Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of those places that feels instantly familiar, even if you’ve never been before. Sitting on the shores of Lake Beratan (often spelled Lake Bratan) in the cool Bedugul highlands, it’s the temple you see on postcards, travel posters and half the Instagram reels that come out of Bali.
But in person, it’s quieter, calmer and more atmospheric than you expect, especially in the early morning when the mist hangs low over the water.
The temple complex is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, and the way the shrines seem to float when the lake rises gives the whole place a peaceful, almost otherworldly feel. It’s a simple visit: walk the gardens, take in the shrines and enjoy the cooler mountain air.
But it’s one of those Bali essentials that never really gets old, no matter how many times you’ve seen the photos.
TL;DR, Summary Of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
- Sacred site on Bratan Lake overlooked by the Bedugul Mountains.
- Dress respectfully; this is an active religious site, not just a tourist attraction.
- One of Bali’s most photographed temples, thanks to its lakeside setting and mountain backdrop.
Where Is Ulun Danu Beratan Temple?
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is in the lakeside village of Candikuning, in the Bedugul highlands of Central Bali. It sits right on the edge of Lake Beratan at around 1,500 metres above sea level, so the air is cooler and the weather can change quickly.
It’s about 50–60 kilometres from the main southern areas like Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Uluwatu. Depending on traffic, you’re looking at 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way. It’s an easy day trip, especially if you pair it with Handara Gate, the twin lakes or the waterfalls around Munduk.
Address? Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get There:
Getting to the temple complex all depends on where you’re coming from and what you have planned for afterwards!
- Ride Hailing App – Ride-hailing from Grab or Gojek is possible, but drivers sometimes refuse the return trip because of the distance. It’s fine for getting from Bedugul, but getting back can be hit-and-miss. If you’re planning to stay in the area, then this is fine; otherwise, have a backup plan!
- Private Car and Driver – The easiest and most reliable way to visit. Unlike a Grab or Gojeck, a private driver will wait while you explore and can include other Bedugul sights in the same trip. Ideal if you’re coming from the south or travelling with friends.
- Motorcycle or Scooter Hire – We don’t recommend hiring scooters for visitors. The roads to Bedugul wind through mountains, fog and changing weather, and the conditions can be unsafe if you’re not experienced. A car and driver is the better call for this trip.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Ulun Danu Beratan Temple?
Yes. The entrance fee is regularly updated, but it typically sits in the 30,000–75,000 IDR range per adult, depending on the season and any local adjustments.
There’s also a small fee for parking if you’re arriving by car. Prices do change from time to time, so it’s always worth bringing a little extra cash just in case.
When Is The Best Time To visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple?
Early morning is easily the best time to visit. The lake is calm, the mist hangs low, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. It’s also when you’ll get your best chance at that classic “floating temple” look.
Because it sits around 1,500 metres above sea level, the weather can shift quickly. Mornings are usually clear, while afternoons often bring clouds, rain or fog rolling over the mountains; all atmospheric, but not great for photos.
Any dry-season morning (roughly April to October) is the safest bet, but the temple is beautiful year-round if you don’t mind a little mist.
What To Expect At Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Ulun Danu Beratan is an easy, relaxed visit. The first thing you’ll notice is the cool air, a nice break from the heat down south, and the views across Lake Beratan. The temple grounds are well-kept, with manicured gardens, walking paths and plenty of spots to sit and take in the scenery.
The floating shrines are the highlight, especially Pura Ulun Danu itself, which appears to hover on the water when the lake level is high. You’ll also find a Buddhist stupa, several smaller meru-style shrines, and a few peaceful corners away from the tour groups.
You’ll also see elements of classic Balinese temple architecture throughout the complex. The temple complex consists of several key shrines and spaces, each with its own role; the courtyards are divided into the outer and inner areas, with the main temple spaces reserved for worship.
Several shrines here are dedicated to Hindu gods, including the god Shiva and the god Vishnu, and the linga pura inside the inner courtyard reflects this connection.
