Munduk Highlands: Complete 2026 Guide For Nature Lovers

Nestled in the heart of North Central Bali, Munduk Highlands is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bali. Renowned for its misty mountains, lush plantations and breathtaking waterfalls,  this is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, trekking enthusiasts and those who are looking for eco-tourism. Munduk Highlands, Bali, also offer eco-conscious stays, ranging from local, rustic homestays to high-end resorts. 

The nearby lakes, like Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, offer scenic views, and nearby attractions like Ulun Danu Bratan Temple allow you to witness the Balinese rich tradition and culture. Plan your trip for 1 to 3 days to explore the whole of Munduk along with exhilarating activities.

• Unlike Canggu and Seminyak, Munduk has local, eco-friendly homestays which offer an authentic experience. 
• The high altitude of the Munduk highlands provides a refreshing, cooler and misty climate compared to the rest of Bali. 
• You will witness the beautiful vistas of coffee, clove, and cacao plantations in every direction
• Going on short hikes leads to cascading falls tucked among ferns and mossy rocks, which are quiet, refreshing, and beautifully untouched.
• Waking up to the chirping of birds, drifting clouds and the aroma of coffee, along with a mesmerising sunrise view. 
• During the evenings, temperatures drop, and fires are lit, meals are unhurried, and conversations feel deeper in the mountain quiet.
• See the Munduk wilderness while hiking, trekking or going on a birdwatching tour.

Read more: Bali Travel Guide

In Munduk, you typically pay per waterfall. Most are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The dry season, which runs from May to October, is the best time to visit Munduk Highlands. August is the driest and sunniest month. With temperatures ranging from 19 degree celsius to 23 degree celsius, these months are ideal for trekking, exploring waterfalls, coffee plantations and nearby lakes. Here is the month-to-month guide to plan your trip accordingly:

Munduk can be easily accessed from Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta and Canggu by renting a car or bike, local buses and shuttles.

• Renting a car or Bike: One of the fastest and best ways to reach the Munduk highlands is by renting a car or bike. It is just 2 to 2.5 hours from Ubud and 3 to 3.5 hours from the southern beaches (Canggu and Kuta).
• By Bus: There are daily shuttle services from areas like Kuta to Bedugul, from where you can go to Munduk. A shuttle journey takes approximately 3h 30m. Additionally, you can also find buses from Ubung terminal in Denpasar to Seririt that pass through Munduk. 
• Tour packages: One of the most feasible ways to reach Munduk is by combining Bali tour packages with nearby attractions like Lake Buyan, Lake Tamblingan and the Ulun Danu Bratan temple. 
• Note: There are no Grab or Gojek motor taxis in Munduk to return from.

Trekking is one of the best things to do in the Munduk Highlands. The well-marked trails will take you through the serene small family-run plantations of clove and coffee to see how coffee beans and cloves are grown, dried, and roasted using traditional methods. You can even enjoy tasting sessions, where you can sip fresh Balinese coffee while overlooking green valleys. Surrounded by dense rainforest and emerald rice terraces, this is the ideal place to satisfy your gentle adventure and nature walks.

Tips: Visit in the early morning for a peaceful walk and to encounter fewer crowds.

In Munduk, not visiting the waterfalls nearby is a great miss. Plunge into the refreshing cold waters of the popular waterfalls is another best experience to take. Go on a little trek to encounter popular spots like Munduk waterfall, Melanting waterfall, Labuhan Kebo and Red Coral waterfall. Trekking to waterfalls will let you cool off, relax and enjoy untouched natural beauty away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Stop at the "Wanagiri Hidden Hills" for the iconic photos overlooking Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. To access the famous giant bird nests, swings, and bamboo boat lookouts, you must enter a private park area that would cost around IDR 100,000 (~₹545) per person or you can also pull over along the main road (Jalan Raya Wanagiri) at several designated shoulder areas to see the lakes for free. You only need to pay a small parking fee of IDR 2,000 - 5,000 (₹11 - ₹27).

For a spiritual experience, hire a local fisherman to take you across the lake in a traditional dugout canoe to see the ancient lake temples.

Even if you aren't staying here, you can book a Day Pass for lunch to see their world-famous infinity pool that looks like it disappears into the clouds.

Highland cafés and warungs serve warm Balinese meals, fresh vegetables, homemade desserts, and locally grown coffee. Savouring your meal with sweeping valley views, making every bite memorable.

• Munduk Farmhouse 
• Kubu Kawi
• Puri Sunny Camping

• Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas
• Puri Lumbung Cottages Restaurant Spa Munduk 
• Desa Eko

• Elevate Bali
• Munduk Cabins

Unlike Ubud and Canggu, there are fewer options for dining, but most of them are scenic. You can savour authentic Balinese cuisine while enjoying the surreal view of lush greenery and breathtaking mountain views. You can try Nasi Campur, Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck), and fresh lake fish at family-run warungs.  Head to Warung Classic, Warung Made's Munduk, and Éco Café 2 for local coffee. Don’t miss trying local specialties like Bubur Mengguh and fresh eggplant blado. If you are looking for vegetarian and vegan options, visit the Botanist by Desa Eko.

Munduk Highlands is worth adding to your Bali itinerary for its cool climate, misty mountain views, waterfalls, and authentic village life. Away from the busy tourist areas, it offers peace, nature, and slow travel experiences. It is perfect for nature lovers, trekkers, photographers, couples, solo travellers, and families seeking a calm, scenic, and culturally rich side of Bali.