Candikuning Subregion
Candikuning at a Glance#
Known For: Lake Bratan and mountain markets - Ulun Danu temple and nearby mountain market.
Best Months: Apr-Oct - Cooler, drier mountain weather good for walks.
Gateway City: Denpasar - Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar; 1-2hr drive.
Why Visit Candikuning?#
Ulun Danu Views
Candikuning sits steps from Lake Bratan and the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan temple-photographic temple silhouettes on glassy water are what most visitors come for. Visit early to avoid tour buses and to see the temple with calm water reflections.
Candi Kuning Market
The Candi Kuning flower and produce market is a colourful local hub for Bedugul vegetables, orchids and fresh strawberries-perfect for sampling local fruit and grabbing picnic supplies for lake-side lunches. Bargain politely; quality produce here is noticeably fresher than southern Bali.
Strawberry Farms
Small strawberry farms around Candikuning let you pick fruit and buy jams and sauces made on-site. It’s a short, family-friendly activity that pairs well with a market stop and the cooler mountain air of Bedugul.
Botanical Gardens
Kebun Raya Bedugul (Bali Botanic Garden) is a tidy place to stretch legs among highland plants, orchids and shaded trails-bring comfortable shoes for the sloping paths and the misty mornings. It’s an easy half-day escape from southern Bali heat.
Handara & Highlands
The nearby Handara Golf Gate and highland roads offer classic Bali mountain photo ops, cool temperatures and pine-lined scenery uncommon elsewhere on the island. Drive slowly-the winding roads reveal small temples, coffee stalls and viewpoints worth stopping for.
Who's Candikuning For?#
Lake Beratan and the Ulun Danu Bratan temple create classic romantic vistas; lakeside dinners and cool mountain air suit quiet couples.
Children enjoy strawberry picking and exploring the Bali Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Bedugul); easy walks and lakeside picnics make family days simple.
Candikuning is mostly a scenic pass - useful as a chilled stopover en route to Bedugul or Munduk rather than a party or transport hub.
Few coworking options and mixed cafe Wi‑Fi keep Candikuning a short-stay spot for remote workers rather than a prolonged base.
Mountain strawberries, local vegetable produce and Balinese warung fare dominate; try roadside juices and fresh fruit snacks near the markets.
Nearby trails on Mount Catur and hikes around Munduk offer morning treks and waterfalls, good for moderate activity days.
There’s virtually no nightlife beyond hotel bars and small cafés - not a destination for late-night scenes.
Cool-climate lakes, botanical gardens and surrounding highland forests make Candikuning excellent for plant lovers and peaceful nature walks.
About Candikuning#
Candikuning is a highland village in the Bedugul area of central Bali, set among cool, misty hills about 30 miles north of Denpasar. At altitude the climate is markedly fresher than the coast, and the fertile volcanic soil has long made this the garden of the island.
The village’s colourful Pasar Candikuning market is a lively introduction to that abundance, its stalls piled with mountain fruit and vegetables, spices, and cut flowers including orchids and roses. A short drive away, on the shore of crater Lake Beratan, stands Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, a lakeside water temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of the waters that irrigate Bali’s rice fields. With its multi-tiered meru shrines seeming to float on the lake against a backdrop of hills, it is one of the most photographed sights in Indonesia.
Just outside the village lies the Bali Botanic Garden, a large upland reserve of native and exotic plants that also contains the Bali Treetop Adventure Park. The surrounding Bedugul highlands, with their crater lakes and forested ridges, reward a longer stay.
Candikuning is an easy stop on the road between the south and the north coast. The dry season, roughly April to October, offers the best weather, though the high season of July and August can be crowded.
Best Things to Do in Candikuning#
Candikuning Bucket List#
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan - Lakeside Hindu temple set on Lake Beratan, often visited for its reflective waterscape and ceremonies.
Bali Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Bedugul) - Large highland botanical garden showcasing native plants, orchid collections, and walking trails.
Candi Kuning Market - Busy morning market selling local fruits, flowers, spices, and Bedugul-grown produce.
Wanagiri Hill and Handara Gate - Hilltop viewpoints with carved gates and platforms popular for early-morning mist photography.
Candikuning strawberry farms - Pick-your-own strawberry farms near Candikuning, open mornings during the harvest season.
Lake Beratan boat rentals at sunrise - Small local operators rent traditional boats for quiet morning rides on the lake.
Local fruit roadside stalls - Temporary roadside sellers offering fresh mountain-grown fruits and flower bouquets, great for sampling seasonal produce.
Small family-run coffee stalls - Roadside warungs serving strong Balinese coffee and snacks, favored by locals before market visits.
Bedugul to Munduk scenic drive - Roughly one- to one-and-a-half-hour mountain drive through rice terraces, waterfalls, and clove plantations.
Candikuning Lake Beratan loop - Short circular drive around Lake Beratan with multiple temple viewpoints and roadside fruit stalls, half-day.
