Bali Part Two: 2 Days in Munduk – Between Mountains and Rice Fields
Last updated on : November 4, 2025
Part Two : Munduk
Munduk is a wonderful destination for those seeking a wilder, more authentic side of Bali – far away from the crowds and the rhythm of the popular beach towns. And that’s exactly what we were looking for when we traveled here.
We spent 2 nights in Munduk during our trip in March 2025, and we instantly wished we had planned one or two more.
What I loved most about Munduk were the lush, emerald landscapes. Endless rice fields stretching out from the balcony of our villa, the gentle, peaceful energy of nature all around us, and the noticeably quieter, less touristic vibe of the region.
If Ubud gently invites you to slow down, then Munduk insists – and lovingly so.
If you’re curious about this beautiful destination, stay with me until the end of the article. I’ll walk you through our days spent in this idyllic setting, and I’ll finish by sharing a short video montage of our time in the region.
Day 5 : Rice Terraces, Temples & Waterfalls
Today was a moving day,and having a driver-guide turned out to be a real advantage. We were able to leave our first accommodation in the morning with all our luggage, keep everything safely in the car while exploring, and then finish the day at our new villa without having to deal with taxis. The best of both worlds.
On the way to Munduk, we stopped at the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (IDR 50,000/person), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although these terracess aren’t as high as the ones we visited the day before, they remain, for us, the most beautiful in Bali.
I honestly struggle to put into words how I felt standaing in front of those endless rice fields, surrounded by mountains. It literally took my breath away!
It was probably our biggest highlight of Bali!
We walked for about 45 minutes to an hour among the rice fields. If I had had more time, I would have stayed longer – just to soak in that peaceful, grounding connection with nature.
After this beautiful immersion in the rice fields, our guide took us to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, the temple, set on the edge of a lake.
I had mixed feelings about this visit. I’ll explain more about it in the separate article dedicated entirely to Bali’s temples.
👉 Read the detailed article on Bali’s Temples
To end the day, we went to visit the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls, a site home to four magnificent waterfalls (IDR 40,000/person). They were well worth the walk, even if we quickly realized that we were a little out of hiking shape!
And to finish on a relaxing note, we treated ourselves to a 60-minute Balinese couples massage at our accommodation’s outdoor spa. A moment of well-being for just about $35 – it’s hard to beat.
Day 6 : Buddhist Monastery & Hot Springs
For our sixth day on the Island of the Gods, instead of visiting another Hindu temple, we chose to explore Bali’s only Buddhist monastery: Brahma Vihara Arama. What a memorable experience! Even though it’s a monastery and not a temple, I go into more detail about our visit in the dedicated article on temples. Feel free to click below if you’d like to learn more.
👉 Read the detailed article on Bali’s Temples
After that, we headed to the Air Panas Banjar Hot Springs. These springs are known for their sulfur-rich waters, which are said to be beneficial for both the skin and overall well-being. The site has several pools, some with gentle water jets that almost act like a natural massage. Our “outdoor spa” session cost IDR 45,000 per person, plus IDR 5,000 for a locker.
Finally, we spent the rest of the afternoon peacefully unwinding by the infinity pool at our villa. Later, we treated ourselves to a 60-minute reflexology and leg massage, for two, for $35 total. Our legs were quite sore from the walking and hiking of the previous days, so the treatment felt like pure relief. One of those small travel pleasures that make everything slow down, soften, and settle.
If I Had More Time
If I were to do it again, I would have spayed at least one or two more days in Munduk. I would have taken the time to visit the famous Munduk Waterfalls, which were originally one of my must-see places.
I also would have visited Lake Tambligan, with its temple along the water’s edge – a perfect place to deepen that quiet connection with nature.
Where to Stay in Munduk
At first, we had planned to stay in a mountainside villa at the Giriwood Hotel & Villa. But almost at the last minute, we changed our reservation for Mayura Bali Villa. I’m not sure what I might have missed at Giriwood, but after experiencing Mayura Bali Villa, I have absolutely no regrets.
The hotel felt fairly new and beautiful intimate, with only five villas. Our villa was tastefully decorated and very comfortable, and the view of the rice fields was simply incredible from everywhere you looked.
Breakfast was included and delicious. There was also a restaurant on site for lunch and dinner, as well as spa service available if you wanted to unwind even more.
And the infinity pool… honestly, it was the perfect way to cool down and relax after our days of exploring. Everything we needed was right there.
So yes… I recommend this accommodation 1000%.
💲Rate in March 2025: around IDR 1,296,000 (≈ 120$) per night for a Bungalow with breakfast included.
Where to Eat in Munduk
As I mentioned earlier, we ate at the restaurant of Mayura Bali Villa during our two days there, and the food was excellent. We had also hoped to try The Botanist by Desa Eko, which is known for its beautiful setting and delicious-looking dishes – but that will have to wait until next time.
In conclusion
Munduk was a true coup de cœur for us!
Time didn’t just slow down here – it felt like it stopped. Unfortunately, our stay couldn’t last forever.
It’s a little sad to me that Munduk is still somewhat overlooked, because it’s truly a gem. if you’re looking for a peaceful stay to reconnect with yourself and with nature, I genuinely recommend spending 3 to 5 days here.
As for me, I have the very clear feeling that I’m not done with Munduk. One day, I’ll return.
And you, have you ever felt that a place was calling you back?
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