8 Things to Do Around North Bali Munduk
There are so many things to do in North Bali that it’s hard to figure out which places you should prioritise. Well we have your back; we provide the essential places to visit in North Bali so rest assured you will not miss out.
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A massive bonus is that North Bali is one of the few places in Bali that isn’t covered in tourists, so you won’t feel too rushed or pressured to get around places. It is very surprising because it’s a beautiful place to visit. It’s where some of the best waterfalls in Bali can be seen and is saturated with jaw dropping views including mountain cliff tops and rice fields. In addition, you won’t be short-handed for treks and Instagramable photo opportunities, containing Bali swings and bird’s nests located in the famous Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
Keep reading and find out everything North Bali has to offer and make sure you read on until the end for some essentials tips.
1. Handara Golf & Resort Bali / Bali Gate
When thinking of things to do in North Bali, this is probably on top of most people’s list. To get here just type ‘Handara Golf & Resort Bali’ in Google Maps. Seeing this gate for yourself is a must in North Bali. It is Instagram famous for a reason; it features delicate and exquisite architecture that is so unique to Indonesia, Bali. You won’t see designs like this anywhere else in the world.
The actual gate itself leads into a golf course so unless you’re interested in that there’s no reason to go beyond this point! Keep in mind that to take a picture you have to buy a ‘Selfie Ticket’ which will cost you 30,000 IDR. Yes, a selfie ticket, such is the world today. You could only be here once though right? Do it. We would recommend going before 12pm as other tourist will start accumulating, but not too early as you don’t want the misty clouds to cover the view.
2. North Bali’s most famous temple – Ulun Danu Temple
We’re pretty sure you’ve seen this temple before, whether it’s in a travel magazine, on a website or via social media. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, Ulun Danu Temple (aka Pura Ulun Danu Bratan) is North Bali’s most famous temple and contests other temples such as Pura Luhur Lempuyang Temple, Pura Tanah Lot, Pura Luhur Uluwatu and Pura Tirta Empul as Bali’s most famous temple.
Situated in Tamblingan Lake, it is surrounded by lush green mountains which give off a calm, tranquil presence. You can even rent a traditional Indonesia rowing boat, known as a ‘Jukung’ or ‘Cadik’ to enjoy the views and get a little closer. Entrance fee is 50,000 IDR.
Wanagiri hidden hills are literally built for you to take as many photos as you need. Situated on cliff tops, it is strategically placed for tourist to come and pay a price for a photo on a swing, in a bird’s nest or a platform overlooking the gorgeous view of the Twin Lakes.
Type ‘Hidden Hills Wanagiri’ via Google Maps and it will pretty much take you there. They’re a few dotted about and are a short distance between each other, so have a look and decide for yourself the best spots for your photos. The Twin Lakes is so big you won’t be short of options.
We visited 2 sites, the first one being ‘Wisata Selfie Pucak’.
Wisata Selfie Pucak
Entrance fee is 40,000 IDR per person. There are 4 spots for pictures; A swing, 2 platforms and a hanging cage.
Pucak Swing and Agro Tourism
The second one is called ‘Pucak Swing and Agro Tourism’. Type this in Google Maps and it should take you straight there. They’re a lot more options here including a bigger swing, bird’s nests and other soppy ‘I love you’ selfie spots. The extra variation is noted in the price.
250,000 IDR per person, however we thought this was high and managed to barter down to 50,000 IDR per person!
Other options:
- Bumi Yatra
- Twin Lake Wanagiri Spot
- Twin Lake Selfie Wanaiari
- Wanagiri Tower Garden
4. Waterfall hikes
If you didn’t know already, in and around Munduk are some of Bail’s most beautiful waterfalls. Waterfall trekking in or around Munduk is that good it is worth visiting just for this. Check out our more detailed guide on Waterfall Hiking in Munduk.
Munduk Waterfall
Munduk Waterfall is probably the easiest Waterfall to get to. Situated in the heart of Munduk, it makes for a perfect spot to enjoy within walking distance from most accommodation located in Munduk. Unfortunately, you cannot swim here as the pool is not deep enough, however it is aesthetically pleasing. Try aim to get there before 9am, as no one is there to charge you, it’s free. Arriving after 9am will cost you 20,000 IDR to enter with free parking.
Lebohan Kebo Waterfall
This is a lot smaller than the Munduk Waterfall; however it has its own charm. There is a bamboo made bridge that crosses the stream at the bottom of the Waterfall. This makes for a good photo with a blistering ray of sunshine to complement, bursting through the trees. Entrance fee is 10,000 IDR and 5,000 IDR for adults.
Melanting Waterfall
Melanting Waterfall comes crashing down like Thor’s hammer; you will definitely hear and feel it before you see it. The spray given off this powerful Waterfall can be felt from a fair distance and it’s a very pretty sight to behold. This will set you back 10,000 IDR to enter as an adult and 5,000 IDR for a child.
Gitgit Waterfall
One of Bali’s most famous Waterfalls as well as being one of the most commercialised. This can be good and bad depending on your mood, you may want to buy souvenirs or you may just want to get to the actual Waterfall itself. In any case, you eventually reach a refreshing pool of water that is created by the dazzling Git Git Waterfall. We spent a good chunk of time here just appreciating its beauty and cooling off in the rock pool.
