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Lake Beratan & Ulun Danu Temple

Jalan Raya Bedugul, Candikuning, Bali

Description

Danau Beratan is the second largest lake in Bali and sits at 1500m above sea level. Originally, it formed a unique lake within the Bratan caldera (11x6km), Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan but they were separated as the result of an earthquake. The cool weather makes the area a popular escape from the hot weather of the plains and the nearby town of Bedugul is known for growing strawberries. It is also a major source of irrigation for the surrounding farm land and rice paddies. The Ulun Danu Beratan temple is located on the western shore of Lake Beratan, it was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the water and lake goddess Dewi Danu. The 11-storey pagoda is iconic and is pictured on the 50,000 rupiah bill.

Access & Transport

The lake is just past the town of Bedugul, 55-60km north of Denpasar / Seminyak / Kuta (1h30m) and 30km south of Singaraja (1h)

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that there is an entrance fee for the temple but we do not think it adds much so the scope of the review is only a "view of" the temple, rather than a visit. The lake and temples are best explored on the way to northern Bali. We suggest taking the time to drive all the way to the third lake (Tamblingan) and soak in the beautiful countryside.

Meta review

Travellers and locals alike enjoy the views and cooler climes of Danau Beratan but note that there is little else to do besides taking pictures of Ulun Danu Temple and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. The main issues are the sometimes-heavy traffic on twisty roads going up to Bedugul and the fog that often invites itself on the lake.

Environmental & Social

Green activity except for the petrol required to get there. Tourism helps inject some activity in the rural economy, but the temple has turned into a commercial circus over the last few years.

Conclusion

Driving or riding over to Danau Beratan and the other lakes makes for an enjoyable road trip and the pictures of the temple are the icing on the cake. We would recommend this attraction for those on the way to Northern Bali or on a multi-day scooter exploration of the island as it is quite a time-consuming journey from the south of the island.

Key positive

Extremely scenic area

Photogenic temple setting

Key negative

Time consuming to get there

Entrance fees to the temple aren't worth it by a long shot

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Entrance to the temple is paying
Free

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