Discover North Bali's Hidden Paradise: Your Complete Guide to Lovina and Munduk (Part 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of our North Bali adventure. After two days exploring Lovina's underwater wonders and coastal charm, it's time to ascend into the volcanic highlands of Central Bali. Munduk awaits with its crisp mountain air, cascading waterfalls, and friendly locals going about their lives, but more than willing to connect with you.
Day 3: Ascending to Munduk's Mountain Paradise
Morning: Final Lovina Relaxation
Start your day with a leisurely morning at your Lovina accommodation. This is the perfect time for a traditional Balinese massage—a therapeutic way to prepare your body for the mountain adventures ahead. The slower pace of North Bali makes these indulgent mornings feel natural rather than rushed.
Afternoon: Journey to Munduk
The Route: Book a Grab ride for the scenic 1.5-hour journey from Lovina to Munduk (IDR220,000 or $13-17 USD). The route winds through Central Bali's volcanic landscapes, offering glimpses of what awaits in the highlands.
Discovering Munduk Village
Munduk is the perfect place for those looking to escape the touristy crowds of Bali and relax in nature, surrounded by highlands, cloud forests and a plethora of waterfalls. This mountainous area sits along the volcanic highlands of Northern Bali, where the main town stretches along a two-lane road dotted with warungs (local restaurants), tour agencies, and essential amenities.
What Makes Munduk Special:
It’s high elevation (1100m above sea level) provides consistently cool, fresh air
Majestic waterfalls formed in steep volcanic rockface, including four that make up the Munduk Waterfall Trek
Authentic village life largely untouched by mass tourism
Spectacular rice terraces and coffee plantations
Evening Exploration
Settle into your guesthouse and spend time connecting with your hosts—often local families eager to share stories about life here. Take an exploratory walk around the immediate area to get your bearings for tomorrow's adventures.
Weather Note: Munduk experiences frequent rain showers even during dry season due to its elevation and cloud forest location. Pack a reliable raincoat and build flexibility into your schedule.
Taking shelter from the rain in a Warung
Where to Dine:
Puri Lumbung Restaurant: Well-reviewed with mountain views
Warung Heaven: Local favorite with authentic flavors
Warung Pupak Tut Je: Traditional dishes in cozy setting
Day 4: Cultural Immersion and Waterfall Discovery
Morning: Hiking through Authentic Padi fields in Mayong
There are several padi fields and small hiking trails around Munduk that are accessible by foot. However, we decided to venture a little further downhill to Mayong to join a guided walk hosted by Putu Artana and his wife, Ria
Putu guided us through a 2.5 hour walk through jungle paths and across padi fields, where he showed us many exotic tropical plants and fruit, and educated us on the numerous stages of growing rice in the Padi fields. Going beyond naming the various plants we saw, he shared stories of how the fruit and herbs such as cloves and jackfruit are grown and harvested; how farmers struggle with plants like vanilla which are valuable but of low yield; and how rice farmers collaborate with their neighbours to manage the irrigated water and the flooding and drainage of their fields. This appreciation of the local’s perspective was a wonderful takeaway on top of the lovely photos in the Padi fields. After that, we headed back to Putu Artana and Ria’s dining room for a lovely home cooked lunch.
Practical Details:
Location: Mayong village (30 minutes from Munduk by car/scooter)
Booking: Advance booking required via mayongculturalwalk.xyz
Transportation: Ask Putu for recommendations if needed
This tour can also be done en route from Lovina to Munduk, making it a perfect transition activity.
Afternoon: Munduk's Spectacular Waterfall Circuit
Important: Allow a full half-day for proper waterfall exploration. The circuit involves a little hiking and multiple stunning locations that deserve adequate time.
The Waterfall Route
Starting Point: Locate the steep ramp directly opposite the school entrance on Munduk's main road. This motorcycle-width path (not suitable for cars) marks the start of our waterfall adventure.
Option 1: Walk the entire route for maximum immersion
Option 2: Ride a motorbike to where the concrete trail ends
From there, follow the dirt path that circles behind this spectacular waterfall, crossing a bamboo bridge before the trail makes a U-turn ascending the mountainside.
Waterfall #1: Melanting Falls
Turn left once the rocky path meets with a concrete pavement, and proceed down the stairs. After paying IDR 20,000 at the entrance, there is a further steep flight of stairs down to the base of the waterfall. The plunge pool is not deep enough to swim but the isolation of the waterfall means there’s a fair chance that you will have it to yourself. The staircase is roughly the height of the waterfall, so climbing back up will help you truly appreciate its scale.
Waterfall #2: Labunan Kebo Waterfall
Less tall than Melanting but arguably more artistic, with water flowing in multiple veils around composite rocks like a painter's masterpiece. Surrounded by lush jungle that creates an almost movie-set atmosphere, this waterfall exemplifies Munduk's untouched natural beauty.
Waterfall #3: Red Coral Waterfall
Finding It: Continue south along the road for 150 meters until reaching a small village. Make a 270-degree right turn up a pathway between concrete walls (look for the "Munduk Village" sign).
