Munduk: Bali’s Hidden Highlands Haven
- Margaux Delang
- 27 sep 2024
- 6 minuten om te lezen
Nestled amidst Bali's verdant landscapes, Munduk unveils a serene and tranquil side of the island, away from the bustling tourist hubs. This picturesque village offers a peaceful escape from the bustling tourist hubs, with its cool mountain air, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and exploration. From scenic hikes through coffee plantations to breathtaking vistas overlooking mist-shrouded valleys, Munduk invites visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of Bali's countryside.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Venturing slightly off the beaten path, a journey to the stunning rice terraces of Jatiluwih is a must when visiting Munduk. These terraces, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are often regarded as the most beautiful in Bali, yet they receive fewer visitors compared to the Tegalalang rice terraces near Ubud. Here, you can enjoy fantastic walks through the serene landscape, with spectacular views of the vibrant green rice fields and surrounding mountains. The route to Jatiluwih, passing through quaint villages and countryside, is also worth the trip, taking about 1.5 hours by car.
Located in the heart of Bali at an altitude of 850 meters, the Jatiluwih rice terraces are aptly named, translating to 'very beautiful.' You'll witness locals toiling the land, adding to the scene's authenticity. Several trekking routes are available in Jatiluwih, ranging from short to long, some following paved paths while others traverse through the rice fields along the terrace edges. Combining a visit to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan with the Jatiluwih rice terraces is convenient, as the temple lies along the route to Jatiluwih.
Munduk Rice Terraces
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Bali, Munduk beckons with its serene charm and authentic mountain village atmosphere. A scenic two-hour drive from Ubud leads you to this idyllic destination, offering a peaceful retreat away from the bustling crowds found in places like Tegallang.
Munduk serves as a perfect base for exploring enchanting hiking trails that wind through verdant rice fields and lead to breathtaking waterfalls. Among the must-visit spots is the Dayang Rice Terraces, where lush palm trees and majestic mountains frame the terraced fields, creating a captivating vista.
Don't miss the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque rice fields starting from Puri Sunny Camping, where a narrow pathway guides you amidst the lush greenery, immersing you in the tranquil beauty of Munduk's natural landscape.
Visit the temple Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Located just a 30-minute drive from Munduk, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan stands as one of Bali's most magnificent temples. Situated amidst the serene waters of Lake Bratan, this temple complex is a testament to Bali's spiritual and architectural heritage. Built in 1633 to honor the water goddess Dewi Danu, the temple's ethereal beauty attracts visitors from near and far.
Due to its popularity, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan can get quite crowded, especially with Balinese worshippers and day-trippers from the south and Ubud. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing ample time for exploration.The entrance fee for Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is 50K IDR (2,87) per person, is cash only.
Nearby, the mountain village of Bedugul offers additional attractions, including the Bedugul Botanical Gardens and the Treetop Adventure Park. Take a stroll through the local market in Bedugul to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the area. The lush surroundings of the sacred mountain lake exude a serene beauty, providing a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Candikuning, a charming village on the southern shore of the lake, boasts stunning views of the water and is a popular spot for photos.
How to get there?
To reach Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, hiring a car or renting a bike is the most convenient option, as there is no public transportation connecting the temple to other parts of Bali. The temple is approximately an hour's drive from Ubud and around two hours from Seminyak, Kuta, or Legian. Simply follow the main roads of the Bedugul highlands to access this iconic landmark.
The Twin Lakes
Just outside the town of Munduk lie two gigantic lakes, namely Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan. Due to their proximity, these lakes are known as the Twin Lakes. They are a must-visit as you pass by them on your way to Munduk. From the road to Munduk, which is situated at a high altitude, you have a stunning panoramic view of the two lakes. Since this is where most people stop, it's recommended to also visit the lakes from below. Here, you can enjoy beautiful walks, and it's a popular spot for camping.
Tamblingan Lake
Tamblingan Lake stands as a pristine oasis amidst the modern tourist landscape, preserving its natural allure without succumbing to extensive development. Its unspoiled environment and rich biodiversity offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle of contemporary life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil ambiance.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Tamblingan Lake holds cultural significance, with ancient temples scattered along its shores serving as testament to Bali's rich history and heritage. Exploring these sacred sites provides a glimpse into the island's spiritual traditions and cultural evolution.
Covering an area of approximately 1.2 square kilometers, the lake's crystal-clear waters and verdant surroundings provide a picturesque setting for various activities. From leisurely canoe rides across its serene waters to invigorating nature treks through the surrounding forests, Tamblingan Lake offers opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.
Scenic Beauty: Tamblingan Lake captivates with its serene waters, framed by lush forests and mist-shrouded hills, creating an enchanting backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
Traditional Canoeing: Embark on a canoe ride guided by local boatmen, allowing you to navigate the lake's tranquil waters and capture intimate moments amidst its natural splendor.
Sacred Temples: Discover ancient temples like Pura Dalem Tamblingan and Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan, which dot the lake's perimeter, offering insights into Bali's spiritual heritage and providing unique photo opportunities.
Nature Treks: Venture into the surrounding forests to explore hidden waterfalls, scenic trails, and diverse flora and fauna, immersing yourself in the region's natural beauty and serenity.
Cultural Encounters: Engage with local communities, partake in traditional ceremonies, and savor authentic cuisine, experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of Bali amidst the tranquil ambiance of Tamblingan Lake.
Banyumala Waterfall & Wanagiri Pucak Manik Waterfall
Banyumala Waterfall and Wanagiri Pucak Manik Waterfall were my absolute favorite spots in Munduk. Our driver took us there, and we had the opportunity to swim in both waterfalls. Located about a 30-minute drive from the center of Munduk, these waterfalls can be conveniently combined with a visit to the Twin Lakes as they lie along the way.
To reach the waterfalls, you'll need to descend approximately 10 minutes down stairs, leading to a stunning view of both cascades. There are changing rooms available if you wish to switch into swimwear for a dip in the waterfalls. The stairs themselves can be quite slippery, so it's advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals. Personally, I brought water shoes to navigate the waterfalls and found them to be very useful.
Trekking Tour to Waterfalls
Munduk, situated in the north of Bali, is a somewhat less touristy destination renowned for its stunning waterfalls. One of the highlights of Munduk is the Waterval Hike (Munduk Waterfall Track). This loop trail, spanning about 5 km, takes approximately 3 hours to complete and leads you past magnificent waterfalls! It's not particularly challenging, but sturdy shoes are advisable as some parts can be quite slippery.
The Munduk Waterfall Trek covers 4 waterfalls: Golden Valley Waterfall, Red Coral Waterfall, Labuhan Kebo, and Melanting Waterfall.
You can embark on the hike in two different directions. If you prefer descending, starting at Golden Valley Waterfall is recommended.
Google Maps may not display all the trails, so using Maps.me is handy. Don't forget to download the offline map of Bali before you depart.
Ensure you have at least 50,000 IDR in cash for entrance fees.
