to leave.
