Worlds apart from the beaches that attract the majority of tourists to Bali, the sleepy village of Munduk is set around 2,600 feet above sea level and experiences a pleasantly cool climate. Most visitors pass this place on a tour bus and stop here to take pictures of the breathtaking views before heading to the next sight.
However, Munduk can be used as a base from which to explore the region. The village lies on a steep road running past Lake Tamblingan, where you can see locals navigating their traditional perahu boats. This is a great spot for jungle trekking adventures since the rainforest is home to various species of flora and fauna, above all squirrels and monkeys, and also allows for camping.
Another natural draw nearby is the imposing 656-foot high Munduk Waterfall, which contains sulfur that helps bathers to recover from skin problems. You can watch the Balinese children bathing in the cool, unpolluted pool, or just follow suit and go for a swim. In the surroundings, there are several coffee and clove plantations which might lure travelers to take a break and enjoy the spectacular panoramas here.
Getting There
The driving time from Lovina in the north of Bali is around 40 minutes, while it takes about 2 hours, 30 minutes from Denpasar, home to Bali’s international airport. Alternatively, you can get dropped off in Candikuning by a local bus and catch a bemo (small minibus) from here to Munduk.
Need to Know
- Worth it? Not unless you are a hiker intending to use Munduk as a base.
- What to do: hike to Lake Tamblingan, visit Munduk Waterfall.
- Best time to go: between April and October, outside of the rainy season.
- How long? A few hours are sufficient to see the waterfall.