What To Do In Munduk, Bali: The 12 Best Things
Munduk, one of the last of Bali’s hidden gems, is a small village dotted with lush green palm trees and rice terraces. The landscape is flourishing with life, concealing some of the island’s most breathtaking untouched beauty. If you are still wondering whether Munduk is worth a visit, keep reading for an incredible list of the 12 best things to do in this beautiful village!
For more information on Munduk Village, including pack tips, where to stay, and more, head here! Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
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The 12 Best Things to do in Munduk, Bali
A photo over Munduk Village from my accommodation.
#1: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Banyumala Twin Waterfall features two streams of water cascading down a rocky face with many plants, leaves, and flowers flourishing along it. Although this waterfall has become quite popular recently, it is still worth the visit! This tall 20-meter (65-foot) waterfall is beautiful, with the perfect pool below it for swimming around in to cool off. There is plenty of room in and around the waterfall, so even when the area becomes slightly crowded, you can spread yourself out and relax in another area.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entrance Fees: The entrance fee to Banyumala Waterfall is 50,000 IDR (a little over 3.00 USD). You do not need a guide for these waterfalls.
For a complete guide on visiting this waterfall, head here!
#2: Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Me walking in front of Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, one of the best waterfalls to visit in Munduk, Bali.
Another unmissable waterfall at Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall near Munduk, Bali.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall is a series of 4 waterfalls in Wanagiri, a small village only 13 KM (8 miles) away from Munduk. The waterfalls are a short and easy trek, each one uniquely different from the others. It is less busy when compared to the other waterfalls in Bali, and if you read the reviews, you can see that most people end up being the only ones there when they visit! When I was there, I saw very few people and had most of the falls to myself.
Waterfall #1 may be the most underwhelming, as it is just a small trickle pouring from the greenery above. However, its vibrant plant life and the pretty blue-tinted pool make it serene. A short walk away, Waterfall #2 is breathtaking, with multiple cascades flowing over three lush tiers into a shallow pool, while Waterfall #3 features four small falls over a black rock face with green leaves and a shallow pool below. Waterfall #4, or Banyu Wana Amertha, is the main attraction on the trek, as it is the tallest and largest waterfall along the route. Multiple powerful cascades pour over the rock face, with lush green leaves, plants, and vines peeking out from every crevice. Plenty of space is available for swimming and relaxing in the pools below it.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Entrance Fees: 40,000 IDR (2.55 USD). You do not need a guide for these waterfalls.
Find a complete guide on this waterfall, including when to visit, where to stay, and more, head here!
#3 Wanagiri Pucak Manik Waterfall
Want another trek with more than a waterfall? Try Wanagiri Pucak Manik Waterfall, which features up to 3! You can select which trek you prefer based on how long you want to trek and how many waterfalls you want to see. The most common tour is the trek with 3 waterfalls. You need a guide for this one because the trails are much less obvious. Fewer people visit here, so you are more likely to enjoy the area on your own. Some of the falls are open for swimming as well.
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entrance Fees: 40,000 IDR (2.55 USD)
#4: Sekumpul Waterfall
Me in front of Sekumpul Waterfall near Munduk Bali. Another must-see waterfall.
Sekumpul Waterfall, towering over 80 meters tall (260 feet), is known to be one of the tallest and most picturesque waterfalls in Bali. Sekumpul is surrounded by a flourishing green jungle, offering a more remote and serene feeling when compared to the other waterfalls in Bali. It is located in the village of Sekumpul in the Singaraja region, hence the name, and is around one hour from Munduk. Sekumpul translates to a bunch in Indonesian, referring to the collection of 7 waterfalls in the area, including the more popular Fiji Waterfall and Lemukih Waterfall, which has a natural waterslide. You can swim in the waterfalls.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fees: There are two ways to experience Sekumpul, one from above and one from below. The entrance fee for the Sekumpul Waterfall Viewpoint (view from above) is 20,000 IDR (1.28 USD). The entrance fee for the trek to the bottom of the waterfall is 20,000 IDR (1.28)— do not fall for the scam! For more information on how to access these waterfalls without a guide, head here.
#5: Aling Aling Waterfall
Aling Aling Waterfall near Munduk Bali.