Candikuning to Tanah Lot via Tabanan - Longer day route connecting highland scenery to coastal temples and Tabanan landscapes, best as a day trip.
Bedugul sunrise circuit - Early-morning loop visiting Ulun Danu, botanical gardens, and Wanagiri viewpoints for misty lake scenes.
Planning Your Trip to Candikuning#
Weekend Candikuning Itinerary
Cool Bedugul highland escape: visit Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, explore Bali Botanic Garden, browse Candikuning market, try strawberries, and watch lake sunsets with short hikes to nearby viewpoints.
- Day 1 - Drive from Denpasar to Candikuning, visit Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.
- Day 2-3 - Explore Bali Botanic Garden, Candikuning market, strawberry farms and viewpoints.
1 Week Candikuning Itinerary
Seven-day central and north Bali loop: Candikuning and Bedugul, Munduk waterfalls, Jatiluwih rice terraces, Lovina dolphin morning, and quiet coastal drives plus temple visits and local markets.
- Day 1 - Arrive Denpasar, transfer to Candikuning and Bedugul.
- Day 2 - Visit Ulun Danu Bratan and botanical gardens.
- Day 3 - Drive to Munduk: waterfalls and clove plantation walks.
- Day 4 - Jatiluwih rice terraces half-day trip and viewpoints.
- Day 5 - Head north to Lovina for dolphin spotting at dawn.
- Day 6 - Relax on northern coast, visit hot springs.
- Day 7 - Return to Candikuning or Denpasar for departure.
2 Weeks Candikuning Itinerary
Two-week Bali highlands and north coast circuit: Candikuning base, Munduk, Jatiluwih, Lovina, Pemuteran dives, West Bali day trips, and relaxed homestays, cultural shows and cooking classes.
- Day 1-3 - Candikuning and Bedugul exploration, temples and gardens.
- Day 4-6 - Munduk waterfalls, coffee tours and hiking.
- Day 7-10 - North coast: Lovina dolphins, Pemuteran dives and beach time.
- Day 11-14 - West Bali day trips, Jatiluwih revisits, cooking classes and relaxation.
More to See in Candikuning#
Candikuning sits in the cool Bedugul hills, long known as the garden of Bali, and rewards a wander beyond the lake.
Pasar Candikuning. The colourful market is a captivating introduction to highland Bali, piled with fruit, vegetables and spices alongside exotic flowering plants, orchids and roses. Taste a pomelo or a yellow passion fruit; the pungent durian is one for the very brave.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Less than a 10-minute drive away on Lake Bratan, this water temple dedicated to the lake goddess Danu appears to float on the crater lake - one of Bali’s most photographed sights.
Bali Botanical Gardens. Nearby the gardens feature traditional Balinese houses and the Bali Treetop Adventure Park, while the mountain-ringed Bali Handara Kosaido golf course is rated among the finest anywhere.
Best Time to Visit Candikuning#
Candikuning (Bedugul, Bali) sits at higher elevation near Lake Beratan and has cooler temperatures than Bali’s lowlands with a distinct wet season from December-March. The driest, clearest months are June-September, when temple and garden visits are most pleasant.
June - September
15-24°C / 59-75°F
The dry, coolest months with clear skies, excellent visibility and comfortable conditions for lake and temple visits. Evenings can be chilly, so bring layers.
April - May, October - November
15-24°C / 59-75°F
Transitional months with a mix of dry and rainy days; many clear mornings but increasing chance of showers. Good time to avoid peak tourist volumes while still finding fair weather.
December - March
15-24°C / 59-75°F
The wet season brings frequent rain, mist and lower visibility across the highlands; gardens are lush but conditions are wetter and cooler. Expect fewer tourists and more variable travel conditions.
Candikuning's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 23°C. Heavy rainfall (2689 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (413 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (380 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (363 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (242 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (165 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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August
August is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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November
November is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (260 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (372 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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Jan
January
15-23°C / 59-73°F · Cool and wet · Low Season
January is in the wet season at Bedugul elevations, with frequent rain and cool, misty conditions around Lake Beratan. Roads and gardens are lush but outdoor sightseeing can be damp and muddy.
Events
- Nyepi (variable March/April) - Although Nyepi’s date varies, preparations can be visible in highland communities in the months leading up to the festival.
Feb
February
15-23°C / 59-73°F · Cool and wet · Low Season
February continues with high rainfall and cooler daytime temperatures compared with Bali’s lowlands. Cloud and mist are common, limiting long-distance views from mountain sites.
Mar
March
15-24°C / 59-75°F · Cool, showery · Low Season
March is transitional with a mix of showers and clearer days; when Nyepi occurs it brings island-wide quiet and many businesses close for the day. Cooler temperatures and mist are common in the highlands.
Events
- Nyepi (date varies) - Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, falls in March or April depending on the Balinese calendar and is observed island-wide.
Apr
April
15-24°C / 59-75°F · Cool with sun · Shoulder Season
April often becomes drier with more sunny intervals, improving conditions for visiting temples and gardens at higher elevation. Mornings can still be cool, so layers are useful.
