Tourists Can Experience Authentic Rural Life in New North Bali Destination
Bali, known worldwide for its scenic beaches and vibrant culture, is increasingly drawing tourists eager to connect deeply with nature and traditional ways of life. A new program in North Bali’s Munduk region is offering visitors just that—an immersive experience in rural living, agriculture, and the island’s unique natural environment.
A Retreat from the Digital World
As modern life becomes ever more dominated by technology and screens, many travelers are seeking destinations where they can disconnect and engage with the natural world. Bali, despite rapid modernization and widespread 5G connectivity, maintains strong ties to its cultural heritage and natural landscapes, especially in lesser-developed northern areas.
Munduk, a picturesque village in northern Bali, is gaining popularity for its cool climate, lush jungles, waterfalls, and traditional villages. Unlike Bali’s bustling southern tourist hubs, Munduk offers a tranquil atmosphere with minimal large-scale tourism development, making it ideal for travelers desiring an authentic rural experience.
The GeoAgro-Edu Tourism Program: Bridging Culture, Nature, and Education
In an innovative effort to promote sustainable tourism while strengthening local identity, students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) have collaborated with community leaders to launch the GeoAgro-Edu Tourism-Based Village Development program in Munduk.
This initiative, which began in July 2025 and will run through November 2025, aims to integrate tourism with local agriculture and education. The program is structured in stages, including preparation, on-the-ground implementation, and evaluation, with hopes to create a lasting impact.
Ni Luh Putu Sri Puja Astuti, Head of the PPK Ormawa Team at Undiksha FMIPA, shared the program’s goals: “Our long-term vision is to develop Munduk into an independent tourism village centered on nature and local culture education. We want to create a program that benefits community welfare and supports environmental sustainability.”
Exploring Munduk’s Natural and Cultural Riches
Munduk boasts spectacular natural attractions such as expansive plantations, numerous waterfalls, panoramic views of Mount Lesung, and the serene Lake Tamblingan. The area’s rich natural assets provide an ideal backdrop for educational tourism that encourages respect for the environment.
Alongside these natural wonders, Munduk retains a strong and vibrant local culture. The GeoAgro-Edu program hopes to amplify this cultural heritage while addressing challenges like limited promotion, insufficient supporting infrastructure, and the need for innovative tourism offerings.
Astuti expressed confidence in the region’s potential, envisioning Munduk as a model for other tourism villages across Bali and Indonesia. “With a holistic approach combining geography, agriculture, education, and tourism, Munduk can evolve into a distinctive, sustainable, and competitive destination,” he said.
Getting to Munduk and What to Expect
Munduk is accessible as a day trip from popular resort areas in southern and central Bali, including Ubud and Lovina Beach. However, given the area’s rich offerings and peaceful atmosphere, many visitors opt to stay overnight or longer in local accommodations that range from homely guesthouses to eco-friendly lodges—all supporting the local community.
Tourists visiting Munduk can enjoy guided tours of agricultural sites, waterfall explorations, cultural interactions, and educational programs that deepen understanding of Bali’s rural way of life. This blend of tourism and education offers a meaningful alternative to conventional beach vacations, fulfilling the growing global desire for sustainable and culturally immersive travel.
Looking Ahead
As the pilot program concludes in November 2025, evaluations will inform the creation of a comprehensive long-term strategy for Munduk’s tourism village development. The success of this initiative could inspire similar models across Bali and beyond, promoting sustainable tourism that honors both the environment and local communities.
In a world increasingly shaped by digital connectivity, Munduk offers an inviting escape—a place to breathe deeply, learn richly, and experience Bali’s authentic rural soul.
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