Munduk Waterfall: Bali's spectacular jungle falls

Munduk Waterfall is spectacular. The power of the water as it thunders through the gap in the cliffs is incredible. The towering walls are covered in dense jungle which feels like something out of a movie scene.

If you’re feeling brave, you can take a shallow dip in the pool at the base. It’s not big enough to swim, but it’s perfect for cooling off.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Munduk Waterfall.

Munduk Waterfall in Bali

Munduk Waterfall (Air Terjun Munduk)

The walk to get there

Distance: 600m each way
Elevation gain:
70m
Difficulty:
Easy but not flat

From the small parking area, the walk heads down the concrete path and straight into dense foliage. Unlike many other waterfalls around Bali, the path doesn’t seem to get slippery, and even when damp, it felt easy.

The track is a mixture of sloped path and steps which make quick work of the descent, and the views out over the jungle are gorgeous.

The walk to Munduk Waterfall Bali

The falls are signposted, so you don’t need to worry about finding the right way and can just relax and enjoy the stroll.

You’ll pass a couple of houses with dogs that love to bark like mad as you get near, but they didn’t move from the house they were in, which is a relief - we’d passed through some villages where they stood directly blocking the path and snarl!

The condition of the path to Munduk Waterfall
Getting to Munduk Waterfall

After 400m you’ll come to the ticket booth and can pay the entry fee. Just beyond this there are toilets and somewhere to change if you need.

You’re then just 100m from the river which is very picturesque.

You’ll follow the water to the right for the next 50m, over the bamboo bridge which is nice and solid, and then you’ll arrive at the stony bank by the falls.

The first view of Munduk Falls in Bali

It’s a stunning sight and even though each time we visit has been in dry season, the flow has been dramatic.

When you’re heading back up to the car park after visiting the falls, it is mainly uphill, but it only takes 10-15 minutes.

The base of Munduk Waterfall in Bali

Swimming at Munduk Waterfall

Most people come to Munduk Falls just to take a look or maybe sit on the perfectly positioned rock, which is an amazing vantage point to stare up at the giant falls.

The force of Munduk Waterfall in Bali
Swimming at Munduk Waterfall

However, if you don’t mind getting utterly soaked by the spray, you can take a shallow dip in the pool. It’s a little rocky underfoot, but easy enough to wade in.

The water was actually not as cold as I was expecting, but that might be because I’d got really used to icy swimming in Sydney!

Swimming at Munduk Waterfall in Bali

Best time to visit Munduk Waterfall

As there are so many waterfalls in Munduk, it’s no surprise that it never seems to get busy here. Each time we’ve been, we’ve had the falls to ourselves for at least part of our visit - even though we’ve always visited in the middle of the day or afternoon.

When people do come, they tend to snap a few photos and move on very quickly. However, if you want to be sure to get it to yourself, then it’s best to come early morning.

In terms of photography, we always like visiting waterfalls on cloudy days, as it ensures you have even light and no shadows. Luckily, Munduk is known for its cooler, cloudier weather, especially in the afternoon!

How to get to Munduk Waterfall

Munduk Waterfall entrance fee

The entrance fee for Munduk is 20,000 IDR per person (around $1.40 USD) and 2,000 rupiah for parking. That’s the same price as when we first visited in 2018 which is pretty staggering!

At time of writing there wasn’t anyone collecting the parking fee, or anywhere to leave the cash, so you may or may not have to pay that.


Getting to Munduk Falls

Munduk Falls are located just off a tight corner on a steep and windy road, and the parking area can be easily missed.

It’s marked as “Munduk Waterfall Parking area” on Google Maps - you can find the location by clicking here. As you get close, keep an eye out because overshooting it is common. Although the parking area is small, it never seems to fill up. If you’re coming with a car rather than a scooter, you might want to park by the warung on the opposite side of the road as it’s pretty tight otherwise.

Munduk Waterfall is a five minute drive from Munduk or 35 minutes from Bedugul (where the lake temple is). It is roughly 1 hour 40 minutes away from Ubud and over two hours from Kuta, so we would only recommend it if you plan on seeing other local sights like Banyumala, Handara Gate and the water temple.

If you are staying locally, then the easiest way to get there is to hire a motorbike. Most bikes cost 50,000 - 70,000 IDR (about $3.50-5 USD) and the roads here are relatively quiet. However, this is not the best place to learn to ride a motorbike as the roads can be wet, steep and have sharp corners, which can be difficult unless you’re confident.

Alternatively you can hire a driver and visit several waterfalls in a day.