8 Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss on the Drive from Canggu to Munduk

If you’re planning a trip from Canggu to Munduk, get ready for one of the most scenic and refreshing inland routes in Bali. While most travelers focus on busy beaches or central attractions, the journey between these two destinations hides countless treasures—quiet temples, mountain viewpoints, lakeside spots, and waterfalls that many visitors never even hear about.

This route is perfect for travelers who want more than just a transfer. Whether you’re driving with a private driver, exploring with friends, or taking a slow road trip, the road from Canggu to Munduk offers a chance to witness the true charm of Bali beyond the crowded tourist areas.

From peaceful jungle corners to picture-perfect gates, from refreshing waterfalls to iconic lakes, this journey is full of secret gems worth stopping for. Many of these places are located directly along the main road, making them easy to visit without taking long detours.

In this guide, we highlight 8 hidden gems you shouldn’t miss on your drive from Canggu to Munduk—beautiful, underrated, and absolutely worth the stop. Whether you love photography, nature, or simply want to see a different side of Bali, these spots will turn your regular transfer into an unforgettable experience.

Ready to explore the best hidden gems on the way to Munduk?
Let’s begin your scenic journey.

1. Batu Karu Temple

Batu Karu Temple, also known as Pura Luhur Batukaru, is one of Bali’s most peaceful and spiritually significant temples, located on the lush southern slopes of Mount Batukaru. Unlike the island’s more crowded temples, this sacred site offers a calm, almost mystical atmosphere surrounded by dense rainforest, cool mountain air, and natural springs that have flowed for centuries. Travelers who stop here during the drive toward Munduk often describe it as one of the most serene moments of their entire Bali trip.

The temple is dedicated to the guardian spirit of Mount Batukaru and plays an important role in Bali’s traditional spiritual structure. Its quiet pathways, moss-covered shrines, and ancient stone architecture create a setting that feels timeless and deeply connected to nature. The surrounding forest adds an untouched, meditative ambience, making Batu Karu Temple ideal for travelers seeking reflection, culture, and a break from Bali’s busy tourist areas.

Visitors should dress respectfully, as this temple is still actively used for ceremonies by local communities. Because it’s located away from major tourist hubs, Batu Karu Temple remains a hidden gem—authentic, spiritual, and perfect for anyone wanting to experience Bali at its most genuine and peaceful.

2. Alas Kedaton

Alas Kedaton is one of Bali’s most unique nature and cultural attractions, offering a peaceful escape from the island’s busier tourist areas. Located in the middle of a lush, green forest in Tabanan, this sacred sanctuary is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques that freely roam the temple grounds. Unlike other monkey forests in Bali, Alas Kedaton feels quieter, calmer, and less commercial, giving visitors a more authentic experience.

The temple itself—Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton—stands gracefully in the heart of the forest, surrounded by tall trees and a mystical atmosphere that’s perfect for slow exploration and photography. What makes this place special is its balanced blend of nature, culture, and wildlife. Travelers can walk along shaded paths, observe the playful monkeys, and admire ancient temple architecture without feeling crowded.

Alas Kedaton is also known for its friendly local community, who help maintain the sanctuary and guide visitors respectfully. Whether you’re stopping on your way from Canggu to Munduk or planning a short cultural detour, this hidden gem offers a refreshing break that captures the quieter beauty of Bali.

3. Subak Cofee Platation

Subak Coffee Plantation in Baturiti is one of Bali’s quiet countryside gems, offering travelers a peaceful stop surrounded by fresh mountain air and lush green landscapes. Located along the scenic highland route toward Munduk, this plantation gives visitors a chance to experience Bali’s traditional farming culture while enjoying some of the island’s finest locally grown coffee.

What makes Subak Coffee Plantation special is its calm, authentic atmosphere. Unlike crowded tourist spots, you can walk through coffee gardens, learn about the planting and harvesting process, and see how beans are roasted using simple, traditional methods. Friendly local staff often guide guests through short tours, explaining the differences between Arabica, Robusta, and Bali’s signature blends.

After the tour, visitors can relax in an open-air tasting area overlooking rice fields and forested hills. Here, you can sample a variety of coffees, herbal teas, and chocolate drinks—all freshly prepared. For anyone driving from Canggu to Munduk, this plantation is a refreshing and culturally rich stop worth adding to your journey.

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4. Rice Terace Jatiluwih

Jatiluwih Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s most breathtaking landscapes, offering a sweeping panorama of layered rice fields that stretch across the cool highlands of Tabanan. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast area represents the island’s ancient Subak irrigation system—an ingenious, community-based method that has sustained Balinese agriculture for centuries.

