Ulun Danu Beratan Temple — Attraction in Pulau Bali

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is both a famous picturesque landmark and a significant temple complex on the western side of Beratan Lake in Bedugul, central Bali. The whole Bedugul area is a popular upland weekend and holiday retreat for locals from the more urban areas in the island's south.

Ulun Danu Beratan, literally ‘the source temple of Lake Beratan’, shares the scenic qualities with Bali's sea temples of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding most of the temple’s base creates a unique floating impression. The misty Bedugul mountain range surrounding the lake complements the temple's scenic backdrop.

Ulun Danu Beratan was built in the 17th century to worship the Hindu trinity (Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva) and the lake goddess, Dewi Danu. The sight and cool atmosphere of the Bali uplands have made the lake and this temple a favourite sightseeing and recreational spot. Naturally, it is a frequently photographed site.

The ‘floating’ temple complex comprises 4 groups of shrines, including the prominent Lingga Petak shrine to its east. There are 4 gates facing each of the cardinal points. The second group is in the west and pays homage to another temple in the hill of Puncak Mangu, which symbolises fertility. The ‘puncak’ or hilltop of Mangu Hill lies northeast of Lake Beratan.

Through the temple gates, you'll come across the typical Balinese architectural features with the tiered shrines. Inside the complex, the 3 main shrines are dedicated to the worship of god Vishnu with its 11 tiers, god Brahma with 7 tiers and Shiva with its 3 tiers.

As the temple complex occupies a rather low-lying side of the lake, the floating effect is best witnessed when the lake’s water levels rise. This is when you'll have the most perfect photo opportunities.

The temple complex is also home to a few megalithic artefacts: a sarcophagus and stone tablet. This has led to the assumption that it was a consecrated site even before the Hindu temple was built.

Ulun Danu Beratan temple’s piodalan or temple anniversary takes place every Kliwon Julungwangi Tuesday on the Pawukon Balinese calendar cycle (occurs every 210 days). Also, a grander Piodalan Agung takes place every 420 days. On any other regular day, though, the serene lake views and cool upland atmosphere are worth the experiencing.

Those who want more than scenery may hire traditional jukung outriggers to tour the lake as well as motorized boats for a quicker ride. The other side of Beratan Lake also offers various water sports such as parasailing and jet-ski rides.

Close to the temple complex, you can hire fishing gear and bait to pass the time away on the lakeside. The Eka Karya Botanical Gardens is also a highlight of the Bedugul region, which you can reach not far from the...

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, often referred to as the "Floating Temple," is a serene Hindu Shaivite temple situated on the shores of Lake Bratan in Bali's Tabanan Regency. Built in 1633, it is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers, playing a crucial role in Bali's traditional irrigation system, Subak .

🌿 Serene Atmosphere & Scenic Beauty

Visitors often describe the temple as enchanting, especially during early mornings when mist envelops the lake, creating a tranquil and ethereal ambiance . The temple's unique location on the lake's edge, combined with its traditional Balinese architecture, offers picturesque views, making it a favorite spot for photography.

🦜 Wildlife and Surroundings

While the main attraction is the temple itself, the surrounding area includes a small botanical garden. Some visitors have noted the presence of various birds and other small animals in the vicinity, adding to the natural charm of the location. However, there isn't a formal zoo on the premises.

🕍 Temple Layout and Features

The temple complex comprises several structures, including: Meru Shrines: Pagoda-like structures dedicated to various deities. Buddhist Stupa: A unique feature, reflecting Bali's religious harmony, located outside the main temple area .

Lake Beratan: The lake's calm waters enhance the temple's floating illusion, especially during high water levels.

🕘 Visitor Information

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: IDR 75,000 for foreign adults; IDR 50,000 for foreign children .

Dress Code: While modest attire is recommended, visitors are not required to wear traditional Balinese temple attire unless entering specific worship areas.

🚗 Getting There

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is approximately a 2-hour drive from Ubud and about 1.5 hours from Denpasar. The journey offers scenic views of Bali's countryside, making the trip enjoyable. Car is recommended for families.

In summary, Ulun Danu Bratan Temple offers a peaceful retreat amidst Bali's natural beauty. Its serene atmosphere, combined with the unique setting on Lake Bratan, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility and...

I wanted to leave feedback on the official website but it wasn’t working, so I am sharing it here instead.

The temple itself is beautiful, but my experience at the motorcycle parking area was very disappointing. I parked my bike neatly near the ticketing entrance, where there was no visible sign saying “staff only.” A security guard told me to move, saying the shaded area is for staff while visitors must park far away under the hot sun.

Here’s the issue:

The “staff only” sign is at the back of the parking lot, not at the entrance. By the time visitors see it, they’ve already parked. This makes no sense. A clear sign should be placed right where people enter.

Visitors pay both entrance and parking fees, yet staff get the shaded, convenient spots while visitors are pushed to the far end without shade.

I recorded a short video to highlight this, but the guard told me not to take it. Instead of addressing the issue, he told me to “respect” and even said I cannot change another country as I like. This left me confused — I was only giving constructive feedback about signage and fairness. Why should that be treated as disrespect?

I also uploaded photos of the guard so management can identify who was involved. This is not a personal attack, but evidence of what happened.

I understand rules are rules, but why can’t there be some flexibility? If I unknowingly park in the staff lot for two hours because there is no sign, what really happens? Nothing. Staff could easily park in the normal lots too. Why make it so difficult for paying visitors? A little flexibility and common sense would go a long way.

Don’t get me wrong — I love Indonesia and respect its culture. But experiences like this leave a sour taste at such a famous landmark. With clearer signs and more considerate treatment of visitors, this temple could truly live up to its...