Danau Bratan
Lake Highland lake hosting the iconic Ulun Danu temple
Lake Bratan near Bedugul hosts the waterside Ulun Danu Bratan temple; tourists take short boat rides, visit the temple complex and explore surrounding gardens and highland markets.
Danau Bratan (Lake Bratan) is a crater lake in central Bali near Bedugul, known for its temple complexes on the shoreline and its role in local irrigation systems. The lake and its temples are prominent features of Bali’s central highlands.
The most photographed feature is the lakeside temple compound, which appears to float when water levels are high; visitors come to view the temple, take boat rides and enjoy the cooler climate. The immediate area includes gardens and nearby recreational facilities.
The modern temple complex dates mainly from the 17th century and has been maintained and restored since then; the lake has long been integral to local agricultural water management and ritual life. Ceremonies connected to water and agriculture continue to be observed at the site.
Lake Bratan lies in the Bedugul region of central Bali, about a one- to two-hour drive from central southern Bali resorts depending on traffic, and is surrounded by volcanic highland terrain and botanical gardens.
- Highland lake: The lake sits at a high elevation in Bali's central highlands-around 1,200 metres above sea level-making it a cooler, upland destination.
- Water temple and irrigation: The temple on the lake is dedicated to the water goddess Dewi Danu and is an important site for local irrigation ceremonies.
What to See #
- Pura Ulun Danu Bratan: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan - the temple complex on the lake shore and a primary cultural landmark forming a characteristic lakeside silhouette.
How to Get to Danau Bratan #
Danau Bratan (Lake Bratan / Ulun Danu Bratan) is on the Bedugul plateau in central Bali. From Denpasar drive or take an intercity minibus toward Bedugul along the main mountain road (Jalan Raya Bedugul); the trip is roughly 60-70 km depending on route and traffic. Buses and tourist shuttles to Bedugul leave from Denpasar, Kuta and Ubud; once in Bedugul the temple is a short walk from the parking/boat area on the lake shore.
Tips for Visiting Danau Bratan #
- Arrive early in the morning to see Ulun Danu Bratan temple with calm water reflecting the shrine before the tour‑bus influx; morning light gives the classic reflection shots and fewer boats are operating then.
- Use the lakeside parking/entrance rather than stopping on the main road - the official lakeside approach places you closest to the temple complex and the small jetties for photo angles.
- Combine the stop with the nearby Bedugul botanical gardens or a short market visit in Bedugul to spread the typical tour‑group timing and see quieter local sights that many visitors skip.
Best Time to Visit Danau Bratan #
Visit Danau Bratan in Bali's drier months (roughly April-October) for the most pleasant weather around the highland lake.
Weather & Climate near Danau Bratan #
Danau Bratan'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 (2715 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (416 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 (366 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 (164 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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August
August is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).
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November
November is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (265 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (376 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