Searching Git Git Waterfall on Google Maps brings you to an area where you enter but not the exact spot. Do not worry as there are clearly labelled signs telling you where to go. Entrance fee is 30,000 IDR and parking is donation based. You will get tour guides offering their services, this is not mandatory for Git Git Waterfall.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Another of Bali’s most famous Waterfalls, if not THE famous. The Sekumpul Waterfall trek can be strenuous but if you take your time it’s not that bad. It is well worth the trekking time of approximately 45 min – 1 hour. It’s is one of the few moments we were actually ‘wowed’ by the sight of this natural occurring beauty. Entrance fee is 20,000 IDR and without a tour guide you will need to ask locals you pass on your way for directions.
Kroya Waterfall
“Never Try, Never Know”. Kroya Waterfall in Bali often gets confused for Aling Aling Waterfall in Bali but it is famous for its cliff edge diving and natural water-slide.
Aling-Aling Waterfall
Aling Aling Waterfall is much bigger and more powerful. Entrance fee varies depending on what ticket you purchase. These range from a standard entry ticket, a cliff diving ticket and a tour guide ticket.
Would you dare dive in?
Read our more detailed guide on the Waterfalls in North Bali, Munduk.
5. Lovina Beach
North Bali also has a very good beach. All this mountain trekking and Waterfalls might tire you out so go ahead and check out Lovina Beach. We made our way down there on a scooter ride which, we might add, is one of the most beautiful scenic drives we had on our travels. Spoilt with rice fields and pleasantly surprised with wildlife, such as Monkeys!
Don’t forget to check out Spice Beach Club Bali to unwind and sip on a few beverages, they have pools and a live DJ on some nights.
Other things to do
6. For the coffee lovers – try Munduk coffee
As well as having some of the best Waterfalls in Bali, Munduk located in North Bali also has some of the best coffee Bali has to offer. Why? Because Munduk is situated in the mountains it makes it the ideal spot to grow vegetables and coffee due to how cool the weather can get. You will not be short for options to try Munduk coffee as coffee plantations are scattered throughout. Is it the best coffee the Island has to offer? You decide.
7. Dolphin watching tours
Dolphins, in Bali? Yes it’s true. You’ll be whisked away from Lovina Beach just before sunrise trying to spot Dolphins in their natural habitat. It’s one of the reasons why Lovina Beach made its claim to fame. Tours can be made through your accommodation.
8. Banjar hot springs
Located only a short 15-20 min ride from Lovina Beach, Banjar Hot Springs (locally known as Air Panas Banjar) is another popular destination for visitors looking for things to do in North Bali. Don’t be shy and enjoy a refreshing soak in the water fountain area.
Where to stay
Luxury: Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa
Couple budget: Geriya Siena
Backpacker: Dong Paloh Hostel
Best time to visit
Dry season: May – September
Wet season: October – April
Peak season: July – August
The weather in North Bali can change drastically. If you’re at the top of Mountains, in areas such as Munduk, it is generally cooler and it can get quite cold. Clouds and mist often float by depending on the time of day. In a matter of 20 minutes drive going downhill from the mountains you can then be too hot and having to walk around in a shirt. We experienced this driving form Munduk to Lovina. Keep this in mind when packing for your trip to North Bali.
We visited in the beginning of June and it was enjoyable with sunny weather during the day.
TOP TIPS
- Plan ahead if you do not have much time to view everything. Try see things that are closer together so you do not waste too much time commuting
- Hire a scooter to get around North Bali, make sure you haggle down a price if you are renting for more than 1 day
- Download the local map offline using Google Maps
- At Ulun Danu Temple there can be a cloudy mist that covers the view for a good picture, wait it out and you will eventually be rewarded with a better view
- Arrive at Wanagiri Hidden Hills before 12pm if you can. Tourist start accumulating more around this time
Quick FAQS
How much time do I need?
Doing everything on this list, including seeing all of the waterfalls, would take at least 5 days. If you do not have 5 days then prioritise the one’s that you definitely want to see.
How do I get there?
The best way to get to North Bali is by Taxi. The cost of the Taxi from in or around Ubud, Canggu and Seminyak is about 400,000 IDR depending on your haggling skills! There is also the option to drive there yourself by hiring a scooter. Just make sure you download offline Google Maps or Mapsme to get you there and also navigate your way if you get lost without Internet connection.
How to get around North Bali
Without a doubt, in our opinion, hiring a scooter is the best way to explore North Bali. Hop on and soak in the views as you weave your way around the mountain tops. Not only is it more adventurous but it’s also cheaper. Prices will be around 50,000 – 70,000 IDR per day and the longer you are hiring one the bigger the discount you can haggle for.
Want to see North Bali stress free, sitting back and relaxing letting other people do the work for you? Then hire a guide. With a guide comes local experience and expert knowledge. Guide prices can vary depending on what sort of experience you desire, any accommodation you stay at will be able to provide you with one.
