Hiking Gunung Lesung, Tamblingan: Sacred Moss Forest & a Summit Temple at 1,860 m

If Batur and Agung feel too crowded, Gunung Lesung (locals also call it Bukit Lesung) is a far quieter and more mystical highland hike. Its summit stands at around 1,860–1,865 m above the southern side of Lake Tamblingan, in Munduk Village, Banjar District, Buleleng. The slopes belong to Alas Mertajati, a sacred forest guarded by the four customary villages of Dalem Tamblingan (Munduk, Gobleg, Gesing and Umejero). Don’t expect Batur-style open panoramas: the draw here is giant moss-covered trees, a forest-filled green crater and a temple on the summit.

Trails & Duration

• Sribupati trail: the most popular route, with its own parking area. In a hiking account from 24 August 2025, a group of villagers reached the top in about 1.5 hours; average hikers should allow 2–3 hours to climb.
• Loop from the Lake Tamblingan shore: about 10 km with roughly 700 m of cumulative ascent, 3.5–5 hours in total, descending through the forest to Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan.
• Via Gesing (south side): denser and rarely used, best for experienced hikers.
• Moderate difficulty: steep pitches, slippery roots, many junctions and leeches in the rainy season.

What Awaits at the Summit

• Pura Padma Anglayang on Puncak Anglayang, a flat grassy clearing maintained by villagers through ngayah (communal work).
• A large mortar-shaped crater covered in forest, plus Goa Nagaloka, a deep sacred sinkhole best viewed from a distance.
• Glimpses of Lake Tamblingan through gaps in the trees along the trail; the view from the summit is partly blocked by forest.

Customary Rules & Permits

• The BRASTI community (Baga Raksa Alas Mertajati) has put up signs: mind your behaviour and language, dress modestly in sacred areas, no tents or campfires within the temple grounds, and keep the area clean.
• The area lies within the Danau Buyan–Danau Tamblingan Nature Recreation Park (BKSDA Bali); large groups or special activities should ask about a conservation-area entry permit (Simaksi) in advance.

Safety Tips Before You Hike

• The best time is the dry season (April–October); start at 6–7 am before the mist rolls in.
• Hire a local guide—many hikers report getting lost at trail junctions.
• Wear shoes with grippy soles; bring a jacket, rain gear, drinking water and snacks.
• The Sribupati trail gets busy on weekends, so pick a weekday for silence. It is about 15–20 minutes from Munduk, 30–40 minutes from Bedugul or 2.5–3 hours from Canggu.

Practical Info & Reservations

• Location: Munduk Village, Banjar District, Buleleng — View on Google Maps
• Hours & costs: no official opening hours, start in the morning; the Lake Tamblingan area fee is reported at around Rp10,000 per person (subject to change); guides from Munduk Tourism Village start from about Rp500,000, and private tours cost around US$100 per person.
• Booking/Guides: contact the Munduk Tourism Village group (Pokdarwis) via the Ministry of Tourism’s Jadesta portal, or ask your Munduk accommodation to arrange a guide.
• Instagram: search on Instagram

Compare prices and book a hotel voucher in Munduk through AccessiaPass so you can start your Gunung Lesung hike at first light.