Munduk is a highland village at around 800 metres above sea level, in the mountains west of the Bedugul lakes. It was a Dutch hill retreat and a centre of coffee and clove growing, and it is still surrounded by plantations, rice terraces and forest. The air is fresh, often misty in the afternoon, and noticeably cooler than the coast.
Just above the village lie the twin crater lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan, and a little further the famous lake temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Munduk is the perfect overnight stop on the way to Pemuteran: it breaks up the long drive and adds a completely different side of Bali.
Top things to do at Munduk & the Twin Lakes
Walk to the waterfalls
Several waterfalls lie within walking distance of the village. A guided jungle trek links up to five of them.
Paddle on Lake Tamblingan
Local fishermen offer rides in dugout canoes on the quiet lake, past a small temple on the shore.
Visit Ulun Danu Bratan
The temple that appears on the 50,000-rupiah note seems to float on Lake Bratan. Go early to beat the crowds.
Taste local coffee
Plantations around Munduk grow robusta and arabica coffee and cloves; many warungs serve their own brew.
How to get to Munduk & the Twin Lakes
- From Pemuteran: about 1.5–2 hours by car, via Seririt and the hill road.
- From Bali Airport: around 2.5–3 hours, making Munduk a natural halfway stop.
- From Lovina: about an hour.
Insider tips
- Bring a fleece or light jacket for the evenings.
- Mornings are clearest; clouds often roll in after lunch.
- Roads are steep and winding — hire a driver rather than riding a scooter if you are not experienced.
Best tours & tickets for Munduk & the Twin Lakes
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Munduk & the Twin Lakes from Pemuteran:
Hiking from $36 Munduk: Explore 5 Hidden Waterfalls on a Jungle Trek
A guided walk through the forest, farms and ravines around the highland village of Munduk, about two hours from Pemuteran. Best combined with a night or two in the hills.
- Five waterfalls on one trek
- Coffee and clove plantations and cool mountain air
- Local guide from Munduk
Day trip from $49 North Bali: Dolphins, Ulun Danu Temple & Banyumala Waterfall
A well-paced full day combining the three highlights of the north: dolphins at dawn, the lake temple in the cool highlands and one of Bali’s prettiest waterfalls. Rated 4.9 by nearly 500 travellers.
- Sunrise dolphin watching off Lovina
- Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on its mountain lake
- Swim at the twin Banyumala waterfall
Private tour from $31 Bali: Full-Day North Bali Private Customized Tour
The flexible option: a private car and driver for the day with an itinerary you choose from recommended packages. Ideal for families and groups, or for turning the transfer between the south and Pemuteran into a sightseeing day.
- Your own car and English-speaking driver
- Choose waterfalls, temples, lakes or hot springs
- More than 1,800 reviews at 4.9
