Munduk, Indonesia Photography

Photographing Munduk

Munduk is a mountain village in Bali's northern highlands, set among coffee and clove plantations and prized for its cool climate, jungle waterfalls and nearby crater lakes. It offers a quieter, greener side of the island away from the southern beaches.

Where to shoot

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls — paired cascades dropping through jungle into a clear pool
Ulun Danu Beratan — a lakeside temple whose pavilions appear to float on Lake Beratan against the mountains
Lakes Tamblingan and Buyan — twin forest-ringed crater lakes south of the village
Munduk Waterfall — a tall cascade reached by a jungle path through plantations
A linked waterfall walk
Highland plantations and village roads
Lake views when cloud lifts
Cool evenings above the southern humidity

When to go

The dry season (April–October) is best for waterfalls and hikes in this cool mountain village; the wet season brings mist and lush greenery but slippery trails.

What to eat

Locally grown highland coffee, and warung dishes featuring the region's vegetables, alongside Balinese staples.

Where to stay

Munduk village and the ridges around it offer guesthouses with valley views, well placed for the waterfalls and crater lakes.

The forest waterfalls sit in cool shade and mist, so sturdy footwear and a light layer make the jungle paths between the plantations more comfortable.