Travelogue from Bali: A little piece of Munduk magic

In September 2024, our marketing specialist, Louisa, set off to explore the vibrant island of Bali. Among the highlights of her trip was Munduk, a serene mountain village in northern Bali that left a lasting impression. Read about her experience here.

Before I travelled to Bali, I thought what I’d love most would be the golden beaches, the lively buzz of Ubud, or the iconic temples. But surprisingly, it was Munduk – a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains of northern Bali – that completely stole my heart and became one of my absolute favourite places on the island.

Its fresh, cool air, green rolling hills stretching out in every direction, and its laid-back feel made it a real escape from the busier parts of Bali. Every morning, I’d wake up in my cosy, rustic bungalow – or “lumbung”, as the locals call it – greeted by the sounds of tropical birds and an incredible view over the rice fields. It was such a peaceful way to start the day.

One morning, we set out on a two-hour hike from our hotel, aiming to reach Red Coral Waterfall, one of the area’s best-known spots. Our guide, a local who’d spent his whole life in Munduk, met us bright and early with bamboo walking sticks. I didn’t think I’d need one – I felt pretty confident about a little hike –but it turns out they were real lifesavers on some of the steeper parts of the trail.

We walked past cacao trees, vanilla vines, and patches of ground covered in nutmeg. It was like stepping into a spice cabinet! Our guide was brilliant. He knew every plant and would pause to break off a leaf or point out some fruit, telling us all about the locals and their traditional ways of harvesting.

We passed by smallholdings with farmers perched on tall bamboo ladders, picking cloves from the towering trees. They offered me the chance to try climbing one of the ladders myself. I managed only a few steps before my legs turned to jelly, and I chickened out. But it gave me a new respect for the locals who do it all day!

Eventually, after winding our way through the rainforest, we arrived at Red Coral Waterfall. You could hear it before you could see it – a powerful rush of water crashing against the rocks, echoing through the trees. And then, there it was. Rising about 20 metres, a narrow but stunning cascade framed by ferns and moss-covered stones. With hardly anyone else around, we felt as though we had the place entirely to ourselves. We took our time, resting and snapping photos, just soaking in the peace and beauty of it all. It was the perfect reward after the hike.

On the way back to the hotel, we took a different path that wound through even more spice trees, opening up to sweeping views of coffee plantations and vibrant rice fields stretching below. It was just us, wrapped in the quiet of the mountains, listening as our guide shared stories of his childhood spent exploring these same trails. It felt like a glimpse into a side of Bali that is still, in many ways, untouched by the rush of tourism, where life remains beautifully traditional. I will carry this little piece of Munduk magic with me.

Louisa,

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller