Munti Gunung Village North Bali
About Munti Gunung: A Story of Transformation
In the early 2000s, Munti Gunung, a mountainous region in northeastern Bali, was one of the poorest villages in the island. Its residents lived in extreme poverty, struggling with a dry climate, a lack of clean water, minimal healthcare, and no job opportunities. This forced Many women and children in Muntigunung resorted to begging in southern tourist areas for survival. This led to children being used as emotional support in begging, preventing them from attending school and perpetuating a cycle of illiteracy and poverty.
The village is now transformed to home industry village since Daniel Elber arrived in the village. He started doing very basic research about the begging people’s whereabouts. A professional Swiss banker recognized that begging does not ‘fit’ with the Balinese Hindu culture and the family-mindedness of local traditions. In 2004, Daniel decided to leave his high-position job to live in Bali and make in an effort to provide a more sustainable and brighter future for the Muntigunung community, Daniel approached a Swiss backed NGO https://future4children.com/ together with Yayasan Dian Desa, initiated the Muntigunung Community Development Program.
Core Initiatives
- Clean Water Access: The development program has made access to clean water a priority, establishing water catchment systems designed to collect and store rainwater. This project ensures each person in the community receives a minimum of 25 liters of clean water per day—a life-changing resource in such an arid region.
- Healthcare and Education: By improving access to basic healthcare services, the program has helped reduce preventable diseases. Additionally, the program has worked to expand educational opportunities, enabling children to attend school while adults can participate in skill development programs.
- Livelihood Creation: The program established social enterprises focused on producing handicrafts, sustainable food products, and eco-tourism activities. These enterprises provide meaningful employment, helping over 6,000 residents across 36 hamlets to improve their financial stability and retain traditional skills that hold cultural significance
Our Support to Munti Gunung’s Sustainability
Supporting Sustainable Development
Top Indonesia Holidays is actively engaged in supporting Munti Gunung’s transformation by promoting eco-tourism experiences, purchasing their products for customer gifts, and directly funding vital community projects. The revenue generated from these efforts is dedicated to sustaining the community development program, including maintaining clean water systems, funding healthcare services, and providing employment opportunities.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Each visit to Munti Gunung offers an opportunity for travelers to connect with the community, understand the importance of sustainable tourism, and witness firsthand the positive changes driven by their support. This connection promotes cultural exchange and raises awareness about the benefits of responsible travel
Munti Gunung Trekking: A Unique and Enriching Experience
Immersive Trekking Adventure
Starting from the lakeside village of Songan, the trek leads through remote trails offering panoramic views of Lake Batur, Mount Agung, and the Indian Ocean.
Cultural Insights
Visitors are accompanied by local guides and villagers who share their personal stories, explain community projects, and showcase traditional handicrafts such as weaving and processing natural products.
Development Center Tour
The trek includes a visit to the Munti Alam Sejahtera Development Center, where participants can see first-hand the transformative impact of social enterprises
Relaxation and Reflection
The experience concludes with a delicious beachside lunch and an opportunity to swim in the ocean, providing a perfect balance of adventure and leisure.
Detailed Trekking Itinerary
5:00 AM: Depart from your accommodation and enjoy a scenic drive to the village of Songan.
7:45 AM: Begin the trek with breathtaking views over the lake and mountains.
8:15 AM: Pause for a locally-sourced breakfast featuring seasonal fruits and bread.
10:45 AM: Visit the higher villages to meet artisans and observe their handicraft projects.
11:30 AM: Continue to the Munti Alam Sejahtera Development Center, the hub of the program’s community-driven enterprises.
12:30 PM: Arrive at the coastline for a delicious lunch and an optional refreshing swim.
3:00 PM: Depart for the journey back to your accommodation
Why Choose a Munti Gunung Trek with Top Indonesia Holidays
Direct Impact
Every trekker directly supports the ongoing development work in Munti Gunung. Revenue from these eco-tourism experiences funds essential services and helps ensure the sustainability of local projects.
Authentic Cultural Exchange
This journey offers an immersive experience, allowing travelers to learn about the challenges of rural Balinese life while witnessing how sustainable initiatives can drive lasting change.
Commitment to Responsible Travel
Through eco-tourism, Munti Gunung serves as a model for sustainable tourism in Bali. Top Indonesia Holidays is committed to promoting responsible travel experiences that empower communities and protect natural resources
