An Unforgettable Experience with Munduk Moding Plantation
Munduk Moding Plantation isn’t just a luxury hotel, they promise their guests a full sensory and cultural experience to give you a deeper connection to nature and understanding of Balinese traditions. We went to find out exactly what the MMP experience is all about….
Set amongst hectares of coffee, fruit and spice trees, high up in the mountains of North Bali, Munduk Moding Plantation not only welcomes its guests with jaw dropping scenery, exemplary service and luxury accommodation, it’s also a working coffee plantation producing some of Bali’s best coffee for export. So as a coffee and nature lover I was excited about our visit to say the least!
Our journey there was just the start of an unforgettable experience. Being perched so high in the mountains, the area is fairly remote, far from the hustle of tourists on the south of the island – our drive took us through forests of green before making way to carpets of gold and blue as we passed the many flower plantations and eventually white rolling mists as we ascended into the clouds.
As soon as we arrived we were greeted with big friendly smiles from the reception team as they handed us a cup of freshly roasted Munduk Moding Ginger and Lemongrass Coffee. Whilst this sounds like a very strange (and to be honest not very appetising) drink it was actually one of the best coffees I’ve tasted, dark and spicy but with a very refreshing zing and definitely something I’d recommend trying!
Our villa blew us away with its floor to ceiling windows on all sides giving us vast views down the forested valley to the Bali Sea and Javanese mountains. And because each villa at Munduk Moding Plantation is located in its own secluded section of the plantation we had complete privacy. The huge en-suite bathroom came fully stocked with beautifully scented toiletries and a large stone bath as well as in-door and out-door showers. We were even given a mobile phone, preloaded with numbers for management and the restaurant meaning that there was always help or service on hand no matter where on the plantation we were.
Once we’d settled our bags down, explored our private garden and gotten over our general amazement of the villa we headed over to the restaurant for lunch. I think it was at this point I started to genuinely feel like I might have died and gone to heaven. The restaurant’s Skylounge overlooks the world famous infinity pool which floats seamlessly between the forest and the sky. Because of its high location and the constantly changing scenery there’s an ethereal atmosphere as the clouds part to reveal vast forests valleys and volcanoes in the distance, accompanied by a chorus of tropical birds.
There aren’t many restaurants in the area so eating at the MMP restaurant is really the only viable option. So it’s just as well then that just about every kind of food is on offer, whether you’re on a vegan or specialised diet, want to try out traditional Indonesian food or prefer a western meal you’re bound to find something delicious to eat, especially as most of the food served comes directly from their gardens or local farms. A huge three course breakfast, included in the price, is served by the pool and gardens and will keep you going no matter what you’ve got planned for the day.
Each day there’s a schedule of complementary cultural and craft activities to get involved in and we really loved these – watching the local children learn Balinese Dancing, learning how to make Canang Sari (offerings) and wear traditional Balinese attire were great introductions to the culture of the area - you can even learn how to roast coffee or make your own reusable eco friendly bamboo straw!. MMP also offer a free shuttle service to some of the most beautiful locations in the area, waterfalls, lakes and temples are all waiting to be explored.
We started our first full day with a sunrise bird watching tour with Putu. Taking us around the plantation grounds Putu showed us the vegetable, spice and fruit gardens and led us into the forest teaching us all about how the coffee is grown and harvested, helped us to identify the different bird calls and other animals that live in the forest. It was an incredible start to an unforgettable day.
One of the things we loved most about our stay at MMP was the incredible personal touches and attention to detail, both in our room and from all the hotel staff. A personal welcome letter from the management was waiting in our room, staff greeted us by our names each time they saw us and were always happy to chat, teach us a few Balinese words or help us with our Bahasa (Indonesian). The nightly turndown service was another special little touch we haven’t experienced anywhere else – each night the staff would come to our room with a small box of chocolate and Balinese or Indonesian fairy tale, close our curtains and make sure that we had everything we needed for a peaceful night’s sleep.
We also loved the ethical ethos of MMP, with almost zero plastics and minimal impact to the natural environment. But it’s not just an environmentally sustainable place to stay, the hotel also sources all products and services from local people and reinvests into the community offering scholarships through The Munduk Foundation. Staff at MMP seem genuinely happy and looked after, perhaps because they receive a fair wage and additional benefits. Don’t just take our word for it though, watch our video to find out more or better yet, book your experience in heaven here
The Highs
:) The personal touches and friendly staff
:) Jaw Dropping Scenery from every direction – the award winning infinity pool is literally heaven on earth
:) Freshly roasted local coffee on tap, each cup has a unique flavour and there’s plenty of varieties to choose from!
:) Delicious locally sourced food at the MiMPi Restaurant
:) Lots of in house activities included with your stay and free shuttle service to some of the most beautiful areas of North Bali
:) Excellent value for money - High End Luxury Accommodation at a reasonable cost, with breakfast, afternoon tea and activities included
:) 100% Guilt Free - Environmentally friendly, plastic free and benefits the local community
The Lows
:( The infinity pool is constantly being photographed by guests making it hard to relax or enjoy a swim (though private infinity pool villas are available and a new infinity pool is being built)
:( Very few dining options nearby due to remote location
:( You won’t want to leave
Getting There –Taxi is the only feasible way to get to MMP due to the lack of public transport on the island and the remote location. As the journey from the airport, Kuta or Ubud areas will take around 3 hours we recommend hiring a driver for the day. Expect to pay around 350,000 – 400,000 IDR for a taxi, however hiring a driver for the day will most likely cost around 500,000 – 600,000 IDR and will give you the freedom to experience the stunning central and north Bali landscapes along the way.
What to Pack –Pack for all weathers, the high location means that evenings can be chilly and mid-afternoon rain showers are always a possibility. Bring a jumper or hoodie, raincoat, swimwear and some good walking shoes for trekking, oh and don’t forget your camera (obviously!). Eco-friendly toiletries, natural mosquito repellent, umbrellas, slippers and dressing gowns will all be available in your room.
How to Book – Prices start from £173 for 2 people and includes breakfast, afternoon tea, daily scheduled activities and local shuttle service. Room options range from luxury Garden Suites, Villas and Pool Villas which come complete with a personal butler service and private infinity pool and jacuzzi!
Want an exclusive gift when you book? Just send your booking enquiry through our website at www.ethicalholiday.com/view/munduk-moding-plantation/ for a free 1 hour spa treatment of your choice during your stay