The short answer
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: what visitors should know first
Yes, especially if you are staying in the south and want a break from the heat. Go in the morning to see the lake before the tour groups arrive. The grounds are mostly flat gardens, which makes this one of the easiest major temples for older visitors.
History and context
The story behind Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
The area has been a place of worship since ancient times, and the temple is recorded as early as 1556. Indonesian tourism sources say the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu, rebuilt it in 1633 in a mix of Hindu and Buddhist styles; other accounts give a slightly different date, so treat the exact year with caution.
Lake Beratan is the second-largest lake in Bali and supplies irrigation for fields and plantations around Bedugul. The temple appears on the 50,000 rupiah banknote.
Useful facts
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple facts at a glance
- Location
- Bedugul, Tabanan Regency, on the shore of Lake Beratan
- Faith
- Balinese Hinduism with a Buddhist stupa in the grounds
- Deity/dedication
- Dewi Danu (water goddess); Shiva and Vishnu shrines
- Visitor note
- Cool highland air; mist and rain are common in the afternoon
- Built
- Recorded by 1556; rebuilt in 1633 by the Mengwi king
Why it matters
Why Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is worth your time
Ulun Danu Beratan is a water temple. It honours Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes and rivers, and the lake is a major source of irrigation for central Bali. That link between worship and farming is the heart of Balinese rice culture, which is organised around water temples and shared irrigation societies called subak.
The design reflects the Trimurti, with shrines for Shiva and Vishnu among the buildings, and there is also a Buddhist stupa and Buddha image within the grounds. For visitors the temple is a gentle introduction to how Balinese religion, landscape and daily work are connected.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Lakeside shrines
The three-tiered and eleven-tiered shrines at the water's edge are the signature view, best in morning light.
- 02
Buddhist stupa
A white stupa outside the main temple shows the island's tradition of mixing faiths.
- 03
Highland air
At roughly 1,500 metres the climate is cooler, which is a welcome rest from the coast.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Arrive early and walk the lakeside paths in a loop. The main sight is the pair of shrines that sit at the edge of Lake Beratan: according to Indonesia's tourism site, the three-tiered Linga Pura dedicated to Shiva and the eleven-tiered Pura Puncak Mangu dedicated to Vishnu, though other accounts attribute the eleven-tiered meru to Shiva. When mist lies on the water in the morning they seem to hover, and a backdrop of green hills completes the photograph that appears on Indonesia's 50,000 rupiah note.
The temple is a complex of several shrines spread through gardens. Spend time at the Buddhist stupa outside the main enclosure, which stands as a sign of religious tolerance, and at the pavilions and the lakeside lawn. The grounds also have cafes and stalls, and boats are usually offered on the lake; skip them if the water is choppy.
Plan to continue to the rest of the highlands the same morning. The area around Bedugul has fruit markets, a botanical garden and viewpoints, and you can break for lunch before heading to Jatiluwih or on to the north coast.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Go in the morning for mist and fewer people
- Bring a light jacket or umbrella; weather changes quickly
- Check the current ticket fee before you go
- Combine with Jatiluwih or the Bedugul botanical garden on the same day
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Bedugul, Tabanan Regency, central highlands
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Best time
- Morning, before mist and afternoon rain; dry season for clear skies
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Paths are flat and paved through gardens, with benches and some shade. The air at about 1,500 metres is cooler than on the coast, so carry a light layer. Boardwalks and the boat jetty can be slippery after rain.
- Tickets and access
- A ticket is needed at the gate and rates change, so check the current fee. Some inner shrines are for worshippers only and the water-edge pavilions are viewed from outside. A sarong is lent or hired for temple areas, and rain gear is wise in the afternoon.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Paths are flat and paved through gardens, with benches and some shade. The air at about 1,500 metres is cooler than on the coast, so carry a light layer. Boardwalks and the boat jetty can be slippery after rain.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Ulun Danu Beratan good for older visitors?
Yes. The paths are flat and paved, and the cool air makes it more comfortable than most coastal sights.
Can I go inside the shrines?
The shrines on the water are viewed from the shore; some inner areas are for worshippers only.
How far is it from the south coast?
It is on the road to the north coast, usually about two hours from Seminyak or Kuta in traffic. Plan it as a day trip with Jatiluwih or Taman Ayun.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
