Ulun Danu Beratan: the floating temple

Thatched shrines that seem to float on a mountain lake, with mist rolling down from the forested hills.

Area

North

Start from

Ubud

Distance

about 1.5 hours

Time needed

half a day

Best season

All year; mornings are clearest

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Car or scooter

Tickets & rules

Entry ticket

Why go

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan stands on the shore of Lake Beratan near Bedugul, and parts of it are built on small islands so that, when the water is high, the multi-roofed shrines appear to float.

The lake is surrounded by hills, often covered with clouds, and the air is cool. The temple gardens are neat and colourful, and early in the morning, before the tour groups, it's very peaceful.

The surrounding Bedugul area is a market-garden region: strawberries, vegetables and a famous fruit and spice market at Candikuning.

The story

The temple was built in the seventeenth century and is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake and water. Lake Beratan is an important source of irrigation for the surrounding region, so the temple plays a role in subak rituals.

The tall shrine with eleven roofs is dedicated to Shiva and his consort, while other shrines honour different deities, reflecting the Balinese practice of combining several aspects of the divine in one temple complex.

The temple appears on the Indonesian 50,000 rupiah banknote, which makes it one of the most widely recognised images of Bali within Indonesia.

Getting there

Drive north from Ubud or the south through Bedugul. Combine with the botanical garden in Bedugul and the twin lakes.

A suggested plan

1. 08:00Arrive at opening; walk the gardens and lakeshore.
2. 09:30Candikuning market for fruit and spices.
3. 10:30Bali Botanic Garden, or continue to the twin lakes and Munduk.

Where to stay

Day trip, or stay in Bedugul or Munduk.

Good to know

• Morning light and calm water make the best reflections.
• Bring a jacket; it can be cool and drizzly.