Kroya Waterfall has the first and shortest cliff jump spot at Aling Aling Waterfall near Munduk Bali. It is one of the best things to do!
The Aling Aling Waterfall trek is a stunning natural spot in Sambangan (about 1 hour away from Munduk), offering cliff jumping, swimming, and more. Along the path, you will encounter four separate waterfalls, making it an ideal spot to spend a few hours in the morning with family. There are some fantastic swimming areas to relax and cool off, with some shallower sections perfect for children. Life jackets are also available for added peace of mind.
The first waterfall, Aling Aling, towers 30 meters (100 feet), crashing down a rugged rock face into a natural pool. This waterfall is sacred and holy to the locals, so you cannot swim, jump, or enter the water here.
Each of the three following waterfalls offers cliff jumping at different heights. There are small cement platforms to jump from, and your guide will advise on where is safest to jump.
Kroya Waterfall has a 5-meter (16.5 feet) cliff jump, the perfect warm-up for the following jumps.
Kembar Waterfall ups the notch by doubling your previous jump to 10 meters (32 feet).
Pucuk Waterfall features a 15-meter (nearly 50 feet) plunge into the water!
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fees: If you choose NOT to jump or swim, you can enter for 20,000 IDR (1.29 USD). If you want to jump, swim, etc., the entrance fee is 125,000 IDR (8 USD) and includes a guide to keep you safe!
#6: Munduk Waterfall
If you prefer not to venture too far from Munduk but still want to experience a waterfall, you can head to Munduk Waterfall. This is another tall, beautiful waterfall with a shorter trek through the jungle! Along with Aling Aling, it is one of the easier waterfall hikes, making it a great option for families with young children. You can choose to see just the main, larger waterfall or venture on to discover a total of four waterfalls.
To be honest, I was a bit 'waterfalled out' by the time I was supposed to visit Munduk Waterfall, and I regret missing it. If you are considering going, check out the stunning photos in Google reviews—they are great for reference.
Hours: I actually do not know the hours on this one, but believe it is similar to the others: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Entrance Fee: 40,000 IDR (2.55 USD) for one waterfall or 110,000 IDR (7.01) for all 4.
Head here for a more in-depth guide on the best waterfalls in Munduk!
#7: Enjoy Some Lakeside Views:
Munduk sits near three of Bali’s stunning lakes: Beratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan. One of the best experiences here is taking in the stunning view of the lakes from above. Numerous warungs and stop-off points along each lake offer amazing viewpoints, including popular spots like Twin Lake Viewpoint and Wanagiri Hidden Hill. These locations have plenty of photo opportunities with swings, bamboo structures, and more. Another great way to experience the lakes is by driving along the road that runs along their upper edges, where many pull-off points offer beautiful views. There is also a trekking trail that leads down to the lakes, though I have not tried it myself.
Visiting here in the morning is best for a great chance of clear skies. If you prefer to visit with a tour, you can find one here.
#8: Explore The Munduk Rice Terraces
View of the rice terraces in Munduk Bali.
Munduk is filled with rice terraces and farmland areas all around it, making it truly picturesque from every viewpoint. If you are hoping to find the best viewpoints of the rice terraces, you can head to one of the many Warungs along Jalan Pura Puseh, like Warung Heaven or Warung Enjoy Cafe 2. The seating areas offer incredible elevated views over the rice terraces, with golden hour and sunset being the best times to visit.
If you are hoping for a walk through the rice terraces, there is an AllTrails route here. However, I have not ventured through it myself.
#9: Venture through the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
View of Jatilwuh Rice Terraces near Munduk, Bali.
If the Munduk Rice Terraces left you wanting more, then the Jatilwuh Rice Terraces will definitely fulfill your rice terrace dreams. This otherworldly UNESCO World Heritage Site has over 600 hectares (almost 1500 acres) of lush green terraces, open for walking through, taking photographs, cycling, and more! Everywhere you look is just flourishing with green. Trails lead above, below, and through the terraces, giving you views from every possible angle. There is so much to explore and see, you could spend hours here getting lost in the trails.
