Bali Travel Tips
Information before you go
You'll find the Ulun Danu Bratan temple at 1239 m above sea level on the shores of the volcanic Lake Bratan, just after passing the vegetable market in Candi Kuning. Together with Ulun Danu Batur in Batur village this temple is one of the most important water temples on the island and she belongs to the 9 directional temples on Bali which means she had to be built in a very special place.
This scenic area is also known as the Bedugul Valley and with nearby mountains such as Mount Catur (2,096m), Mount Pohon (2,063m) and Mount Lesong (1,860m) you'll be in for a treat and then I'm not even talking about the numerous waterfalls, the Botanical Gardens, the twin lakes Buyan/Tamblingan (link) and lovely Munduk village (link).
The Ulun Danu Bratan temple was built in 1633 by King I Gusti Putu Agung, who also built the famous Taman Ayun temple in Mengwi.
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu, also called the goddess of fertility since Lake Bratan provides water for the numerous rice fields which together with the subak make Bali such a unique place.
Once you enter the temple complex the first thing that will catch your eye is the giant stupa which means that this place used to be an important sight too in pre-Hindu times. This is something you'll find in more places around the island such as the meditation caves at Gunung Kawi or the stupas at Goa Gajah.
The giant stupa from pre-Hindu period
The main temple is called Pura Teratai Bang while the smaller temple is called the Pura Dalem Purwa but the stars of the show are the two multi-tiered merus.
The eleven tiered meru is dedicated to Wisnu, the Supreme God but also known as the Presever of both worlds and the smaller 3-tiered meru is dedicated to Shiva, the Supreme God and the Destroyer/Transformer. Both seem to float on the water...
Since most of the pictures of the Ulun Danu Bratan temple were not made by drones but by hordes of tourists it is best to come here as early as possible when the mist evaporated, the caldera comes to live and the sun starts to reflect on the lake. For those semi-professional photographers you can rent a boat and shoot some of your best photos during your holiday in Bali.
Home > Central Bali Sight Seeing > Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
In Bali you will see thousands of temples, varying in size, importance and location. Learn more about them in order to fully appreciate your visit.
Read morePlanning to visit Ulu Danu Bratan temple and lake? Combine your visit with a nice route that will take you from Ubud to Lovina via this famous historical site.
Read moreFeel like something different? Why not enjoy Bali from the tree tops. At the Botanical garden in Bedugul you can. Various circuits for all ages and fitness.
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Now and then people send us inspiring emails and this generates even more enthusiasm to share all of the things we know about this lovely island in the hope that you can plan your tropical holiday properly and have as such a great time as we always have. Hope to see you there!
When I wrote the mail I never really expected a reply. I might have expected a computer generated but never a personally written one. The information you provided is invaluable, thank you so very much. I have been using your website as a bible through Bali. Through your recommendation, I will be heading to Ubud then follow the sightseeing route to the coast of Candidasa.
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