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.
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| 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.
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| entrance |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
