Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a major Balinese water temple on the shores of Lake Bratan near Bedugul in central Bali, Indonesia, and is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers. The complex dates to the 17th century and is one of Bali’s most photographed temple ensembles.

Visitors encounter multi-tiered pagoda-style shrines, gardens and lakeside pavilions set against the backdrop of Lake Bratan, which often reflects the temple structures in calm weather. The complex is valued for its architecture and ceremonial role in local water rituals rather than as a single monumental building.

The temple group includes several meru (multi-tiered shrines) capped by thatched roofs, including an 11-tiered meru associated with higher-status deities. Boat landings and lake viewpoints provide common vantage points for photography and ceremonies.

The principal structures of the complex date from the 17th century and were established as part of Bali’s system of water temples that manage irrigation and worship of lake and river deities. The site has been maintained and used continuously for Hindu worship and local rituals.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan stands on the southwestern shore of Lake Bratan in the Bedugul area of central Bali, within Tabanan Regency, at approximately 1,240 meters above sea level.

• Lake elevation and views: The temple sits on the shores of Lake Bratan at around 1,240 meters elevation, making it cooler and wetter than much of southern Bali and popular for lake views and sunrise photography.

Lake Bratan is a major irrigation source for the Balinese highlands, and the temple was raised in dedication to Dewi Danu, the lake goddess; pilgrims still come to pay homage and pray for bountiful harvests. According to a manuscript of the Mengwi Kingdom, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan was built in 1633 by the King of Mengwi, the same ruler who founded Pura Taman Ayun.

Inside the gate stands a large, finely carved stupa alongside the Pura Teratai Bang temple, with the smaller Pura Dalem Purwa nearby. Further out in the lake, reachable only by boat, sits the Lingga Petak shrine, a three-tiered meru dedicated to Shiva. When the shrine was repaired in 1968, three round stones, coloured red, white and black, were unearthed at its foundations; the white stone is believed to be a phallic symbol of Shiva, associated with fertility worship.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is on Lake Bratan in the Bedugul area of central‑north Bali. The temple is reached by road from Denpasar/Ubud - most visitors drive or take an organized tour; the drive from Denpasar typically takes about 1.5-2 hours along the central Bedugul routes. Public buses are limited in this part of Bali, so visitors commonly use private car, taxi, or tour transport.

• Arrive right when the site opens (early morning) to enjoy the temple's lakeside setting before tour buses arrive and to catch the best light on the reflections.
• Enter via the main visitor parking area on the lakeshore to avoid long walks from farther lots and to reach the temple gardens and temple compound quickly.
• After the main temple photos, walk the lakeside paths and smaller shrines around the compound-these quieter spots give different perspectives and fewer people in your shots.