Bedugul (Lake Bratan & Ulun Danu Temple)

At a Glance

• Region: Tabanan regency, central Bali highlands
• Elevation: ~1,500 m
• Climate: cool, 20–26°C by day, down to 18°C at night
• Highlights: Ulun Danu Beratan temple, Lake Bratan, Botanic Garden
• Time needed: half a day (temple 1–1.5 hours)
• Getting there: ~2 hours from Ubud

Bedugul is a cool mountain region in central Bali, sitting at around 1,500 metres, famous for the crater lake Bratan and the "floating" temple Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on its shore. The air is fresh and misty, morning fog drifts over the water, and it runs 10–15°C cooler than the coast. The area is part of Tabanan regency, about 2 hours by road from Ubud.

Why Visit

Bedugul is a breath of cool, green air after the hot coast: one of Bali's most photogenic lakeside temples, the country's largest botanic garden, and highland lakes all in one trip.

• Who it's for: nature and photography lovers, families, and anyone wanting a break from the beach heat.
• Bonuses: a boat ride out to the temple, strawberries from local farms, and morning mist over the lake.

The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is Bedugul's signature landmark — a Hindu water temple whose pagodas seem to float on the lake. Built in 1633, it is one of the most photographed temples in Bali.

• Who it honours. The temple is dedicated to the water goddess Dewi Danu: Lake Bratan feeds the irrigation channels (subak) of central Bali.
• The founder. It was established by the ruler of the Mengwi kingdom, I Gusti Agung Putu.
• The 11-tiered meru. The main shrine is an 11-tiered meru pagoda dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati. The number of thatched roofs is always odd and signals the deity's rank.
• The floating effect. When the lake rises, the pagodas appear to stand right on the water — hence the nickname "the temple on the lake."
• A Buddhist stupa. Beside the Hindu complex stands a Buddhist stupa, a symbol of Bali's religious harmony.
• A temple complex. It is not one shrine but several temple groups set among manicured lakeside gardens; the pagodas mirrored in the water make the classic Bali postcard view.

Lake Bratan

Lake Bratan (Danau Bratan) is a highland crater lake, and the temple sits on its shore. It is one of Bali's largest freshwater lakes and a vital water source for the island's rice fields.

• The numbers. It covers about 3.8 km², reaches 22 metres deep, and sits at roughly 1,200 metres above sea level.
• On the water. Traditional duck boats and speedboats cruise the lake — the best way to see the temple from the water and take photos.
• Activities. Canoeing, parasailing, banana boats, and water skiing are available on the lake.

What to See & Do

Bedugul easily fills half a day or more: beyond the temple there is a garden, a market, and mountain trails.

• Bali Botanic Garden. Kebun Raya Bedugul is Indonesia's largest botanic garden — 157.5 hectares holding over 21,000 plants of roughly 2,400 species, on the slopes of Tapak Hill overlooking the lake.
• The collections. It gathers more than 300 orchid species, a cactus greenhouse (around 100 species), fern (188 species) and bamboo (87 species) gardens, plus Balinese medicinal and ceremonial plants.
• Birds and walks. More than 79 bird species live wild in the garden — a good spot for birdwatching and slow strolls along shaded avenues.
• Bali Treetop Adventure Park. Inside the garden, a rope park with zip lines and suspended courses between the trees.
• Candikuning Market. A colourful market selling fresh strawberries, fruit, spices, flowers, and souvenirs.
• Strawberry farms. The cool climate is ideal for strawberries, sold roadside and served in local cafés.

Did You Know?

• A temple on the banknote. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan appears on the back of Indonesia's 50,000-rupiah note — that is how iconic it is.
• A garden founded by Sukarno. The botanic garden opened on 15 July 1959 at the initiative of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno.
• UNESCO heritage. The temple and lake are part of the World Heritage site "Cultural Landscape of Bali: the Subak System."
• Almost 400 years old. The temple has stood for about four centuries.

When to Visit

The best time is early morning: the lake is calm, the mist sets the mood, and there are fewer visitors before midday.

• Bedugul is noticeably cooler than the coast — around 20–26°C by day and down to 18°C at night. Bring a jumper or a windbreaker.
• Rain and fog are common year-round, especially November to April — pack a rain jacket.
• By midday the tour buses arrive and the temple gets crowded.

Getting There & Tips

Bedugul lies on the main mountain road between south Bali and Singaraja, so it is easy to reach.

• Where. Tabanan regency, central Bali highlands; about 2 hours from Ubud and 1.5–2.5 hours from Kuta and Canggu.
• Tickets. The temple grounds and the botanic garden each have a paid entrance, with ticket booths at the gate.
• Dress code. Cover your shoulders and knees at the temple; a strict sarong isn't required across the grounds, but dress modestly.
• Time needed. Allow 1–1.5 hours for the temple and half a day for the wider region.

Combine Your Trip

Bedugul pairs well with other spots in the mountains and the north.

• Handara Gate — the famous "Instagram" Balinese gateway, 10 minutes (4.2 km) from the temple.
• Twin Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan — the Wanagiri viewpoints over two crater lakes.
• Munduk — a village of waterfalls and coffee plantations to the north.
• Gitgit Waterfall — a tall waterfall on the road down to Singaraja.

FAQ

What is Bedugul? A cool mountain region of Bali with Lake Bratan, the Ulun Danu water temple, a botanic garden, and a market — a popular day-trip destination.

Why is the Ulun Danu Beratan temple famous? Its pagodas appear to float on the lake; it was built in 1633 and features on the 50,000-rupiah banknote.

How long do I need for Bedugul? About 1–1.5 hours for the temple, or half a day for the whole region with the garden and lakes.

Is Bedugul cold? Yes — markedly cooler than the coast, about 20–26°C by day and down to 18°C at night, with frequent mist and rain.

How do I get there from Ubud? About 2 hours by car, heading north on the mountain road through Tabanan.