Bali’s Mountainous Munduk Offers Tourists A Relaxed Rural Retreat

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Bali is a destination synonymous with pristine white sandy beaches, black sand beaches, dense tropical jungles, and vast expanses of rice terraces.

For many, the villages around Ubud offer a chance to experience jungle living in Bali. But if you choose to drive a little further north, a whole new side of Bali will reveal itself to you.

Tucked away in the hills and mountains of Buleleng Regency, Munduk is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the busy coastal resorts.

A trip to Munduk offers not only the chance to relax and unwind but also the opportunity to connect with small, locally run tourism initiatives and learn about Balinese culture in a truly authentic way.

Munduk is an adventure traveler’s dream. With waterfalls to chase, hiking trails to pound, and rice terraces to meander through, it’s amazing that more people don’t make time to explore all that Munduk has to offer.

@moros_footsteps The best #waterfalls in Munduk, #Bali ♬ original sound – Moro’s Footsteps

Bali is famous for its heritage rice terraces. The most well-known of these are the Telallagang Rice Terraces, which are located just 20-minutes from the center of Ubud, and the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Tabanan, which are officially protected as a UNSECO World Heritage Site.

Both of these agricultural landscapes are highly worth a visit. As they are so well known around the world, each becoming a picture postcard for Bali, they are often incredibly busy with visitors.

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@daviniafc Reccomend to anyone coming to Bali! #munduk #bali #balilife #indonesia #traveltok #budgettravel #travel #balitravel #indoneisa #indonesiatiktok #glamping #balitrip ♬ Paradise – Bazzi

If you want to experience a working rice terrace in Bali without the crowds, Munduk may just be the place for you. A sunset stroll around the terrace edges offers specular golden-hued views of the paddies, palm trees, and rolling hills of Buleleng.

There are a couple of locally owned warungs (cafes) dotted around the perimeter of the terraces, each serving up cold drinks and strong Bali coffee.

Munduk is perhaps the waterfall capital of Bali. There are so, so many to explore. Air Terjun Munduk is one of the most well-known and accessible waterfalls in the area.

This pelting, plunging waterfall can be reached by a short hike, though tourists must be warned it’s pretty steep. Wear decent shoes and mind your step!

@boundtoherbackpack chasing watefalls #travel #backpacking #motorbike #indonesia #bali #munduk #waterfall #southeastasia ♬ original sound – jordywydra

Hungry for more waterfall action? Be sure to check out Red Coral Waterfall and continue along the paved walkway for another kilometer or so to discover Golden Valleys Waterfall.

Known to be the highest waterfall in the Munduk area, Golden Valleys Waterfall is nothing shy of breathtaking. Either before or after exploring these two spectacular natural wonders, swing by Eco Cafe.

The locally run cafe is built overlooking the Golden Vally Waterfall, offering a truly unique place to rest, refuel and rehydrate. The cafe serves up classic Indonesian favorites, with plenty of vegetarian options too.

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While the highlights of Munduk could be ticked off on a simple day trip, to really get beneath the skin of this wonderful Balinese landscape, more time is needed. Thankfully there are plenty of exceptional accommodation options to suit every budget.

One of the most popular and highly regarded hotels in Munduk is Gumi Ayu Ecohotel. The traditional wooden villas and resort buildings have been carefully constructed to blend in with the surrounding sloping hills of the Munduk mountain valley.

With a truly indulgent and romantic feel, Gumi Ayu Ecohotel offers an unrivaled guest experience in Buleleng.

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For a taste of the VVIP treatment, explore availability at Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas, or for real indulgence, Evaluate Bali by Hanging Gardens Munduk.

Alam Rita Glamping and Plantation offer guests spectacular views of the valley from bright and airy glamping tents.

Tourists have praised Ling and Louie’s Mountain Chalet and Taman Ayu Homestay for their great value for money.

If all this was not yet enough to get you started in Munduk, make sure to check out Lake Tamblingan and Pure Ulun Danu Tamblingan, Melanting Waterfall, and Munduk Wilderness Outdoor Activities to take the adventure to the next level.