Northern Bali, specifically Munduk, is a region that is so often missed by tourists, but is home to some of the island’s most stunning natural beauty and cultural treasures. From breathtaking waterfalls to ancient temples, there’s plenty to see and do here, so if you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, make sure to include Northern Bali on your itinerary!
This was one of our favorite parts of our Bali trip! You guys know that we love waterfalls, and the ones we saw in Northern Bali did not disappoint.
In this blog post we are going to share 8 things we think you can’t miss during your trip to Northern Bali!
1. Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
This stunning temple is located along the shores of Lake Beratan and is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks! Balinese people believe this temple embodies the meaning of universal balance and is a very important religious landmark for locals. To visit, you need to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. The entrance fee of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is 50,000 IDR per person which is about $3.40 USD. It is best to visit early in the morning to enjoy the temple without crowds.
2. Marvel at Banyumala Twin Waterfall
This waterfall is an absolute must see place during your trip to northern Bali! The waterfalls are tall and powerful, with a swimming pool underneath so make sure to bring your swimsuit with you. There is another waterfall just a short walk from the main area, so make sure to visit that one as well. The entrance fee is 30,000 IDR or $2 USD and the parking fee is 2000 IDR if you arrive on a scooter. Make sure to visit this place early in the morning to avoid the crowds, this place is very popular with tours from Canggu and Ubud.
3. Soak in Banjar Hot Springs
Banjar Hot Springs are located in the mountainous region of northern Bali and is a perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. Surrounded by the Balinese jungle, this place is so peaceful. The entrance fee to Banjar Hot Springs is 20,000 IDR or $1.40 USD.
4. Take Photos At Handara Gate
Although this is a very popular tourist photo op, it can be a quick stop along the way to another activity for the day. This Instagram famous gate is actually an entrance to a golf course, so it doesn’t have much cultural significance but it is in a beautiful spot! The fee to take a photo is 30,000 IDR or $2 USD. We recommend visiting as early as possible to avoid the lines. We also would not recommend making a trip all the way to this region just for this gate, but if you are going to be in the area and want a great photo, then its a quick stop to make.
5. Visit Banu Wana Amertha Waterfall: A Hidden Gem in North Bali
This waterfall came recommended to us by a staff member at our hotel, Munduk Moding Plantation (more on that later). And what an incredible surprise it was. We visited on a Saturday and were expecting this place to be packed, and there were only 3 other people. There are 4 waterfalls in the complex, and each one is unique and beautiful. It is a great spot to stop and get some photos, and swim!
The entrance fee to Banu Wana Amertha Waterfall is 30,000 IDR or $2 USD.
6. Hike to the Sekumpul Waterfall
This is one of the largest waterfalls in Bali towering at 262 feet. It takes some work to get here, it is about a 30 minute hike to the first waterfall but it is incredible to see and is one of the best things to do in Bali.
NOTE: There has been an uptick in scams in the area, with locals setting up roadside stands demanding payment to even drive on the road to the entrance. They have also started putting false entrances on Google Maps to scam tourists. We HIGHLY recommend visiting Sekumpal only with an experienced guide who knows the area and the entrance point. You can check out a highly reviewed tour here:
Klook.com7. Try Balinese Coffee
Munduk area in North Bali, has a perfect balance of volcanic soil and cool air, making it a great environment to grow coffee. Bali coffee is a mix between Arabica coffee beans and Robusta coffee beans, making it a unique flavor. We tried some of the coffee at Munduk Moding Coffee plantation and it was a great experience. We learned about the growing process, and got to take a walk around the grounds of the plantation to see the plants ourselves.
Bali is also famous for Luwak Coffee which is a coffee bean fed to a Luwak (small cat like animal) which is the pooped out (yep you read that right) and cleaned and brewed into coffee. This is a controversial topic for many reasons, and it is important to note what condition the Luwak is living in before trying this coffee. A lot of small coffee plantations will cage these animals, and others, like Munduk Moding Plantation, let them freely roam around their bamboo forest.
8. Swim in The Most Famous Infinity Pool in Munduk
Munduk Moding Plantation is a well known hotel for it’s retreat like approach. This hotel has stand alone villas perfect for a relaxing getaway in the mountains. Not only do they have cooking classes, and a coffee plantation onsite, they are also home to two of the most famous pools in Bali.
You do need to be a guest to access these pools, but we highly recommend a stay at this hotel during your visit to Munduk and the North Bali region. It is within a short scooter drive to some of the most incredible waterfalls in the area.
Where to Stay in Munduk and North Bali
Munduk Moding Plantation
We stayed at this incredible hotel and we can confidently say this is one of our favorite hotels in Bali. The service is incredible, the grounds are so lush and unique and they offer so many daily activities for guests. We stayed in a One Bedroom Private Pool Villa and it was a dream!
Looking for a North Bali Day Trip or Tour?
There are a variety of tour operators that have great Northern Bali Tours with a variety of activities. Check out some of the best, and highly reviewed tours below!
Klook.comFinal Thoughts
Northern Bali is a region of Bali that’s full of surprises. With its stunning natural beauty, cultural treasures, and hidden gems, it’s a destination that is honestly unforgettable! Munduk was one of our favorite parts of our Bali trip and we highly recommend a visit. If you have any questions please ask us in the comments, we would be more than happy to help you plan your dream Bali trip!
Looking for more Bali Travel Inspiration? Check out:
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