Munduk Twin Lakes Jungle Hike, Tamblingan Canoe & Waterfall Tour Bali

Twin Lake View at Wanagiri

The day starts at the Twin Lake View viewpoint near Wanagiri village in the mountains of Buleleng. From here you see Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, two lakes that fill the ancient caldera of the Bedugul highlands and sit side by side, divided by a forested ridge. It is one of the best-known photo spots in North Bali.

The air here is noticeably cooler than on the coast, with mist rising in the early morning. Many people search for the best time to visit the twin lakes in Munduk; morning is best, before clouds and visitors build up. The viewpoint gives a quick sense of the landscape you will walk through for the rest of the tour.

Rainforest trek around Tamblingan Lake

From Bencingah Temple you begin a Munduk jungle hike, following a trail around the shore of Tamblingan Lake. The forest is rich with tall trees, ferns and birds, and your guide points out plants, the sounds of the forest and the way local people use the land. You receive a walking stick to help with roots and muddy sections.

The Tamblingan rainforest is a protected area and is regarded as sacred by many Balinese, so visitors walk quietly and respectfully. The trek is moderate, with gentle ups and downs. Comfortable shoes, water and a light rain layer make the walk pleasant, and the guide can adjust the pace to the group.

Canoe crossing and the hidden temples

A highlight is the traditional canoe ride across Tamblingan Lake, which takes about 30 minutes and is calm and quiet. On the far shore you reach Pura Dalem Tamblingan, an ancient temple hidden in the forest that few tourists visit, and the lakeside Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan, where local people make offerings to the goddess of the lake.

Visitors asking about a Tamblingan canoe tour usually want a peaceful alternative to busier lakes, and this is exactly that. Wear a sarong or modest clothing at the temples, listen to your guide's explanations and keep voices low. The reflection of the trees on the still water makes the crossing especially photogenic.

Banyumala Waterfall and a swim

After the temples and lake the tour continues by car to Banyumala, a pair of twin waterfalls that drop into a deep, clear natural pool. A short walk through the jungle brings you to the falls, where you can swim, take photographs or simply sit in the spray. The water is cool and refreshing after the trek.

The full Munduk twin lakes, canoe and waterfall tour lasts about five hours from the meeting point. Please bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes if you plan to swim, and secure shoes, as rocks near the water can be slippery. Guests who prefer a shorter programme can choose the hike-and-canoe option without the waterfall.

Getting to Munduk and choosing your option

Travellers often ask how to get to Munduk from Ubud, Seminyak or Kuta. The road climbs into the mountains and takes two to three hours each way, which is why most guests choose a tour with hotel transfer. Options exist for Central Bali, South, East and West Bali, and North Bali, and the tour then lasts six to eight hours.

If you are staying in the north, you can meet the guide in Munduk and save the transfer time. Pickup times are confirmed by our team after booking. The tour runs in light rain, but severe weather may lead to a reschedule, so check the forecast and dress in layers.