Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of those places that just takes your breath away. The temples seem to float right on the lake with the mist rolling down from the mountains — it’s picture-perfect. But can be lots of people at various times. The gardens are well maintained and full of colour, with temples, shrines, and statues, and even a quiet Buddhist stupa tucked away in the gardens. . We noticed many people wandering through just taking photos, but not realising how much meaning and history this place holds. Its literally thousands of years old. so crazy. We used the Voicemap app for a self-guided audio tour, and it honestly made such a difference — it explained the stories behind the temples, the goddess of the lake, the central temple story floating in the lake, which is quite amazing, and why this Temple is so important to Balinese life. We would recommend this App if you're travelling without a guide, or if you're guide stays in the car like many do, whilst you walk through. Its so worth it Go early when it’s calm and the light hits the water — it’s just magic. Understanding what you’re seeing makes it all feel even more special. From there we then drove to Jatiluwih Rice Fields which are not far away, so saw two great places in one day.

​⭐️ Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Bali: A Serene Morning Visit ​We visited the iconic Pura Ulun Danu Beratan early in the morning, which was an excellent decision! The complex was wonderfully peaceful and less crowded, allowing us to fully appreciate the serene beauty of the setting. ​🖼️ The Stunning Scenery ​The temple's location on the shores of Lake Beratan is breathtaking, especially with the surrounding hills shrouded in mist and clouds, as seen in the wide-angle photo . This misty atmosphere added a magical, almost mystical quality to the landscape. ​The most famous structure, the Pura Penataran Agung or the 11-tiered Meru (pagoda), standing partially submerged in the lake, was the highlight. It is a stunning sight, perfectly framed by the water and the distant green hills. Another smaller Meru is also visible, and the overall temple grounds are beautifully maintained with vibrant flowers and greenery . ​🌿 Garden and Entryway Attractions ​Before reaching the main lake temple, the entrance area features beautiful, manicured gardens. There is a prominent stone sign that reads "Ulun Danu Beratan BALI" alongside a traditional tower replica and a large, colorful Koi fish fountain shooting water into the air. This area provides a great photo opportunity and welcomes visitors. ​We also walked through the elegant stone paths leading to other temple pavilions and courtyards, like the one seen in the photo . The architectural details, framed by neat lawns and flower beds, were impressive and provided a deeper look into the temple complex's design. ​👍 Recommendation: Go Early! ​I highly recommend visiting Pura Ulun Danu Beratan as early as possible. Our morning timing meant we avoided the mid-day rush, resulting in a tranquil experience and fantastic, atmospheric photos. The cool, crisp air is also a welcome change from the coastal heat. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to capture the beautiful fog rolling over the lake and mountains.

The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (also known as Pura Ulun Danu Bratan) is widely considered one of Bali's most beautiful and iconic landmarks. It is having stunning natural setting, spiritual significance, and picturesque architecture, though some also note its popularity as a tourist destination. Stunning Location and Scenery: The temple is set on the tranquil shores of Lake Bratan in the cool, misty Bedugul highlands. The multi-tiered shrines (meru) appear to be floating on the water's surface, especially when the lake level is high, making it one of the most photographed spots in Indonesia. Aesthetic and Photogenic: The combination of the temple, the lake's reflection, the lush manicured gardens, and the mountain backdrop creates a truly spectacular and "must-see" visual experience. It's often referred to as the "floating temple of Bali." Spiritual Significance: It is an important Hindu water temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, rivers, and lakes, and plays a vital role in Bali's traditional *subak* irrigation system. Cooler Weather: Located about 1,200 meters above sea level, the area offers a refreshing break from the heat of the coastal regions. Accessibility: The grounds are generally well-maintained and easy for all types of visitors, including families and older travelers, to explore. Best Time to Visit: To avoid the crowds and the mist/fog that can roll in during the afternoon, it is highly recommended to visit early in the morning (around 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM). This also provides the best lighting for photos. Cash Only:Entrance fees and payments at many local stalls require cash. Boat Rides:For a unique view, visitors can take a traditional boat ride on Lake Beratan. The general consensus is that despite being a popular tourist spot, the sheer beauty of the temple's setting makes it absolutely worth visiting for anyone exploring central Bali.

