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
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 |
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 |
- 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
Where to go
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.
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 Waterfall |
Where to Eat
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 |
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.