A Night at Munduk Moding: An Eco-Luxe Hotel With One of Bali’s Best Infinity Pools

/ Yale Wanders

A REVIEW OF THE BEST HOTEL IN MUNDUK

Munduk, a part of Bali that instantly visually cues flowing waterfalls, lush, green rice terraces, mountainous peaks, holy temples and beautiful vistas at every turn.

Planning my first visit to Bali, I knew I had to make it to Munduk. There were things I wanted to see in the region, and I knew it was home to the insta-famous hotel, Munduk Moding.

More than just an infinity pool with epic views, Munduk Moding is the only boutique hotel in Bali located on a working coffee plantation. The hotel produces its own speciality coffees, which it sends guests home with, but the eco-efforts don’t stop there.

Situated 1,000 metres above sea level, the hotel also harvests its own spices, fruit and vegetables.

Founded by a Dutch family, who fell in love with the region, the plantation was created to protect the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Take the team, as an example, which is made up of 100 percent Balinese staff with impeccable attention to detail.

Nestled in vibrant gardens with views of Bali’s mountains, the villas are the ultimate way to escape the hustle of Bali’s more trafficked bits- like Ubud and Canggu.

I left Munduk Moding wishing I had a few more days to spend there. There’s no question anyone would find the gorgeous property inviting.

But with a staff so warm and inviting, and a roster of guest activities that changes daily, it’s easy to imagine spending a few days, if not a full week at the property feeling fully entertained and relaxed.

During my stay, I joined a plantation walk, coffee roasting and tasting, and a seriously zen yoga class.

Every afternoon, there’s tea and coffee with homemade Balinese cakes by the pool, and at night, it’s not unusual for a movie to be screened.

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If you want to see more of the Munduk region, they also can help coordinate a driver to talk you around for the day, or you can use their hotel shuttle to visit key locations at designated times.

In my view, hiring a driver to leave from the hotel has to be one of the biggest benefits to staying there. The location in the mountains of Munduk means you’re in the centre of the region’s top attractions.

If you need help planning an itinerary, the staff are there to help. My top picks for what to see and do in the region?

  • Top notch photography spots: Handara in Bedgul (Insta-famous golf gates), Wanagiri Hidden Hill (stunning swings and art installations), and the Twin Lake lookout
  • Serene, breathtaking waterfalls: Munduk, Banyumala, Git Git, Sekumpul
  • One of Bali’s holiest temples: Pura Ulun Dan Beratan
  • Lush rice terraces: Jatiluwih Rice Field
  • And, if you haven’t tried much Asian fruit, ask your driver to stop at the Pasar Merta Sari Candi Kuning fruit market. You’ll need to haggle on price, but you’ll find just about every fruit native to Bali and Indonesia for the trying

In addition to daily activities and a stunning pool, the hotel also boasts a beautiful jacuzzi, bamboo spa, functional fitness centre, tennis court, horse riding arrangements and sky lounge.

During my stay, I was also pleasantly surprised by the onsite cafe, and restaurant, MiMPi. Serving food with fresh ingredients from the hotel’s vegetable gardens, it’s absolutely delicious, and in my opinion, reasonably priced for luxury accomodation.

The restaurant has upstairs and downstairs seating, I loved savouring breakfast upstairs while watching the rising sun. And, in the evenings, dinner downstairs with the night sky reflecting off the infinity pool surface was magic.

Best yet, the hotel is part of a partnership, the Munduk foundation, to preserve the region’s natural environment, in unison with the local community.

And, the villas themselves certainly don’t leave anything to be desired.

I stayed in the most affordable option- a double, and couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. The bed, is huge and comfortable with a mosquito net to protect you if you decide to sleep with the doors open to breathe in that fresh, mountain air.

Round the back of the bed, you’ll find a bathtub, two sinks (his and hers), toilet, and pseudo-outdoor shower. I say pesudo-outdoor, because the skylight above it is enough to trick anyone at first glance into believing they’re actually showering outdoors.

The towels and robes are fluffy, and I found the Balinese soaps provided to be quite lovely.

The great room features don’t stop there. Upon arrival in reception, you’ll be greeted with a welcome coffee drink and a lei. And, in your room, a tray of fresh fruit awaits.

Tip: Nibble this delicious fruit outside, while lounging on your private balcony. Mine overlooked the mountains, with the sea in the distance. Absolute magic early morning.

In the evenings, the hotel offers a turn-down service, which felt personal (to Bali) and beautiful. A homemade chocolate and story about the nearby area, rolled into a scroll, were left on my pillow for me to discover after dinner.

At this point, you may be wondering, okay, this sounds incredible, but what about cost? 

Munduk Moding is the perfect place to treat yourself to a luxurious stay for a fraction of what it’d cost to do so in other countries or destinations around the world.

Generally, Double rooms are available from US$170 (£126) in low season; and from US$199 (£148) in high. Breakfast is included in your stay, and the menu is quite lovely.

When I stayed, I booked last minute- only a few days before my stay and scored a great deal. Less than £110 for a one night stay at the start of Bali’s high season. Be sure to scour booking sites, like Agoda and Booking.com for discounts.

When I left to head to Ubud after one night, I was genuinely disappointed I couldn’t stay longer. Even if you’ve only got a few days to spare, as part of your Bali holiday, I’d recommend heading up to this region to experience what it has to offer.

Although it may require a bit more time spent travelling in a car to reach than other parts of Bali (from the airport), it’s worth the journey.

And, the plantation is happy to help arrange a driver for transport to/from wherever you’re heading. A stay with them is truly seamless, from end to end.

Have you ever stayed somewhere that completely knocked your socks off, and inspired you to recommend it to everyone you knew visiting the area? Would you stay at Munduk Moding, the best hotel in Munduk? 

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