“Island of the Gods” – that is what Bali is lovingly called and the temples of Bali are a perfect embodiment of that. Away from the beaches and into the heart of this island, Bali is filled with a spiritual aura. The innumerable Hindu temples on this island have a distinct mystical look and a serene vibe around them. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan located in Bedugul is one of the most beautiful temples of Bali and is quite a popular tourist attraction. We have been to this temple twice and were captivated by the beauty of this place on both visits.
Located in north Bali, this temple complex is one of the most visited places on the island. Surrounded by the majestic mountains of Munduk, this temple is on the shores of lake Bratan which in itself is quite huge. The entire scenery around this place is absolutely mesmerizing and is definitely one of the highlights of Bali. In fact, this sacred temple is one of the most photographed locations in Bali. Whether it’s cloudy skies or a bright sunny day, this entire place remains picturesque at any time of the day. Besides the natural beauty of this place, the history of this temple complex is equally interesting.
History of Ulun Danu Beratan
Dedicated to Dewi Danu – the goddess of lakes, this temple was built in the 17th century and is also dedicated to hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. However, historical artifacts from the Mengiwi kingdom era indicate that the temple might have existed during the early 500 BC. There are five distinct temples inside the entire complex dedicated to the Hindu gods and as well as Goddess Danu. Interestingly there is also a Buddhist stupa within the temple complex which in a way mirrors the prevalent religious harmony in Bali.
Why is this a must visit?
This temple is indeed one of the most beautiful landmarks on the island and is considered a must visit for any traveler in Bali. The scenic views of Lake Beratan and the mountain in the backdrop makes this place a photographer’s delight. Being away from the noise of the more touristy regions of Bali, the peace here is pleasant and the serenity is quite infectious.
How to reach and where to stay
There are day trips available from any part of Bali to Pura Ulun Danu Beratan and/or you can either book a private taxi or hire a motorbike to reach this place. Being located on the main stretch in Bedugul, it is hard to miss. For those willing to take it slow and stay the night in nearby areas, Munduk is a perfect place to stay. Just a 30 minute ride away, a day in Munduk will also allow you to explore the waterfalls of this region.
Entrance fee: Rp 75,000 /- per person
