amanda purba

digital diary of my traveling world

The first thing come to our mind when we heard about Bali are always about white sands, private beaches and beach clubs. But since I was a little, I know Bali has so much to offer other than those usual destinations checklist, where less people haven't interested yet to visit. And yes, maybe you can be one of few people who might want to allocate their time to at least check these destination points.


Munduk, located in Buleleng district, is one of the place known as a coffee plantation area. No wonder not so many tourist (especially domestic) came to visit this place since it's better known as business destination and not a tourism. But since we crave for something different this time, something that can be eye-pleasing and entice our "adventurous" spirit, we opt to spend our holiday in Munduk area for 3D2N and it didn't disappoint us.

On Our Way

It took around two to three hours from the airport to our destinations depending on the traffic. I came across one place to chill and sip a cup of coffee since at the same time, I also need to present something to my colleagues on our way to Munduk.

The place itself called Secret Village Garden which located in Bedugul area. They offer plenty of activities, ranging from coffee tour to Beauty Heritage tour where you can make your own soap. They also have restaurant, coffee shop and gelato shop for you to enjoy your time with your family.

The View


The entrance fee for domestic tourist should be IDR 50k per person, but I paid for IDR 75k for two persons since they have promotion upon our visit.

This place is so ideal for family since it's pretty spacious. I strongly suggest not to do anything work related here, since the signal is not supportive. Plus, how can you concentrate with such a beautiful view?

Where to stay

There are plenty of options when we search the accommodation in Munduk area. Since we're traveling in four and aim for tranquility, we're trying to find a nice bungalow that fits all of us in one place, with a nice view of paddy fields around.

During our visit, most of the accommodation were closed due to COVID-19 situation, but we managed to find one nice place called Sanak Retreat. They offered 2-bedrooms bungalow with breakfast with a choice of Continental or Indonesian breakfast.

entrance
Concierge/Lobby/Dining Room
 

We have a warm welcome upon our arrival, and we didn't expect this accommodation will be this pretty. Every corner is literally pretty. They have a pool in front of the lobby, surrounded by the paddy fields where you can find the fireflies flying around when it gets dark.


The bungalow itself is also spacious. The whole design were made by woods, dominated by the brownish colour palette. The first floor contains of one bedroom, toilet and shower and the second floor contains of another bedroom and two balconies: Sunrise balcony and Sunset balcony.
   

You will have options for Continental or Indonesian for breakfast. We choose continental set during our stay and I can say they're generous with the portion. For each person in Continental set, you can get:

  • Dharma Tea & Herbal Selection or Balinese Coffee
  • Tropical fresh juice (my favourite is watermelon)
  • Still Water
  • Banana/Honey Pancake or Muesli/Granola with Yoghurt
  • Fruit Platter
  • Two Eggs (Any style) with Bacon or Ham
  • Toast with butter and jam

And if it's not enough for you, they also prepare various cereals on demand with fresh milk. Couldn't ask for more, really!

Where to go

As much as we want to explore many places in Munduk area, we narrow our option into two most visit destinations in Munduk. The first one is the Sacred Waterfall around our bungalow. Wrapped in the three hours trekking package offered by the host, we visited one of the private waterfall which can be accessed only by the locals because the place itself has no sign. We might get lost if no local guide led us to the right path.

We go through a path where we can see the famous Balinese irrigation system called Subak, a bunch of ducks who weeped out all the paddy excess so the soil will be ready for the next season and along the way, and we can hear the sound of an insect which very tiny but producing a loud sound.



Other than this waterfall, we also went to another waterfall named Banyumala Twin Waterfall. Compare to the previous one, where the trek is easier and it was very secluded, this one takes around 15 minutes from the parking lot to the entrance, but the elevation is more steep so if you have a knee-problem, I'd suggest you to bring trekking pole and use proper trekking shoes. 

The entrance fee is IDR 20k, and from the entrance, it will take another 15 minutes to reach the waterfall. Be careful on your way down.


Banyumala Twin Waterfall serves a view where the waterfall is surrounded by a garden, where it will light up when the sunlight came across the trees. The big lagoon in the middle seems like inviting us to take a dip, and the vegetation diversity around the lagoon surprises me. It is advisable to visit this place during weekdays before 10 am, so you can have the place all by yourself.


Banyumala Waterfall

Where to Eat

There are not so many places we could try during our visit due to this pandemic situation, but we visit one small local stall near the hotel named Warung Emy. I tried Ayam Betutu (Betutu Chicken) and Ayam Sisit, which are two of local delicacies you must try. Along with the Ayam Betutu, I came across local drink named Ice Mushroom.