Pura Puncak Mangu sits higher on the hill and is one of the most important spots for local worshippers. Ulun Danu Beratan is also known as one of the most photographed temples in Bali, thanks to the way its meru shrines appear to float above the lake on clear mornings.
Expect light crowds through the middle of the day, but it rarely feels chaotic. Mornings are still the best for atmosphere, photos and that soft highland mist that settles over the lake.
Religious Ceremonies
Ulun Danu Beratan is a Hindu temple, an active place of worship, so you may see small offerings, temple attendants preparing for ceremonies or groups gathering near the lakeside shrines. Visitors are welcome to observe from a respectful distance, but access to certain areas may be restricted during rituals.
Outer Courtyard
The outer courtyard is the most open part of the temple complex and is often used for more secular activities. During major festivals, this area fills with food stalls, musicians and local performances before visitors move toward the inner courtyards and main temple. It’s also where most people begin their visit, passing through the ornate gateways and following the paths that lead to the lakeside shrines and the gardens that surround the water.
Temple Etiquette
As with any Balinese temple, dress modestly, keep your shoulders covered and avoid entering any shrine areas that are clearly marked for worshippers only. Keep noise low, don’t climb on structures and be mindful of ongoing prayers or offerings. There’s no formal or traditional dress code that you have to adhere to; just keep it clean and respectful.
History Of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Complex
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple dates back to the 17th century, built during the rule of King I Gusti Agung Putu of the Mengwi Kingdom. Its creation was driven by the need to honour the lake that supported the region, and the temple was placed here because Lake Bratan was one of the main water sources for Central Bali.
The complex grew over time, with different shrines added for different functions. Pura Penataran Agung is dedicated to the Hindu trinity, while Pura Dalem Purwa focuses on prosperity and fertility. The Buddhist stupa, built later, reflects a long history of coexistence between Hindu and Buddhist traditions in the highlands. Religious harmony between the two.
Most of what you see today has been restored over the centuries due to weather, volcanic activity and natural wear. Yet the layout and purpose remain faithful to its origins, making it one of Bali’s most enduring temple complexes.
Spiritual Significance
The spiritual importance of Ulun Danu Beratan centres on the lake goddess Dewi Danu. She is believed to protect Bali’s freshwater sources, and her blessing is essential for the subak irrigation system that keeps the island’s rice terraces flourishing.
Worship here is focused on safeguarding the flow of water, asking for balance in nature, and giving thanks for harvests. Local priests and farmers still visit during key moments in the agricultural calendar, offering prayers to ensure that the water supply remains pure and plentiful.
Visitors often describe the temple as having a calm, uplifting atmosphere. The stillness of the lake, the mountain backdrop and the floating shrines all contribute to that feeling. Rather than dramatic coastal rituals, the spirituality here is more about harmony, gratitude and the quiet energy of the highlands.
Where To Eat Near Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
You won’t find anything fancy up here, but there are plenty of laid-back spots for a quick meal, a warm drink, something local or even a cold beer before you head back down the mountain.
- Bali Strawberry Farm & Restaurant – Fresh strawberries, local vegetables and simple meals overlooking the gardens. It’s an easy stop if you’re in the mood for something light, and the views across the farm give it that classic highland feel.
- De Danau Lake View Restaurant – A relaxed spot right on the water with views across Lake Bratan. The menu is straightforward and tourist-friendly, but it’s the setting that does most of the work, a good choice if you want something easy before or after the temple.
- Cafe Teras Lempuna – Light meals, coffee and a laid-back terrace with mountain views. It’s a chill little place where you can warm up with a drink and enjoy the cooler Bedugul air.
- Roti Bedugul – A tiny local roti shop serving warm, flaky roti with simple fillings and sweet options. It’s quick, cheap and perfect if you want something hot and satisfying before getting back on the road.
Where To Stay Near Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
If you’re planning to spend a bit more time in the highlands, there are some easy places nearby that work well for a relaxed overnight trip; simple rooms, cool air and quiet evenings.
- Handara Golf & Resort Bali – Classic highland stay with cool air, big lawns and easy access to the famous Handara Gate.
- Strawberry Hill Hotel – Cosy wooden cottages, fire pits in the cold season and a super convenient location for sunrise starts.
