Wanagiri Hidden Hills are a bunch of photography spots on a ridge overlooking Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan. There are many vendors on the side of the road that have lots of different structures like birds’ nests, swings, treehouses, boats etc built on the ridge where you can pay some money to click pictures. This guide has all the information needed for a successful trip to Wanagiri Hidden Hill.
Where is Wanagiri Hidden Hills?
Wanagiri Hidden Hills is located in the village of Munduk, which is 2 hours to the north of Ubud or 1 hour south of Lovina. You can find the exact location on Google Maps.
How to Get to Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Scooter
If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, this can be a fun and affordable way to get to Wanagiri Hidden Hills. You can rent a scooter from various rental shops in Bali for around IDR 60,000 – IDR 80,000 per day (approximately USD 4 – USD 6). Be sure to wear a helmet, and make sure your scooter is in good condition before you hit the road.
Local taxi
Taxis are widely available in Bali, and you can easily hire one to take you to Wanagiri Hidden Hills. Gojek and Grab are two apps that are like Ubers for Bali. They can easily take you to Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
Rent a car
Renting a car can be a comfortable and convenient option, especially if you’re traveling with a group. You can rent a car for around IDR 800,000 – IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 55 – USD 85) for a full day. This will include pick up and drop off at your accommodation.
Directions to Wanagiri Hidden Hills
From Ubud
- Head northwest from Ubud center toward Jl. Raya Andong.
- Continue on Jl. Raya Andong until you reach Jl. Raya Payangan.
- Turn left onto Jl. Raya Payangan and continue driving north.
- You will pass through the village of Kedisan and reach Lake Batur. Continue driving alongside Lake Batur.
- Keep driving north and you will pass by Lake Buyan.
- Shortly after Lake Buyan, you will reach the area of Wanagiri. Look for signs indicating “Wanagiri Hidden Hills.”
From Lovina
- Leave Lovina and head south on the main road (Jl. Raya Seririt – Singaraja) toward Bedugul.
- Continue driving south through Bedugul and pass by the Bali Botanic Garden.
- After the Botanic Garden, you will reach Lake Buyan. Continue driving along the lakeside road.
- Keep going south, and you will see signs pointing to Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
Best Time to Visit Wanagiri Hidden Hills
The best time to visit here is during the dry season from April to October. If you visit in the monsoon season you will find that the lake might sometimes be covered in mist or it will be raining when you go to get your photos clicked.
Entry Fee and Timings
Each of the vendors on Wanagiri Hidden Hills have their own entrance fees. I paid IDR 50,000 for one of the smaller places. I have heard people say they paid anywhere from IDR 20,000 to IDR 150,000. Each place has their own photo structures so it depends where you want to go.
Things to Carry to Wanagiri Hidden Hills
- Camera: of Course if you are going to a photography spot you want to take your camera with you.
- Sunscreen: Bali sun is brutal during the day so take your sunscreen with you wherever you go.
- Clothes: you can take your own dress to change into or you can rent one of the long dresses at the location.
- Water: it’s very easy to get dehydrated while riding the scooter or exploring in Bali because you sweat so much.
- Snacks: Munduk has some warungs but I always carry snacks in case I don’t find a suitable place to eat.
- Cash: you will need cash to pay the entrance fee at all locations and even to buy food and water.
Experience at Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Once you turn on the road to Wanagiri Hidden Hills you will find lots of vendors standing on the road trying to usher you in into their location. Each location has different photo opportunities. They usually have some combination of a swing, bird’s nest and some structure made of bamboo. Some even have a boat head and a treehouse.
Once you get to whichever vendor you like you pay them the admission fees. The fee allows you to spend as much time inside and take as many photos as you want. You will likely spend around an hour here because everyone is waiting in line to get the same photo.
Most vendors also have long dresses you can rent at extra cost. You might want to wear something under your clothes so you can quickly change in and out of these dresses.
The road at Wanagiri Hidden Hills has no charge so you can come here to see the views but you probably won’t find the quiet views you were looking for. I would recommend doing this when you are doing the Munduk Waterfalls and Handara Gate.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills FAQs
Is it worth visiting Wanagiri Hidden Hills in 2023?
No, I don’t believe this place is worth it anymore. The vendors are charging very high fees for just a couple of photos and the entire place is packed with tourists during the dry season. It makes no sense to me to go to Wanagiri Hidden Hills all the way for a couple photos and lots of crowd.