It sounds strange and it occurs in my mind how a mushroom can be transform into drinkable things? and what kind of mushroom they're using? I prefer not to try it the moment I heard about it, but after seeing the local take a sip of it, I mustered up my courage and asked the seller on the expected sensory profile of the ice mushroom. She said it's basically a tea, and the mushroom add some acidity in it, so I think she referring to Lo Han Kuo or Rosella Tea, but with less acidity.

Then I tried it.

It tastes PERFECTLY fine, and refreshing according to my palette. The mix between sweet and a hint of sour gives us refreshment, especially after trekking for 3 hours. I strongly suggest you to try this, you won't regret it.

White Rice, Ayam Betutu, Ayam Sisit, Cassava leaves and Sambal Matah

  

Other than Warung Emy, we tried one of local restaurant called Warung Made. It's a different one from the famous Made Warung people usually visit in Seminyak area, but the things that excites us is actually the location of this restaurant. If you want to try how to park right on the tip of hairpin u-turn with a steep elevation, you can try to visit this restaurant! lol

And as exciting as it sounds, the food served by the owner is mouthwatering.

We started off with appetizer - vegetables spring rolls with peanut sauce- and yes, we opt dinner to be served early by ordering fried banana. I don't know is it because we're hungry or it's just that good, I'd recommend you to stop by here for lunch or dinner.

We ordered pork with local spices called Homemade Pork Nyat-Nyat, with Pork and Chicken Satay as the condiment. You should also order their Herbal tea, which tastes so good, I promise you.



So all in all, there are plenty of places you should visit during your stay in Bali and Munduk definitely should be on your list.
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
Lago di Braies


I keep getting questions about how much budget needed when we want to travel to Europe. And I keep saying “it depends”.

There’s never be a standard of how much budget needed for everyone, as everyone has their own standard of traveling.

Before we go there and answer how much budget we need to travel, let’s take a look of 7 components to be consider when you’re arranging your travel plan.

I’m an employee, so I don’t have much flexibility on the period and time to travel so it’s better to plan my traveling ahead. Plus, I can manage how to save my money by doing so.

In a sequence, here’s 7 things to prepare your travel plan:

1. Destination

I think this is the most important part and the first thing needs to be done.

Destination will impacting the whole budget plan. Traveling to US will be different compared to Japan. Traveling international and domestic also makes a significant difference.

Imagine where you want to go for your holiday. Do you need a passport for that? Or maybe a visa? When I know where to go already, I immediately check the price for transportation and visa (if I need one).

Tips: Planning your holiday in advance could help you to find some good deals in a travel fair, or a cheaper price. Book a year or 6 months early, because price usually getting higher close to your departure period

2. Period

After knowing your destination, decide how long you would like to spend some days there.

For me, I usually plan a 12 days period when I’m traveling to Europe (include commuting time); 6 days to Japan and around 3 to 5 days when I’m traveling around Indonesia.

Tips: Traveling can be tiring as well, so plan your period time wisely. Traveling too long will drained out your energy.

3. How many countries/cities/places you want to visit

I can visit maximum 4 countries on a single trip to Europe, or 2 countries if I want to explore specific destination. For Japan, I usually stick to 2 or 3 places, and go to one destination only when I travel domestically.

Why this matter? Because it will impact your transportation cost, travel time and your energy. Believe me, getting sick while traveling is no fun :)

Tips: Some people would try to squeeze their itineraries in a short time. It’s not wrong, but for some consideration you would like to enjoy the destination and not only ticking off the checklist, right?

4. Transportation (between the countries or cities, and in the city)

After knowing which countries/cities you want to visit, find a price for the transportation to move from one place to another.

It also applies when you arranging transportation in the city.

Tips: go to www.rome2rio.com or Google Maps, put all your destination in it to see whether you commute efficiently. Going back and forth would impact your budget. Find a route where you can go around the clock or reverse. Do the linear route if you can find cheaper transportation for that (ex: arriving in Paris, departing from Munich; etc)

Also, daily pass or any kind of pass is not necessarily effective and efficient for me, so I usually check my itinerary through both site and see which one is a better deal for me: the transport pass, a deposit card or a one-way ticket)

5. Accommodation

Know how to go to one place between the destinations already, I usually find the accommodation first before arranging how I can commute in the city. Because you can’t find a way to get to your destination if you don’t know where to start, right?

Tips: Find a place in one or two station away from the center or central station. It makes you easier to commute (and cheaper). Also, reserving accommodation in advance will give you a better deal.

6. Itinerary

Finally, find some place you want to visit. Is it required an entrance fee? Do you need to book your place in advance? Or is it just a free park?

Plan your meals budget as well. In Europe, I usually prepare EUR 60 for a day just to eat, while in fact I don’t use that much. In Japan, I prepared JPY 2500 – JPY 3000 just for the meal.