I recommend heading here either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid Bali’s midday heat so you can enjoy the wandering more. The drive from Munduk is only a little over 1 hour and is quite a beautiful journey. There is also a small waterfall nearby, Air Tejun Yeh Hoo open for exploring and cooling off in!
Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entrance Fees:
Foreigners: 50,000 IDR, Children: 40,000 IDR | Citizens: 15,000 IDR, Children: 5,000 IDR
Parking: Motorbike: 3,000 IDR | Car: 5,000 IDR
#10: Pura Ulun Danu Beratan & Handara Gate
If you are hoping to get more in touch with the local Balinese culture, head 20 KM (12.4 miles) east to the iconic water temple: Ulu Danu Beratan. In Balinese, Danu means 'lake' and refers to the goddess Danu, the queen of all bodies of water. The temple areas are covered with flowers, and the temple sits on the second largest lake in Bali, Lake Beratan, making this temple truly picturesque. At one point, this lake was the largest in Bali until an earthquake broke the lake up into the three sections we have today: Beratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan. If you want to learn more about the water temple and its history, head here.
This is a great spot for families and children, having an area dedicated specifically for younger ones. However, it can be a bit touristy.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR (4.78 USD) Adults, 50,000 IDR (3.19 USD) Children | Citizens can enter for 40,000 IDR during weekdays and 50,000 IDR on weekends.
If you are looking for a tour with transportation and a guide, you can find the best one here!
On the way to Ulu Danu Beratan Temple is Handara Gate, a famous photo spot and entrance to a golf course. The gates are a Balinese structure believed to connect the physical and spiritual world. They can be seen all over Bali, but people flock to Handara Gate due to its beautiful green backdrop. If you plan to head here, early in the morning is best to avoid lines and crowds. If you prefer a less touristy option, you can simply look out for them while you ride around Bali, I promise you will find plenty!
Pro Tip: I arrived at the temple before 9:00 AM, and it was not too busy. However, when I was leaving around 10:00 AM, many tours were arriving, and there were a lot more people inside.
#11: Take a day trip to Lovina
If you are craving some sand, sun, and beach fun, then drive a quick 25 K (15.5 Miles) to the coastal town of Lovina! Here, you can find black sand beaches, beautiful corals, beachside warungs, and if you are lucky, you may even spot some dolphins in the water! You only need a few hours here to see it all, but it is a great place to spend a day at the beach, followed by enjoying a beautiful sunset over Bali’s coastline.
#12: Kintamani & The Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Kintamani is another region of Bali renowned for its epic sunrise trek up Mount Batur, the island’s second-largest volcano next to Agung. Although waking up early in the morning is not ideal for many people (including me), I believe this trek is worth setting your morning alarm for. Many people choose to make this trek from other areas in Bali, such as Canggu, Kuta, and Uluwatu. However, Munduk is a similar distance away.
Aside from trekking up Mount Batur, Kintamani also offers incredible views of the volcano, incredible stargazing, a water temple, and black lava fields. Mount Batur’s previous eruptions (don’t worry they occurred in the year 2000 or earlier) have left fields of dried black lava all over its’ crater, and if you are similar to me, touching lava is a bucket list tick. You can join an ATV tour over the black lava fields as part of your Batur sunrise hike or, if you prefer the free and less bumpy option, you can drive along the roads that run through the lava fields and stop off on the side of the road to get a closer look.
Looking for the best things to include in your Kintamani itinerary? Head here for the top 6 things to do while you are there!
For even more information on Munduk, including pack tips, where to stay, and more, head here!
General Information: Munduk
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to visit Munduk, Bali is during the dry season from April to October. This will ensure you have the best weather for exploring the rice terraces, waterfalls, and more. If you plan to visit several waterfalls in this area, they will be more powerful just after the rainy season. (April/May) and will be a tad more dried up right before the rainy season. However, I visited Munduk and the waterfalls in October and they were still a beautiful sight.
HOW TO GET TO Munduk:
To get to Munduk, you must of course first fly into Bali. Bali’s only international airport, Gusti Ngurah Rai International (DPS) in Denpasar, is about 82 km (50–51 miles) from Munduk. From the airport, you will need to either order a taxi or rent a motorbike to reach Munduk. The drive can be as short as 1 hour and 50 minutes if you leave before 8:00 AM or after 7:00 PM and as long as 3 hours during high traffic times. Motorbike tends to be faster than cars because they can weave around traffic.
