Danau Bratan Lake

Address: Danau Bratan / Ulun Danu Bratan Temple area, Bedugul (Bratan), Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia

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.

Set at over 1,200 metres above sea level, Lake Bratan is the second-largest lake on Bali, filling the crater of Mount Catur, a dormant volcano, alongside two smaller lakes. Its cool waters are considered sacred, and the lakeside temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, enclosed by a large flower garden, appears to float on the surface, making one of the island’s most photographed sights.

A refreshing retreat from Bali’s hot lowlands, the resort area of Bedugul offers spectacular lake panoramas along with water-skiing, parasailing and banana-boat rides, plus plenty of hotels and restaurants. A few Japanese caves dug during the Second World War can be found across the lake, and you can hike to shrines scattered around the wooded shore. The nearby market town of Candikuning and the highland village of Munduk, with its coffee plantations and waterfalls, are both within easy reach.

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.

• 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.