Bali’s Munduk Increasing In Popularity With International Tourists

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Munduk is the name that is hot on the lips of every Bali lover right now.

Whether a returning annual visitor or a first-time holidaymaker, with Bali’s leading destinations more popular than ever, travelers are seeking new destinations that offer the chance to connect with the natural and cultural charm of the island.

One of the easiest metrics with which to assess the popularity of a tourism destination in Bali is by room occupancy.

In Munduk room occupancy is soaring. With the peak of the high season set to see hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and villas operating at 60-70% capacity.

This level of lodging was almost unheard of in Munduk before the pandemic, with the highland forested retreat quickly gaining attention in this post-pandemic era. 

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Speaking to reporters, the Chairman of the Munduk Accommodation Association (IAM), I Ketut Edi Astana, said, “Yes, since the start of the holiday, it has improved. But it’s not yet full.”

He noted that out of the high seasons in 2024 so far hotel occupancy has hovered around 40-50%; since a marked improvement on pre-pandemic levels. 

Astana added, “This holiday period does have a direct impact on tourism here.” Munduk is soaring in popularity with one demographic of travelers in particular. The highland hideaway is really catching the attention of European tourists.

Astana noted that hotel bookings are becoming especially frequent with tourists from France, Switzerland, Slovakia, Spain and Russia. He said that there are plenty of booking from Australian tourists too. 

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Astana explained, “There has been no change. There are a lot of European tourists, while there are very few domestic tourists.” He explained that European and Australian tourists often seek Munduk out for its cool air, traditional villages and cultural charms and plenty of working rice paddies to observe.

Astana said, “That [nature] is one of the characteristics of Munduk. Aside from forest areas and Lake Tamblingan, waterfalls, and others.”

He explained that while Munduk is booming in popularity with tourists exploring Buleleng Regency, the forests and highlands are just the start of what the region has to offer. He shared, “For beach tourism, many people go to Pemuteran in Buleleng and go to Amed Beach in Karangasem.”

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Munduk is a seriously charming and alluring spot. While located a fair drive from the southern beaches (2-hours from Canggu, for example), the trip through the central highlands to the northern hills and forests of Munduk is worth the trip.

Munduk is certainly one of those areas of Bali that will boom in terms of tourism development in the coming years.

For Bali lovers familiar with the island over the last two decades, if historical trends can be used as indicators of future developments, Munduk could very well become the next Kintamani.

Though tourism development is not likely to occur as rapidly as in destinations such as Canggu and Uluwatu, travelers who want to experience Munduk at its most authentic and untouched should make sure to visit as soon as possible. 

Munduk is the perfect place to spend a day chasing waterfalls.

With many of Munduk’s most impressive waterfalls still only welcoming a few dozen tourists every day, travelers can experience the magic of having a Bali waterfall all to themselves in Munduk.

The most famous waterfall is the area’s namesake, Air Terjun Munduk. The plunging waterfall can be accessed by. Short but steep hike through incredible ancient rainforest. The Golden Valley Waterfalls are not to be missed, nor is a pit stop at Golden Valley Breeze Eco Cafe, where tourists can enjoy a hot cup of Bali Kopi or a homemade nasi goreng while enjoying the magical views. 

Tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to cute, cozy mountain accommodations in Munduk. Traveler favorites include Puri Lumbung Cottages. Munduk Sari Resort and Gumi Ayu EcoStay.