Lake Beratan & Ulun Danu Temple
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Ulun Danu Temple - by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
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.
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
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo