Visit north bali: Munduk Moding Plantation
One of the things that inspired me to start writing and sharing my experiences in Bali was discovering hidden, authentic, and diverse places - the ones not everyone talks about. I had a long list of saved places I was curious to visit, places that felt raw and real, away from the crowds.
About six months ago, my mum came to visit me in Bali. Naturally, I wanted to show her some of my favourite places I had found. She’s a lot like me - or maybe I’m like her. She loves nature, aromatic coffee, good service, and flavourful food. One place I knew I wanted to take her was Munduk.
Munduk
Munduk is one of Bali’s true treasures - still relatively undiscovered, especially by those who tend to stick to the beach towns. It’s perfect if you’re craving cooler temperatures, forest and jungle nature, and sweeping mountain views. The area is filled with coffee, cacao, and clove plantations, so driving through the roads is a multi-sensory experience - especially when everything’s in bloom. The scent of cloves, earth, and cool air is unforgettable.
In the area you will find loads of incredible yet quiet waterfalls, so if you are an outdoory person, definitely add Munduk to your itinerary.
The Story
It was January this year - peak rainy season - but since my mum was leaving in a few weeks, we didn’t have much time to plan around the weather. So we packed our bags and headed north no matter the weather forecast. We did the waterfall trekking and driving scooter so the mountains, so the next thing on our list was - get locally grown coffee.
I remembered hearing about a resort in the mountains with its own coffee plantation and roastery. The idea was simple: we’d drive up there, take a walk in the area, and buy some fresh beans that she could take back home.
That’s how we ended up at Munduk Moding Plantation (MMP).
We arrived in the rain and we were immediately greeted with umbrellas and offered a buggy lift to the Coffee Roastery and shop
Coffee in the Clouds
By the time we arrived at MMP, the rain was relentless. I felt big relieved that we are safe and sound and I was still getting used to driving a scooter.
We were immediately greeted by the Concierge who welcomed us with umbrellas and took us straight away on a buggy directly to the coffee store. First impressions - outstanding hospitality!
We didn’t mind the rain anymore as we found shelter inside the resort’s café and were immediately offered another warm welcome - along with an invitation to taste some of their freshly roasted coffee - it’s exactly what we came for.
We sat down and the baristas began telling us about their beans - hand-picked on the plantation, sun-dried, roasted right there on-site. As a coffee lover, I was fascinated by the stories, the smells, and understanding more about the processing.
We tried different brews - some fruity, others rich and chocolatey. The barista explained how the altitude of Munduk, the volcanic soil, and the slow-growing process gave the beans their unique profile. It felt like we were tasting the land itself. We got freshly roasted coffee beans - some for home, others for mum to take away back to Europe.
A Rainy Lunch to Remember
It was still rainy, so we couldn’t go back and so we made our way to MiMPi Restaurant within the resort, and stayed for lunch. Another amazing decision - we were wrapped in soft blankets and surrounded by misty hills, we were served warm hearty meals that still makes my tummy feel good. The service was outstanding, and the food was both elegant and comforting- felt like exactly what we needed in that moment.
After lunch, we took a quiet walk around the resort. The rain was just drizzling, and the air smelled like wet earth and nature. As we wandered through the gardens and past the infinity pool melting into the hills, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like to stay here for three or four days. I was taking photos and trying to memorize that moment. It was so peaceful and quiet. The kind of place where you could really rest and admire.
Curious to know more?
After that visit, I was so curious to find out more about MMP. I started reading their story on their official website and learned that this place was much more than a luxury resort. It was a vision brought to life by a Dutch couple who fell in love with the land back in 2007 which at the time was a five-hectare abandoned coffee plantation.
They met a local Balinese (at the time a hospitality graduate), Gede Uliadnyana, who shared his vision of a sustainable tourist resort that would benefit the local community, so they decided to work together and create a space that honours both the land and the people of Bali, and offer a deeply personal travel experience.
Today, whilst the owners are European, all the staff of more than 150 people are Balinese people.
What exactly does the resort offer?
Staying at Munduk Moding Plantation (MMP) is much more than just a luxurious getaway - it's a place to reconnect with nature, immerse in culture, and nurture your well-being. Here’s what you can expect:
The Rooms:
MMP offers a variety of beautifully designed suites and villas that combine traditional Balinese aesthetics with modern comforts. All rooms feature locally made furniture, luxurious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and eco-conscious amenities that reflect the resort’s sustainable philosophy.