Unlike the more crowded terraces around Ubud, Jatiluwih feels peaceful, authentic, and incredibly spacious. The air is cooler, the views are wider, and the atmosphere invites visitors to slow down and appreciate Bali’s natural beauty. Travelers can enjoy easy walking paths that weave between the paddies, allowing you to experience the rhythm of local farming life up close.

Cycling is also popular here, offering a relaxing way to explore the terraces while enjoying the fresh mountain breeze. Whether you come for photography, nature, or cultural insight, Jatiluwih offers a rare combination of scenic beauty and deep tradition—making it one of Bali’s most unforgettable destinations.

5. Eka Jaya Botanical Garden

Eka Jaya Botanical Garden—also known as the Bali Botanical Garden—is one of the most refreshing hidden gems you can visit on the way from Canggu to Munduk. Located in the cool highlands of Bedugul, this 157-hectare garden offers a peaceful retreat far from Bali’s crowded tourist areas. The air is crisp, the atmosphere is quiet, and the scenery is filled with lush forest, colorful flowers, and towering tropical trees.

Many travelers stop here to enjoy a relaxing walk, take family photos, or simply escape the heat of the lowlands. The garden features unique collections of orchids, cactus houses, bamboo forests, medicinal plants, and wide open lawns perfect for picnics. It’s also one of the best places to experience Bali’s natural biodiversity without hiking deep into the jungle.

Whether you’re traveling with a private driver or exploring the island on a road trip, Eka Jaya Botanical Garden is an ideal stop for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a calm, refreshing break during the journey to Munduk.

6. Ulun Danu Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its serene beauty and its unique position floating on the calm waters of Lake Beratan. Located in the cool highlands of Bedugul, this picturesque water temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes, rivers, and fertility—making it an important spiritual site for Balinese Hindus.

What makes Ulun Danu Temple truly special is the magical atmosphere that surrounds it. Mist often drifts across the lake in the early morning, creating a peaceful, almost dreamlike scene that feels worlds away from Bali’s busy tourist centers. The reflection of the temple on the still water, combined with the surrounding mountains, makes it a perfect spot for photography lovers and nature seekers.

Visitors can stroll through lush gardens, enjoy the refreshing mountain climate, and explore the complex’s beautiful shrines and pagodas. Whether you’re stopping during a road trip to Munduk or spending a day in Bedugul, Ulun Danu Temple is a must-see attraction that captures Bali’s spiritual charm and natural beauty in one unforgettable location

7. Restourant Pacung

Restaurant Pacung is one of the most relaxing dining spots you’ll find along the highland route of Bali. Surrounded by cool mountain air and sweeping views of Pacung’s rice terraces, this restaurant offers a peaceful break for travelers heading toward Bedugul or Munduk. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a warm meal while looking out at misty hills, deep valleys, and green landscapes that stretch far into the distance.

Many visitors stop here not only for the food, but also for the atmosphere. The open-air setting makes it easy to unwind, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali’s countryside. Whether you want a quick coffee, a local Indonesian dish, or simply a scenic rest stop, Restaurant Pacung delivers a calm and refreshing experience. It’s the perfect spot to recharge before continuing your journey through North Bali.

8. Twin Lake View Buyan & Tamblingan

Twin Lake View—overlooking Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan—is one of the most breathtaking highland viewpoints you can enjoy on your journey to Munduk. Located in the cool mountains of North Bali, this panoramic spot offers a dramatic view of two volcanic lakes separated by a lush rainforest ridge. The atmosphere is peaceful, the air is crisp, and the scenery feels untouched compared to Bali’s busier tourist areas.

Travelers often stop here for photos, drone shots, or a quick break while enjoying local coffee from small roadside cafés. The viewpoint is especially magical in the early morning, when soft mist floats across the water and sunlight reveals the deep green valleys below. It’s also a great introduction to the natural beauty surrounding Munduk, with its waterfalls, jungles, and serene mountain roads.

Whether you’re road-tripping or using a private transfer, Twin Lake View is a must-see stop for anyone who loves nature, fresh air, and stunning landscapes.

Exploring all these hidden gems along the journey makes your trip even more memorable, whether you’re chasing mountain views, discovering cultural landmarks, or enjoying peaceful nature spots that many travelers overlook. Each stop adds a special touch to your adventure and shows a different side of Bali’s natural beauty and local charm.

If you want the smoothest and most comfortable way to enjoy this route, choosing a Transfer from Bali Airport to Munduk is the perfect option. With a flexible schedule, scenic stops, and stress-free travel, your journey becomes more than just transportation—it becomes part of the experience itself.

Enjoy the ride, explore freely, and make the most of every moment on your way to Munduk.

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