Sometimes the best way to experience Bali is to head away from the crowds, and last weekend I did just that.
Living in South Bali, it’s easy to fall into a familiar rhythm of beach clubs, sunset cocktails, and lining up for whatever restaurant is trending that week. As a city boy, I love it! But every now and then I find myself wanting the opposite. Something slower and just overall more grounded in nature.
And North Bali is where you go when you want to be isolated (in the best way) from the crowds. That’s what led me to spend a weekend at Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort. Tucked into the highlands of North Bali, this resort promised exactly the kind of quiet reset I had in mind.
Here’s what my weekend there looked like…
Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort at a glance
Best for: Slow travel, peaceful escapes, and nature-immersive experiences in North Bali.
Book here if: You want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Bali experience that feels grounded, restorative, and naturally luxurious.
Rates: Starting from IDR 2,300,000++ per night
Highlights:
– Nature and cultural activities in Bali’s highlands
– Working coffee plantation experiences
– Infinity pool with panoramic views
First, my home in the highlands: The Luxury Suite
The first thing I noticed when I stepped in was the bed. Draped in a canopy with plush linens, it immediately made me want to dive in. But of course, I had the rest of the resort to explore first.
The entire suite felt warm and welcoming without being overly polished. Think lots of wood, soft tones, and more than enough space to properly settle in. There’s a little lounge corner where I ended up spending most of my time, and easing into the morning with a cup of coffee here felt pretty dreamy. Oh, and this isn’t the usual sachet you’ll find in many resorts. The coffee provided is freshly produced from the active plantation surrounding the property. Safe to say, I was in coffee heaven!
For me, this suite hit the sweet spot, ideal if you’re travelling solo or as a couple and want somewhere peaceful to recharge. But if you’re the type who likes going all in, their one- and two-bedroom villas with private pools are worth checking out too. Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort also offers five-bedroom villas for larger families or groups, making it easy to host a shared escape without losing that sense of tranquility.
Coffee Plantation Tour & Munduk Coffee Experience
One of the highlights of staying here was getting to step outside the suite and straight into the plantation itself. I joined the guided walk through the coffee trees, and instead of just hearing about the process, I was standing right where it all happens. Seeing how the beans are grown, harvested, and handled along the way gave me a whole new appreciation for something I drink every day (shout if you also can’t function without coffee!).
What I enjoyed most was knowing this wasn’t staged for guests, this is an actual working plantation, and depending on the season you might even catch parts of the processing in motion. The session wrapped up with a tasting, which really sealed it for me. Sampling different brews while overlooking the surrounding greenery felt like a full circle moment.
Local tip: Their wild Luwak coffee is exceptionally smooth with nutty undertones. Definitely bring some home, either to enjoy yourself or as a thoughtful gift from your trip.
Now let’s talk about the infinity pool…
Of course, I can’t talk about this stay without mentioning the award-winning infinity pool. From up here, you’re looking out across layers of rainforest, rolling mountains, and all the way toward the Bali Sea. There’s something about floating there while the cool mountain air rolls through that makes you slow down. And if you want to relax even further, there’s also a heated jacuzzi nearby that’s perfect for easing into the evening.
I ended up visiting twice, once in the morning and again just before sunset. Both had that same relaxing cool mountain air, but watching the sky change colours later in the day definitely hits different. Sunsets in Munduk are always a good idea!
Heading home, I realised this weekend gave me exactly what I was hoping for: a slower pace and a proper break from the usual routine. Between the local experiences and the natural luxuries all around, Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort delivered just the change of scenery I was after.
If you’re looking to experience Bali beyond its usual southern buzz, this resort is your cue to head north.
Address: Desa Gobleg, Buleleng, Bali
Phone: +62 368 2080 123
Email: sales@mundukmodingplantation.com