The Facilities:
The Iconic Infinity Pool: One of the most photographed spits in the resort, it overlooks rolling hills and distant volcanoes. During our visit it was so beautiful the see the sky changing and the mystical clouds moving
Jungle Spa: Using locally sourced ingredients, the spa offers treatments rooted in Balinese healing traditions. Try the MMP Signature Massage or a coffee body scrub made from beans grown right on the plantation
Fine Dining Restaurant: Enjoy seasonal, organic dishes made with ingredients harvested from their own gardens. There’s also a casual dining option for lighter meals
Bamboo Gym & Yoga Hut: if you decide to stay only within the resort, but still want to get active, visit the mystical Yoga Hut or make the most of the bamboo-structured gym
Activities & Experiences:
MMP goes far beyond relaxation—it offers a thoughtfully curated selection of immersive, educational, and cultural activities. From exploring ancient temples to trekking through the lush rainforests of North Bali, the resort provides unique opportunities to connect with the island’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Sustainability:
What makes Munduk Moding Plantation special is its deep commitment to sustainability and community. From the start, the founders aimed to create a resort that gives back more than it takes.
MMP runs a variety of thoughtful initiatives: they compost organic waste, recycle wastewater to maintain their gardens, and source most of their produce locally. Their goal is to continually enhance the hotel's efficiency and minimize the environmental impact. Whilst the staff is committed to these initiatives, guests are encouraged to also participate - they can join sustainability workshops like making bamboo straws or learning how used cooking oil is transformed into eco-friendly soap.
But what truly stands out is their work with the local community. MMP offers free English classes and cultural activities to local children, who are encouraged to bring plastic waste as part of a creative waste education program. They also support local schools and scholarships, helping young students access better opportunities.
In a world where many resorts claim to be eco-conscious, MMP lives and breathes it! 🍃
Wanting to learn more, I reached out to the MMP to get a deeper understanding of their values - both in how they treat their guests and how they work with their staff and the surrounding community.
I Spoke to the Team at MMP – Here’s What They Shared:
What makes the Munduk Moding Plantation experience unique for your guests?
Imagine waking up surrounded by clouds drifting across lush hills, right in the heart of a working coffee plantation. Our guests don’t just stay here, they live in the rhythm of the plantation, from the scent of fresh coffee blossoms to the rustle of bamboo in the breeze, embracing a rare blend of nature, culture, and understated luxury.
What is something guests often say about their stay that makes you proud?
Guests often share how their stay was truly amazing, not only for the breathtaking surroundings and the many experiences they could enjoy but especially because of the genuine friendliness of our entire team. Their stories of connection and warmth are what make us proud every day.
I know you put a lot of emphasis on sustainability and social impact. What is the biggest role you’ve had in the local community?
MMP’s biggest role is acting as a hub that empowers, employs, educates, and uplifts the local community while protecting its cultural and environmental heritage.
❝
MMP and our coffee plantation are run by a 100% Balinese team. While we strive for top notch service, we elected to develop the resort sensitively in unison with the local villages and draw on international experts to help coach the team and train our trainers.
- Irene, Founder. MMP’s Official Website
For first-time visitors to North Bali, what would you personally recommend they see or do?
North Bali is a treasure trove of hidden gems. We recommend exploring the nearby waterfalls and serene lakes, letting the cool mountain air and unhurried pace of village life rejuvenate your spirit while discovering the authentic side of Bali.
How many days do you recommend staying at your resort for the best experience?
To truly slow down and embrace everything we offer, we recommend staying at least 2-3 nights. With so many activities to experience, from coffee tours to sunrise views, your time here can unfold naturally, letting you sink into the beauty of the plantation and the stillness around you.
What are the must-do experiences at your resort?
A must-do for every guest is our Coffee Plantation Tour.
It’s an immersive journey where you can learn about Bali’s coffee culture, from bean to cup, while walking through the plantation’s lush paths. It’s more than just a tour; it’s a sensory experience that connects you with the land you’re staying on.
-> In addition, MMP offers a unique opportunity to try Wild Luwak Coffee, which is ethically sourced, as the civets roam freely in their natural habitat and the cherries are collected after natural processing.
I’m always excited when I come across places that feel different - where every detail is crafted with intention and purpose!
Munduk Moding Plantation is one of those rare gems. Tucked away in a region untouched by mass tourism, it offers something truly special: the chance to reconnect with nature, experience heartfelt hospitality, and remember how it feels to fully slow down. It’s a place where you don’t just stay—you arrive, you breathe, and you feel.
If you're looking for an unforgettable stay in Bali, Munduk Moding Plantation is a destination worth experiencing!
💡 Want to turn your stay at MMP into a full experience?
