Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Thoughtful planning makes a trip to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple more rewarding. The site sits near the chilly mountain town of Bedugul, about two hours north from southern Bali’s beach resorts. Rain showers come often in this region, most days in the afternoon, so mornings promise clearer skies and gentler crowds. Tour buses tend to fill the parking area by midday, especially on weekends. Tickets are bought at the entrance. The temple complex sprawls across well-kept lawns and paved paths, making most spots easy to access.

• Best time to visit: Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM), dry season (May–September)
• How to get there: Private car, driver, or guided day tour from Ubud, Seminyak, or Lovina
• Accessibility: Most paths wheelchair and stroller friendly; good option for seniors and families
• Average visit duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple welcomes all with its lotus-crowned meru towers rising from the shallows. Four main temples honor different gods; most famous is Pura Teratai Bang, dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of water and lakes. Locals leave daily offerings here, adding color and fragrance to the stone. Further along, wooden jetties invite visitors to rent paddle boats for a new angle on the floating pagodas. Curved bridges stretch over lily-filled ponds, perfect for quiet reflection or memorable photos. Small shrines dot the shoreline in quieter corners, where the mountain mist lingers longest.

• Pura Teratai Bang: Main floating temple, most photographed spot on Lake Beratan
• Lakeshore gardens: Carefully planted beds and serene footpaths ideal for strolling
• Traditional prayer ceremonies: Daily rituals (especially during Balinese temple festivals) offer glimpse into local life
• Paddle boat rentals: Inexpensive way to view temples from the water
• Sacred banyan tree: Centuries-old tree draped in cloth, quiet place for a pause
• Photo opportunities: Mountain reflections on the lake at sunrise; flower-decked temples in golden afternoon light