Events
- Nyepi (date varies) - When Nyepi falls in April visitors should expect island-wide observance with restricted movement for 24 hours.
May
May
16-24°C / 61-75°F · Cool and drier · Shoulder Season
May moves toward the dry season with clearer skies and comfortable temperatures-one of the better months for exploring Bedugul. Gardens and lakeside walks are pleasant and less crowded than lowland tourist spots.
Jun
June
15-24°C / 59-75°F · Cool and dry · High Season
June is usually dry and cool in the highlands, offering clear views and comfortable conditions for temple visits and hill walks. Nights are cool enough to need a light jacket.
Events
- Bali Arts Festival (June-July, Denpasar) - The Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar runs from mid-June into July and showcases traditional dance, music and crafts across the island.
Jul
July
15-24°C / 59-75°F · Cool and dry · High Season
July remains dry and is one of the most pleasant months to visit Candikuning and Bedugul, with crisp mornings and clear skies. Peak-season crowds may be found at major temple sites and gardens.
Events
- Bali Arts Festival (June-July, Denpasar) - The island-wide Arts Festival brings cultural performances and exhibitions, with events concentrated in Denpasar but visible to visitors across Bali.
Aug
August
15-24°C / 59-75°F · Cool and dry · High Season
August stays dry and cool, providing excellent visibility for lake and mountain views; daytime temperatures are comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. Evenings can be chilly, particularly at higher elevations.
Events
- Independence Day (Aug 17) - National Independence Day is marked with ceremonies and local activities throughout Bali.
Sep
September
15-24°C / 59-75°F · Cool and drier · High Season
September typically maintains dry-season conditions with pleasant weather and fewer rains, ideal for outdoor activities and temple visits. Crowds start to ease late in the month.
Oct
October
15-24°C / 59-75°F · Humid, variable · Shoulder Season
October is transitional with increasing humidity and a higher chance of showers; mornings remain cool but afternoons can turn damp. Garden and temple visits are still possible but plan for occasional rain.
Nov
November
15-24°C / 59-75°F · Increasingly wet · Shoulder Season
November sees more frequent rain and mist in the highlands, which can reduce visibility and make walking paths slippery. Tourist services are generally available but with fewer visitors.
Dec
December
15-23°C / 59-73°F · Cool and very wet · Low Season
December is usually within the wet season with persistent rain, low cloud and cool temperatures at elevation. Temple visits and gardens are lush, but expect damp conditions and intermittent closures.
Getting to & Around Candikuning#
Candikuning sits in Bali’s upland lake district, so travel involves narrow, often steep mountain roads and cooler, changeable weather-unlike Bali’s coastal resort areas. Public transit is limited; private transfers or rentals and comfortable footwear for short walks are the norm.
Candikuning in the Bedugul highlands is reached from Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai (DPS) by road; travel time is typically around 60-90 minutes depending on traffic and the exact start point. Many visitors use private transfers, rental vehicles or organized tours from the south and central Bali.
Airports
Candikuning (Bedugul area) is best reached via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (DPS); the drive to Candikuning typically takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Car / Scooter Rental
Renting a car or scooter is the most practical way to explore Candikuning and Bedugul - roads are hilly and often narrow. Expect cooler temperatures and occasional fog in the highlands; drivers should take care on steep switchbacks.
Local Shuttle / Tourist Buses
Intercity buses, tourist shuttles and private transfer services run between Denpasar/Ubud and the Bedugul area; scheduled public buses are infrequent, so many visitors use private shuttles or organized day tours to reach Ulun Danu and surrounding gardens.
Cycling / Walking
The Bedugul plateau is popular for cycling and walking around the lakes and gardens, but routes include steep climbs; road shoulders can be narrow and weather can change quickly, so allow extra time and wear visible clothing.
Where to Stay in Candikuning#
Candikuning (Bedugul area) offers cool‑climate stays near Ulun Danu Bratan temple and the botanical gardens. Accommodations range from local homestays and budget inns to mid‑range hotels with lake views; villas and private rentals are available for longer stays or groups.
IDR 200k-450k / night
Near the Candi Kuning market and Bedugul Botanical Garden: family-run homestays and simple inns are common and affordable. They’re convenient for early-morning temple visits and strolls around Lake Bratan without the higher costs of resort properties.
IDR 450k-1,200k / night
Hotels and lodges around Lake Bratan provide comfortable rooms and restaurant service, many with views of Pura Ulun Danu. Suitable for travelers wanting convenience, on-site dining and easy access to nearby attractions.
IDR 800k-3,000k / night
Private villas and holiday homes around Candikuning suit families or groups seeking space and self-catering. Book in advance for high season; properties cluster along the main road between Bedugul and the Bratan shore.
IDR 400k-1,000k / night
Small boutique stays set in fruit orchards or spice gardens are an attractive alternative for travelers wanting quieter country accommodation. These are well-placed for trekking, botanical garden visits and cooler mountain evenings.