If you’ve spent any time in Canggu, you know it can be a bit hustle and bustle at times. But just a few minutes north, Munggu feels like Bali on a slower setting.
Think rice fields instead of beach clubs, sleepy warungs instead of traffic jams, and a local vibe that hasn’t gone full influencer yet.
Munggu isn’t trying to be the next big thing — and that’s exactly why it’s worth your time.
Where Is Munggu?
Munggu is located in Bali’s Badung Regency, north of Canggu. It lies between the villages of Seseh and Cemagi.
The village is a short 20-minute drive from Canggu Beach and about 45 minutes from Denpasar.
Munggu offers a quieter alternative to the busier tourist areas, yet remains close enough to explore the attractions of southern Bali.
Don’t confuse Munggu with Munggu Beach, which is right next to, and often confused with, Seseh Beach. This guide is all about Munggu village itself and the surroundings.
How To Get There
Taxi/ Ride-Hailing App – The best way to get there would be by a taxi hailing app such as Grab or Gojek, the price won’t break the bank, especially if you share with friends.
You could also ask your hotel to book you a taxi, or even hire a driver for the whole day. This would get around the issue of booking a taxi to return to your accommodation.
Motorbike/ Scooter rental – Although renting a scooter or motorbike to get there may be a tempting idea, as always, we recommend against this.
It’s unlikely you’ll be road legal, leaving you open to problems with the police and insurance issues, and the Balinese roads can be dangerous; don’t risk an accident.
How To Get Around Munggu
Walk – Munngu isn’t a big place, and it’s easy enough to walk around short distances, or long distances if you want. Obviously, it can get very hot during midday, and some distances are far to walk, such as Munggu Beach.
Taxi/ Ride-Hailing App – For longer distances, to escape the heat or if you’re unable to walk for some reason, it’s easy to find a Grab or Gojek in the area.
Bicycle – Some hotels, guesthouses and shops have bicycles to hire. This can be a nice way to explore the area.
Things To Do In And Around Munggu
The main attractions in Munggu are walking around, enjoying the sights and the sounds, and soaking up the local culture. And, of course, finding something nice to eat (we’ve listed a few restaurants just after this).
Some of the area has been recently designated as Munggu Tourism Village, with cultural activities for visitors to witness in such as the Meketok Ceremony. The area has recently seen a boom in coffee shops, restaurants and wellness centres, but the whole place has a serene feel to it, and it still feels like authentic Bali. Walk or cycle around and explore the back streets, rice fields and local markets.
There are a few specific places though, inside and just a little outside of the village, for you to discover.
Desa Wisata Munggu
Located near the centre of the village, this small traditional Balinese temple is worth checking out.
It doesn’t take longer than about 10 minutes to walk around the temple, but it’s a nice place to take photos and watch locals taking part in ceremonies.
The temple is surrounded by rice fields, and it’s very peaceful, the ideal spot just to relax and unwind, and while it’s never going to put the village on the map, it’s still a bit of a hidden gem.
Seseh Beach & Munggu Beach
If you’re looking to hit the beach then these two beaches, right next door to eachother, are great places to start.
The beaches here are quieter than the more well known beaches nearby, like Pererenan Beach and Echo Beach, but still popular spots for swimming and sunbathing, great for getting your surf on also. Like all beaches in Bali, they are of course bursting with natural beauty.
Best time to visit is in the morning before it’s too hot or busy, or in the evening when you can catch a beautiful sunset.
FINNS Beach Club
Well, while not in Munggu itself, FINNS Beach Club is only a stones throw away south along the beach front, and about a 30 minute journey by car from the village, so, if you’re feeling a bit lively after an adventure day out, why don’t you come and pay us a visit?
Tanah Lot
A little further north is Tanah Lot, one of the most iconic and famous temples in Bali. If you’re having a day out of exploring and havn’t been here before then it’s well worth the visit.
Where To Eat In Munggu
Munggu may not be that big, but, as is the case in all of Bali, there is no shortage of places to eat there. We went out in search of food, expecting to find mostly local warungs, but were surprised to find a mix of local and international food, something for every taste, just like in neighbouring Canggu.
Here are five places that stood out to us:
Babi Guling Jero Kawan
This is a traditional but modern local warung focusing on one of the most iconic dishes in Bali: Babi Guling.
Everything we tried here was exceptional, and we’d go as far to say it serves some of the best Babi Guling in all of Bali, now that’s quite a statement!
Where Is It? 94PJ+M4M, Jl. Raya Munggu No.6, Munggu, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
What The Crab
As the name makes obvious, this is a seafood restaurant with a focus on, you guessed it, crab!
