Visit Munduk, Indonesia

After the Dutch took control of north Bali in the 1890s Munduk was established as a hill station and plantations of cocoa, coffee, vanilla and cloves were established.

The area grew as a popular retreat due to the cooler climate and even today you can still see a small number of Dutch buildings remaining in the area.

There are still plenty of plantations as well as the ever present rice fields and the area is now known as one of the most scenic trekking spots on Bali.

Being close to the three central lakes of Bratan (which is home to one of the island's most famous temples — Pura Ulun Danu Bratan), Buyan and Tamblingan, walks (or horse rides) will take you through farming areas and along hill ridges which boast amazing views over the lakes, countryside and even as far as Bali's north coast and the volcanoes on Java's east coast.

The region around Munduk provides an authentic feel of Bali and you may be lucky enough to time your visit to coincide with one of many local ceremonies which are a regular part of Balinese life.