- CLV Hotel & Villas – Simple, comfortable rooms and villas close to the lake; good value for families and groups.
- Bali Bedugul Lake View Hotel – Older but has great views across the water and quick access to the main road.
- Pondanu Cabins by the Lake – Lakeside cabins with mountain views; quiet, relaxed and ideal if you want to switch off.
- Enjung Beji Resort – A straightforward option near the lake with decent rooms and easy access to nearby attractions.
Things To Do Near Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
There are plenty of nearby attractions if you want to make a day of it. Further afield, you’ve got big hitters like the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, but here we’re sticking to places right around the temple, all easy, relaxed stops that pair well with a morning by the lake.
Explore Lake Bratan
Getting out on the water is one of the nicest things to do in the area. You can hop into a traditional boat run by local Balinese people and take a slow loop around the lake, watching the mountains roll past and seeing the temple’s beauty from a completely different angle.
It’s a calm little trip, great for photos and even better if you just want ten quiet minutes away from the crowds.
Bali Handara Gate
Only a short drive from the temple, Handara Gate is one of those places that’s worth a quick detour. The split gateway sits in a valley framed by misty highland mountains, and although people come for photos, the area itself feels peaceful.
It’s an easy in-and-out stop, good for breaking up the drive or stretching your legs before lunch.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Set in a cool patch of forest above Bedugul, this cluster of waterfalls is ideal if you want a nature fix without a tough trek.
A gentle path leads to several cascades tucked among ferns and mossy rock, and you can wander between them at your own pace. It’s refreshing, quiet, and a nice contrast to the open lake views around the temple.
Goa Maria Ratu Surga
For something a little different, this Catholic prayer grotto – Saint Mary’s Grotto – is a peaceful stop along the hillside.
Local worshippers come here for quiet reflection, and the grounds have a soft, calm atmosphere that contrasts with the bigger temple sites nearby.
It’s a small visit, but meaningful if you enjoy seeing the different pockets of spirituality around Bali.
FAQs
Are Pura Ulun Danu Beratan and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan The Same Place?
Yes, they’re the same temple complex. The different names mostly come down to spelling variations and translation.
“Pura” simply means “temple” in Balinese, while “Ulun Danu” refers to the goddess of the lake. “Beratan,” “Bratan,” and “Danu Beratan” are all accepted spellings for the lake itself, depending on whether the writer uses Indonesian, older transliterations, or English adaptations.
You’ll see other variations of the name, such as Ulun Danu Temple, Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Ulun and sometimes simply Bedugul Temple.
So while the names look slightly different, they all point to the same water temple on Lake Beratan in Bedugul.
Is It Worth Visiting Ulun Danu Beratan Temple?
Definitely, it’s one of Bali’s most iconic temples, with the floating shrines, mountain backdrop and cool highland climate making it feel very different from the southern beaches. It gets busy, but it’s still worth seeing at least once, especially early in the morning when the lake is calm.
What Is Bedugul Famous For?
Bedugul is known for its cooler weather, mountain scenery and natural attractions. The area is famous for Lake Beratan, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, the Bali Botanic Garden, the markets in Candikuning and viewpoints over the twin lakes. It’s also where a lot of Bali’s fruit and vegetables are grown.
What Is Special About Uluwatu Temple?
Uluwatu Temple sits on a dramatic cliff edge above the ocean and is one of Bali’s most important sea temples. It’s known for its sunset views, Kecak fire dance performances and its cultural significance within Balinese Hinduism. It’s a very different experience from Bedugul’s lakeside temples, but equally iconic.
Final Thoughts On Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of the easiest temples to add to any Bali itinerary, and it’s worth the effort even if you’ve been before. The setting on Lake Beratan is what makes it so memorable, that perfect mix of scenery, tradition and highland calm that most visitors don’t expect when they imagine Bali.
It’s a peaceful stop, a photogenic one, and a nice balance to the heat and crowds of the coastal areas. Come early, take your time and let the atmosphere do the work. This is one of Bali’s iconic landmarks for a reason, and it still delivers.