What is the best time to visit Wanagiri Hidden Hills?
The best time to visit Wanagiri Hidden Hills is during the dry season, from April to October. The weather is great, with blue skies and minimal rainfall, otherwise it will be misty on the lake.
How much does it cost to visit Wanagiri Hidden Hills?
The entry fee for Wanagiri Hidden Hills is between IDR 20,000 to IDR 150,000 depending on which vendor you want to take photos with.
Which temple is in the middle of the lake in Bali?
Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple is located in the middle of Lake Tamblingan. This is the same lake that is visible from Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
Places to Stay Near Munduk
Luxury Hotel: Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas
This is a beautiful property in Munduk with lots of tree houses like villas in the forest. They have an amazing pool, restaurant and bar which has views of the beautiful forest. Their rooms have a lot of open space and a 180 degree view of the forest around. They have Asian, continental and local breakfast which is delicious. It’s the perfect place to stay while you are exploring Munduk and the area around here.
- Price: From $250.
- Booking.com link
Mid-Level Hotel: Sanak Retreat Bali
This is a gorgeous property in the middle of the rice fields with a meditation and yoga deck where you can chill and relax. Their wooden bungalows are huge and beautiful with open balconies and terraces. They also have a library and spa where you can take tea. Not only this their property has lots of options for dinner places, hiking, cycling, a pool and much more to make your stay special.
- Price: From $140.
- Booking.com link
Budget Hotel: Bali Bening
This is a comfortable and pretty property near Munduk. They have clean rooms and great service. You will love to come back here after a day of exploring Mundul and relax. Their food is also great and has lots of options. This is a great choice for budget conscious travelers in Munduk.
- Price: From $30.
- Booking.com link
Things To Do Near Munduk
Handara Gate
Handara Gate is a traditional Balinese gate with lots of carvings and a drop dead background of Mount Agung. It is the entryway to Handara Golf Resort. Lots of people come here everyday to capture pictures and it tends to get very busy in the morning. If you like finding interesting places to take pictures then you will love this spot.
Buyan Lake is one of the three interconnected lakes in the region. It is situated in the hills around Munduk. This tranquil lake has a great view of the surrounding mountains. It is a place far away from the tourists in Bali. You can soak in the views, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and allow yourself to slow down and enjoy nature.
Munduk Waterfall Trek
The Munduk Waterfall trek is a 5 hour adventure that takes you through the Munduk valley and to 4 different waterfalls. It is a great hike for those that love the outdoors and exploring the wilderness. The hike is a strenuous one so you’ll get some great endorphins. The waterfalls are also amazing and you can cool in the pools there.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty of Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. This waterfall deep in the lush Munduk rainforest will take your breath away. The waterfall is very pretty and perfect for photography. There are 4 waterfalls in this valley and you can see all 4 for the price of one.
Tour Options in Munduk
Lake Bratan, Handara Gate, Waterfall & Swing
Begin your adventure with a visit to the stunning Lake Bratan, known for its iconic floating temple, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Next, visit the famous Handara Gate and click the perfect Instagram-worthy shots against the backdrop of the forest. Continue your journey with a visit to the Banyumala Waterfalls and finish the tour at Wanagiri Hidden Hills in the evening.
Sunrise Tour with Dolphins, Waterfall & Temple
Rise before dawn and set sail on a boat to catch a glimpse of dolphins in the waters off Lovina Beach. From there continue your tour to explore Gitgit Waterfall with an amazing natural pool to swim in. Conclude your tour with a visit to one of Bali’s most revered and picturesque temples, Ulun Danu Bratan and Lake Tamblingan.
Private Sekumpul Waterfall Hiking Tour
For the adventurous souls seeking a thrill, the Private Sekumpul Waterfall Hiking Tour is a must-try. Lace up your hiking boots and hike through the forest that leads to the awe-inspiring Sekumpul Waterfall, known as Bali’s most majestic waterfall.
Conclusion
Wanagiri Hidden Hills is a great place to go to if you are looking to capture some amazing shots for Instagram or photography. They have lots of structures made from bamboo and wood that made for great photography spots. If you want a quiet viewpoint then you should give this a miss. This place has become over touristed and crowded in recent years and in my opinion not worth the pictures.
Checkout Other Bali Posts
Munduk Waterfall Trek Complete Guide
Gembleng Waterfall Infinity Pool in Sidemen
Lake Tamblingan Jungle Trek and Canoeing
