Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Temple Iconic lake temple dedicated to water goddess Dewi Danu
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan sits on Lake Bratan in Bali’s central highlands; visitors photograph the lakeside temple, attend Hindu-Balinese offerings and explore surrounding gardens and markets in Bedugul.
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.
How to Get to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan #
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.
Tips for Visiting Pura Ulun Danu Bratan #
- 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.
Best Time to Visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan #
Aim for the dry season (April-October) for clearer views of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and easier walking around the lake.
Weather & Climate near Pura Ulun Danu Bratan #
Pura Ulun Danu 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 (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.