Taxi: You can order a local taxi, Grab (rideshare app), or GoJek (rideshare app) from almost anywhere in Bali to Munduk.
Local taxis are available outside the airport or by booking through an accommodation.
If you prefer a private transfer from the airport, you can book one here.
If you would like a private driver for the entire day in Bali, you can book one here.
Grab is better than GoJek for longer distances (from my experience). I have had GoJek drivers arrive to pick me up and ask for more money, and when I said no, they turned around and drove away.
For either app, you can ride in a car or on the back of a motorbike. The motorbike is the cheaper option by far. If you have more bags or are uncomfortable being on the back of a bike weaving through cars for longer hot hours, I do not recommend taking the back seat of a motorbike. You will also have to hold your bags unless they are small enough to fit in the front of the bike.
A car is a more comfortable option, but it can take longer with traffic. Car prices vary a lot depending on the time of day and demand.
Motorbike: Motorbike rental businesses are everywhere in Bali for you to choose from. Some are overpriced and untrustworthy, so be sure to read reviews. For my last rental, I used Bali Best Motorcycle. They also do bike delivery and pick-up! You can arrange a rental through WhatsApp before you arrive.
Be aware that the roads leading to Munduk are not in perfect condition—the infrastructure in Bali is not great overall. You need to be a confident driver, especially during high-traffic times when navigating around cars and other obstacles. If you have bags, you need to either wear them or place them by your feet while riding.
Always wear your helmet and have your international driver’s license with you in case you are pulled over or stopped by local police. I have only been pulled over once for my friend not wearing a helmet.
How to Travel around Munduk:
The best form of transport in Munduk is by motorbike. Points of interest are a bit spread apart, and the area is very hilly, so walking could take too long. Daily motorbike rentals are usually around 80,000/90,000 IDR (per day) for a small motorbike or scoopy. The larger the bike, the more expensive it will be. You will find better deals for longer-term rentals versus daily. Be sure to negotiate pricing, as some places will just throw out a more expensive price to see if you will take it. As mentioned, I rent my bike from Denpasar.
There are local taxis around, which you can usually hire from your accommodation or through Grab/Gojek.
You can hire a private driver for the entire day, here.
Where To Stay:
Munduk is a village perched above a lush valley of rice terraces close to Tamblingan Lake. It is a small village, so there is no “better” area to stay. There are many beautiful accommodations throughout the area. I chose to stay at Bali Rahayu Homestay, which had a very cozy room and bed, as well as a beautiful view over some of the rice terraces, especially during sunset.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler: Munduk
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Dong Paloh Hostel (Dorm) or Made Oka Homestay and Warung (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Nadya Homestay or Munduk V View House or Bali Rahayu Homestay (I stayed here and really enjoyed my stay).
Best Mid-Budget: Moondock Luxury Camp or Gumi Ayu EcoStay
Best Luxury Budget: Munduk Cabins or Elevate Bali
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World!
What to eat:
There are so many delicious Warungs around that you really cannot go wrong. Below I have included my top places to eat (being mostly plant-based and gluten-free).
Pro Tip: When you are eating gluten-free in the Warungs, you can order most dishes without soy sauce. “Wheat” in Indonesian is “gandum,” and “Saya allergie kecap” means you are allergic to soy.
Is Munduk Safe?
Munduk felt safe to me—it is a quieter area compared to other destinations in Bali, which makes it a nice escape from the crowds everywhere else. However, I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There have been recent cases of Dengue in the region.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear their helmets, which could save your life.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: +62 110 | Fire: +62 113 | Ambulance: +62 118 or +62 119
You can find a complete list of Bali Emergency #’s here.
Is Munduk Worth Visiting?
YES! Munduk is an absolute hidden gem in Bali (still) and is the perfect place to stay and explore neighboring areas like Wanagiri and Kintamani. I would go as far as saying Munudk is better than Ubud, especially if you are like me and prefer less crowded and less touristy areas to explore.