Red coral waterfall
You will then approach a junction, with one fork going towards Belong waterfall, and the other towards Red Coral waterfall. Being short of time, I only got to see Red Coral, a spectacular vertical plunge. What stood out was the sheer velocity and intensity of the water impacting the base. It was surrounded in a U-shape by walls covered uniformly with green plants, forming an amazing visual texture when viewed from a distance. If you cross the stones placed across the river, you can stand directly in the blast of spray caused by the waterfall. I imagine this would be refreshing on a hot day, if not a slightly uncomfortable way to appreciate the power of the waterfall - you would be soaked progressively by the blast of mist in around 15 seconds.
As I arrived at Red Coral near the end of the day, I was able to enter without paying the entrance fee and there was almost nobody there. Else, it would cost IDR45000 to enter and other visitors have reported the place being crowded.
Time Management: Reserve one hour for the return journey to Munduk's main road, or use Labunan Kebo's parking lot as an alternative starting point. There is another waterfall between
Day 5: Volcanic Lakes and Farewell to North Bali
Morning: Twin Lake Viewpoint
Hire a driver or consider staying overnight in Bedugul (one hour toward South Bali) for easier logistics. Your destination: the rim of an ancient volcanic caldera housing two legendary lakes.
Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan: These twin volcanic lakes were formed by the same volcano but separated by a landslide approximately 200 years ago. They remain connected through an underground water system, surrounded by dense rainforest, traditional villages, and Hindu temples. The heavily vegetated rim makes roadside viewing difficult, but numerous warungs offer elevated pavilions where you can enjoy coffee or meals with spectacular caldera views.
According to Balinese folklore, the lakes represent two sisters who transformed themselves to escape an unwanted suitor king. Protected by their mother, they remain hidden beneath the water, still holding hands to this day.
Optional Add-on: Banyumala Waterfall
If time permits, explore Air Terjun Banyumala, located north of the twin lakes. Fellow travelers highly recommend this waterfall, particularly for early morning visits before crowds arrive.
Afternoon: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
This beautiful temple with traditional thatched roofs sits on a floating island in a volcanic lake, surrounded by an elegant temple complex and manicured gardens. Enjoy cool mountain air while exploring the grounds. Wait for tour groups to disperse before capturing that perfect photo.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Nearby Attraction: The famous Handara Gate and golf course—a favorite Instagram photography spot just minutes away.
Final Experience: Strawberry Picking
Location: Hidden Strawberry Farm (10 minutes back up the road from Ulun Danu Beratan)
The Experience:
There are a number of farms along the main road, but I headed slightly away to the Hidden Strawberry farm. The place belongs to an independent farmer who welcomes you warmly and guides you on the rules. In short, there is an entrance fee of IDR10,000, and he charges about IDR10,000 per 100g. You are then given a basket and directed to a small field where you can take your time to browse and pick strawberries to your heart’s content.
The strawberries are seasonal, and there were a decent amount available for the picking, though not a lot. In any case, it’s charged by weight so I thought it was more than fair. The owner has done the place up nicely, and toilets and a dining area are available to consume your strawberries or strawberry products on sale.
Return Journey
Distance to Consider:
From Bedugul to Denpasar: 3 hours
From Munduk to Denpasar: 3.5 hours
Plan accordingly based on your departure schedule and chosen departure point.
Reflections on North Bali
Lovina and Munduk offer a window into the Bali that seasoned travelers remember—a world apart from the heavily commercialized south. This experience was a much needed escape from the crowds and asked one to savour the natural atmosphere that defines authentic Indonesia.
Feet pics I would pay for
The trees truly are greener here, and both the people and surroundings welcome visitors with genuine warmth. This is Bali's countryside as it should be experienced: slightly adventurous yet thoroughly comfortable, authentic yet accessible.
I will leave you with a few interesting tidbits I observed during during this trip
Early morning rooster calls are your natural alarm clock
Google Maps' "Motorcycle" and "Car" routing differ significantly—some paths are literally 0.6 meters of pavement
Roads along volcanic ridge lines provide soul-stirring views that make every journey memorable
A motorcycle route
North Bali represents more than just an alternative to crowded southern beaches. It's a reminder that authentic travel experiences still exist for those willing to venture beyond the obvious. In Lovina and Munduk, you'll discover not just beautiful landscapes, but a different pace of life that allows both nature and visitors to breathe. Perhaps this is the closest we will get to experiencing the Bali of ages past.
Whether you're seeking underwater adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful escape from modern life's demands, North Bali delivers experiences that linger long after you've returned home.
Essential Planning Information:
Total Trip Duration: 5 days minimum Best Time to Visit: April-October (dry season), though expect mountain rain showers Budget Range: $50-80 USD per day (mid-range travelers) Must-Pack Items: Raincoat, comfortable hiking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, camera Booking Recommendations: Reserve cultural tours and diving in advance; other activities can be arranged locally
Ready to discover your own North Bali paradise? Start planning your escape from the crowds and journey into one of Indonesia's most authentic remaining landscapes.