The chili crab here is to die for, and everything else we tried was great. They served us with a smile, and also some fantastic cocktails. We’ll be visiting this one again.
Where Is It? Jl. By Pass Tanah Lot No.88, Munggu, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Sushi Key
There are several sushi joints in town, and all are decent, but we really liked this place.
It has a cool and casual setting, with seating inside and outside by the road. Everything we ordered came out very fast, no waiting around, and all tasted great.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Munggu-Kapal, Munggu, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Jay India Bali
This restaurant serves Indian, Chinese and fusion cuisine. We had the thali here which was great.
It’s a super chill setting, overlooking a rice field, and in the daytime some people were just chilling out with a smoothie, making the most of the free wifi and and working on their laptops.
Where Is It? Jl. Sahadewa I, Munggu, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, 80351 Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Kedai Roti Baked House
What a pleasant surpirse it was to find this Italian bakery and coffee house nestled amongst the rice fields.
One of the best bakeries around, Italian owned, they also serve fantastic wood fired pizza and do an excellent breakfast.
Where Is It? Jl. SPAM Penet, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, 80362 Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Where To Stay In Munggu
If you decide to stay the night, there are plenty of places to stay, all of different prices, styles and levels of luxury. In fact, between the village, the beach, and the neighbouring areas, you’re completely spoilt for choice.
Here are a few which we checked out close to the centre:
Victory Munggu
Situated in the heart, Victory Munggu is one of our favourite properties to stay with great facilities at some of the best prices.
Guests at Victory Munggu get their own wooden cain style villa with a front porches to sit on. There is a pool there, perfect for cooling off with some swimming, a deck for sunbathing, and the whole property is surrounded by rice fields.
Victory Munggu is right up there on the chill out scale.
Where Is It? Munggu, Mengwi, Badung Regency, 80351, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
37 Sunset Village
An exceptional hotel located in the central area of town. Here, guests are treated to their own, two story, Balinese style villa, each one over looking the pool, the rice fields, and the hotel garden.
Where Is It? 94GC+39G, Munggu, Mengwi, Badung Regency, 80351 Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
FAQs
What Is The Average Price Of A Beer In Munggu?
Expect to pay around 30,000 to 40,000 IDR for a cold Bintang at a local warung or small bar, slightly cheaper than Canggu, with less of a mark-up.
Some restaurants offer happy hour deals, and you’ll still find free Wi-Fi in many places if you’re sticking around for a few.
What Area In Bali Has The Most Stunning Natural Beauty?
That’s always up for debate, but Munggu and the surrounding area hold their own with lush greenery, peaceful rice fields, and views of breathtaking sunsets over the ocean.
You won’t find dramatic cliffs like Uluwatu or the crystal-clear waters of Nusa Dua, but what you do get is an untouched charm and a slower pace that many visitors fall in love with.
Does Munggu Have A Tranquil Atmosphere?
Absolutely, its tranquil atmosphere is one of its biggest draws.
It is quiet, calm, and feels a world away from the hustle of Seminyak or central Canggu — even though it’s only a short scooter ride up the road. And the surroundings are exceptional.
It’s ideal for those seeking a more laid-back escape without losing access to modern amenities.
We Have A Hire Car, Will My Hotel And The Attractions Have Free Parking?
Most of the accommodation will have free parking available, but it’s always best to check with them beforehand if you’re unsure.
Attractions in Bali vary as to whether they have free parking or not. Many have a small fee just for maintenance. It’s always best to keep some loose money in your car, in case you arrive somewhere that doesn’t have free parking.
Additionally, don’t become frustrated if somewhere doesn’t have free parking even after they said they did.
Can I Go Swimming In The Pool Or On The Beach At Night?
The rule on swimming in the pool at night are completely up to the owners and staff. If they say you cannot swim at night, then please don’t. You could you be kicked out of the hotel.
Additionally, NEVER go swimming in the sea at night, it’s very dangerous as their could be strong currents or stinging jellyfish which you can’t see, amongst other dangers.
Final Thoughts On Munggu
Munggu isn’t trying to be trendy, and that’s exactly why it works. You won’t find big hotel chains and hordes of tourists here; what you will find is space to breathe, friendly locals, green fields, and a genuine Bali vibe that’s getting harder to come by further south.
Whether you’re sunbathing or taking a swim on the nearby beaches, taking in the local culture from the village, or just soaking up the natural beauty from your villa garden, Munggu delivers. It’s a great location for solo travelers, couples or digital nomads seeking somewhere to slow down without being completely unplugging.
If you’re planning your next trip to Bali, don’t overlook Munggu. It might just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.