I visited this place in the afternoon and spent around 2–3 hours there. Out of all the places I visited in Bali, this one truly stood out — it was one of the few that really impressed me. If you have the chance, I genuinely recommend coming here. It’s definitely worth it. I went on a weekday, and although there were people, it wasn’t crowded. It was easy to take photos at different spots without anyone in the background. The entire area is well-maintained and very beautiful. There’s also a small kids’ zoo where, for an additional fee, you can feed the animals. You can even take photos with different reptiles for an extra charge. Overall, I highly recommend visiting — it’s absolutely worth your time.

Our visit to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple was truly a memorable experience. The temple's stunning location on the shores of Lake Beratan offers breathtaking views, especially with the misty mountains in the background. The architecture of the temple is intricate and beautifully preserved, reflecting Balinese culture and spirituality. Walking around the temple complex, I felt a sense of tranquility and reverence. The surrounding gardens are well-maintained and add to the peaceful atmosphere. While the area can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours, it didn’t detract from the overall beauty of the site. The staff was friendly and respectful, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn about the temple’s significance to local Balinese Hindus. One minor downside was the limited shade in some areas, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat. Overall, Ulun Danu Beratan is a must-visit destination in Bali, offering both cultural insight and stunning scenery. I would definitely recommend it to anyone exploring Bali's spiritual sites!

Ahh, what a place Ulun Danu Temple is! 🌸 I feel a lot of people miss this spot since it’s about an hour’s ride from Ubud central and not overly hyped on Instagram. But believe me, it’s an absolute must-visit when in Bali. The drive itself is beautiful, and once you reach, the entire temple complex and grounds are just stunning. Everything feels serene and picture-perfect. Easy logistics – paid parking & smooth ticketing. Weather drama – it changes every few minutes! One moment it was bright and sunny, and the next it turned misty, foggy, and drizzly. Photography heaven – Balinese gates, lush landscapes, and the iconic temple floating on the lake make for unreal backdrops. There are also nice, reasonably priced restaurants inside the premises, and the washrooms are clean and well-maintained (paid). You can even rent Balinese outfits for a photoshoot — sadly I missed this due to the rain. I loved every bit of it. Tip: Go prepared for sudden weather shifts and give yourself enough time to just soak in the beauty. A must-visit, one of Bali’s gems.

One of the most beautiful and iconic landmarks in Bali. Located on the shores of Lake Beratan in Bedugul, this floating temple offers stunning scenery surrounded by cool mountain air and peaceful nature. The temple itself sits partly on the lake, creating a magical reflection that’s perfect for photos. The area is well-maintained, with gardens, statues, and traditional Balinese architecture that showcase the island’s culture and spirituality. It’s best to visit early in the morning when the mist rises over the lake — the atmosphere feels serene and almost mystical. There are also local food stalls, restaurant, souvenir shops. Beautiful lake and mountain backdrop. Peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Great spot for photography. Cool climate and well-kept gardens. A must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bali, perfect for culture lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places in Bali, and visiting it was a truly unforgettable experience. Nestled on the shores of Lake Beratan in the cool highlands of Bedugul, the temple is surrounded by serene waters and misty mountains, giving it a magical and almost surreal charm. The moment we arrived, the foggy climate added an extra layer of beauty, making the entire scenery look like a painting come to life. One of the highlights of our visit was trying boating on the calm lake. Gliding across the water while seeing the temple beautifully reflected on the surface was simply superb. The peaceful ride gave us a unique perspective of the temple and its surroundings, something I would highly recommend to anyone visiting. The atmosphere was refreshing and soothing, far from the busy city life, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the place. We were so captivated by the beauty that we ended up taking around 400 pictures at this single location alone. Every corner seemed photogenic, and the shifting mist made each shot unique. Without doubt, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple stands out as one of my favorite locations in Bali, offering a perfect mix of culture, spirituality, and natural beauty.