What’s important too is prepare your budget for shopping, whether you’re using credit card or cash.

Tips: Remember, cash or credit card is just a payment method and not additional budget. Make sure you got all the money needed stored in your saving account, then pay with cash or credit card.

I personally spare EUR 100/JPY 10.000 or equivalent each day for meals, snacks and to buy souvenirs (exclude specific items I want to buy, and entrance fee for attractions)

7. Budget

If you already prepare the early 6 points I mentioned before, I think now you know how much budget you need :D

Tips: I would strongly suggest to to buy insurance and spare some money for urgent event. Because when you travel, you’ll never know what you might encounter.

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
After all the bustle occurred in the last couple of months, finally i can go back writing and spreading some good vibes. And now, i really want to share about my experience going to the hidden gem in South East Maluku: Kei Island.

Maybe some of us heard about this place already, because lots of people talking about this destination lately. I knew this place from three years ago. The story starts when a good friend of mine been placed in Tual to prepare a new route opening. And after around 7 months, she invited me over. She said i must be amazed with the view she saw everyday. I went there, just to prove her words right.

My first visit was fun! I had a staycation at Ohoiew resort and feel the softness of the sands in Ngurbloat Beach. But since i didn't bring a proper camera, I'm planning to go back here again even i don't know when.

Like an answered prayer, i had another opportunity to visit this beauty again in October 2017, along with all the digital influencers from Asia Pacific for business trip. So i want to share some places you should visit when you're coming to Kei Island in a proper pictures:

Bair Island

Known as the small version of Raja Ampat, Bair Island is a tropical island where there are two bays with mangrove vegetation and rock cliffs

credit: Jaejun Lee (@holdingwind)

credit: Jaejun Lee (@holdingwind)

credit: Jaejun Lee (@holdingwind)
credit: Jaejun lee (@holdingwind)
Sarah (@sclaudiamar)

Ohoidertawun

Located in Kei Kecil island, Ohoidertawun has the longest low tide every day, which can span up to 500 meters long compared to all beaches there

credit: Joshi Daniel (@joshidaniel)
credit: Jaejun lee (@holdingwind)
credit: Genta Masuda (@gnta)
Ngurbloat Beach

A stunning beach with the crystal clear sea, thousands of coconut trees lie off the coast with the most famous white "powdery" sands that extends up to 5 km. This is also a perfect place to see the sunset.
cotton candy sky
credit: Noah Stammbach (@zeebachi)
Trying to catch Milky Way

Ngurtafur Beach

Located in Warbal Island, Ngurtafur has a quite exotic nature beauty where the white sands spreads out to sea up to 2 kilometers and seven meters wide. It is also being established by WWF as breeding place for the rare species Penyu Belimbing called Tabob.

credit: Joshi Daniel (@joshidaniel)
a Fisherman on his way home
credit: Jaejun lee (@holdingwind)

And if you're lucky, you're gonna meet a bunch of Pelicans here.

Hawang Cave

Anyone who pay a visit to this cave will be indulged with the crystal clear blue water sourced from Evu water springs.

credit: Noah Stammbach (@zeebachi)
credit: Jaejun Lee (@holdingwind)

If you want to feel like you own the place, i suggest you to avoid visiting this place on weekend :)

Rainbow Village

This place wasn't in our original itinerary, but some of my friends want to visit this place to take a portrait of the locals. Rainbow Village was also a fun place to visit because of the happiness feeling occured after seeing colorful houses around.

Rainbow Village
Kids trying to catch some fishes
credit: Noah Stammbach (@zeebachi)
Hello!
Mr. Joshi and the locals

So, if you're planning to go to Kei Island, you may want to consider visiting these 6 places.

I strongly suggest to use a local land tour/land arrangement, as it's pretty hard (and obviously take longer time) to go from one place to another by yourself.

If you want to book a local land arrangement, you may want to check their instagram @keiislands_indonesia, or if you want to rent a car and explore them by yourself, you may want to check my very first driver during my first visit: Mr. Danny in +62 813 5437 5164 or text him via whatsapp in +62 822 3043 1802.

Have a good trip!
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
Older Posts

About me



A digital marketer who's keen to travel and expand her knowledge by learning new cultures

Adoring the amalgamation of food and traveling experience

Instagram

Blog Archive

  • ▼  2020 (1)
    • ▼  December (1)
      • A must visit destination in Munduk, Bali: Sacred W...
  • ►  2019 (1)
    • ►  November (1)
  • ►  2018 (1)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2017 (7)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  May (1)
    • ►  April (2)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  February (1)
  • ►  2016 (4)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (1)
Powered by Blogger.

Created with by ThemeXpose | Distributed By Gooyaabi Templates