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Indonesia🇮🇩 | attractionsUlun Danu Bratanlakeside temple, mountain backdrop, floating shrines | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Ulun Danu Bratan
🏆 Top pickattraction ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Cold mist clings to my arms at 7 a.m. while I stand on the lakeshore, watching the tiered meru shrines of Ulun Danu Bratan float above flat gray water and smelling wet frangipani and clove smoke. That is the picture on the 50,000 rupiah note, and yes, it is everywhere. The temple sits on Lake Bratan near Bedugul, in the central highlands of Bali, about 1.5 to 2 hours north of Ubud and Canggu. Be honest with yourself: by 10 a.m. tour buses fill the lawns and the selfie queues are real, and the compound is small, so you will finish it in an hour. Still, the cool highland air, the Hindu-Buddhist shrines and the lake setting make it a rare Bali stop that feels fresh. Arrive at opening, wander the gardens, then keep moving north.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 attraction in IndonesiaWhy Ulun Danu Bratan should be on your travel list

Backpackers make time for Ulun Danu Bratan because it is the postcard shot of Bali that actually holds up in person. The Hindu water temple, dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers, sits on the shore of Lake Bratan at about 1,200 meters (3,900 feet), so the air is cool and mist often drifts across the water in the morning. The 11-tier meru shrine to Shiva and Parvati appears on the 50,000 rupiah note, which makes the view feel oddly familiar.

The cultural weight is real. The temple dates to 1663 and still anchors the subak irrigation system that feeds the rice terraces below, so you are looking at a working piece of Balinese water management, not a museum piece. It is also an easy milestone on the north-south route between Ubud and Lovina, or on the way to Munduk, so you rarely … read more 👉
Backpackers make time for Ulun Danu Bratan because it is the postcard shot of Bali that actually holds up in person. The Hindu water temple, dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers, sits on the shore of Lake Bratan at about 1,200 meters (3,900 feet), so the air is cool and mist often drifts across the water in the morning. The 11-tier meru shrine to Shiva and Parvati appears on the 50,000 rupiah note, which makes the view feel oddly familiar.

The cultural weight is real. The temple dates to 1663 and still anchors the subak irrigation system that feeds the rice terraces below, so you are looking at a working piece of Balinese water management, not a museum piece. It is also an easy milestone on the north-south route between Ubud and Lovina, or on the way to Munduk, so you rarely need a detour. Arrive early for the best light and thinner crowds, and the stop pays you back with calm, photogenic water, flower gardens, and a morning market nearby selling strawberries and fresh corn.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Ulun Danu Bratan

  1. The Eleven-Tier Meru Shrine: The tallest tower, dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati, rises from the water and is the shot everyone wants. Its tiered thatched roofs look best in morning mist.
  2. The Lakeside Water Temple Complex: The compound holds several shrines for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva on small islets and shoreline. Walk the causeways and spot how each shrine is linked to the lake.
  3. The Buddhist Stupa: A small stupa on the grounds shows the island’s mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is quiet and often missed by tour groups.
  4. Lake Bratan Boat Ride: Rent a small speedboat or paddle boat for a short loop. The view of the shrines from the water is different and usually less crowded.
  5. Manicured Lakeside Gardens: Wide lawns, hydrangeas, begonias and old trees make a cool, shaded stroll.
… read more 👉
  1. The Eleven-Tier Meru Shrine: The tallest tower, dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati, rises from the water and is the shot everyone wants. Its tiered thatched roofs look best in morning mist.
  2. The Lakeside Water Temple Complex: The compound holds several shrines for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva on small islets and shoreline. Walk the causeways and spot how each shrine is linked to the lake.
  3. The Buddhist Stupa: A small stupa on the grounds shows the island’s mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is quiet and often missed by tour groups.
  4. Lake Bratan Boat Ride: Rent a small speedboat or paddle boat for a short loop. The view of the shrines from the water is different and usually less crowded.
  5. Manicured Lakeside Gardens: Wide lawns, hydrangeas, begonias and old trees make a cool, shaded stroll. Good for slow photography and a picnic break.
  6. Morning Ceremonies: On Hindu holy days, locals bring offerings and priests lead prayers. Watch respectfully from a distance and wear a sarong.
  7. Bedugul Fruit and Strawberry Market: Right on the road nearby, stalls sell fresh strawberries, passion fruit and corn. It makes an easy snack stop after the temple.
I would pick the meru shrine first, in early morning light. It is the reason the place is famous, and with mist and few people around you see it as the builders intended.
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Things to do around Ulun Danu Bratan

Bali Private 3 Days Tour Package Highlight

Bali Private 3 Days Tour Package Highlight

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North Bali Tour: Ulun Danu, Jatiluwih, Bali Handara & Waterfall

North Bali Tour: Ulun Danu, Jatiluwih, Bali Handara & Waterfall

5.0(53)
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Bali: Bedugul Lake Temple, Banyumala Waterfall, UNESCO Rice Field

Bali: Bedugul Lake Temple, Banyumala Waterfall, UNESCO Rice Field

5.0(52) 9h 30m
From €27
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Tanah Lot- Ulun Danu Beratan- Jatiluwih- Countryside Tour

Tanah Lot- Ulun Danu Beratan- Jatiluwih- Countryside Tour

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Private Bali Tour: The Most Scenic Places

Private Bali Tour: The Most Scenic Places

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Bali: Bedugul Temple, Banyumala Waterfall, UNESCO Rice Terrace

Bali: Bedugul Temple, Banyumala Waterfall, UNESCO Rice Terrace

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Private tour, discover the beauty of bali

Private tour, discover the beauty of bali

5.0(39)
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Celukan Bawang private North Bali Nature Tour

Celukan Bawang private North Bali Nature Tour

5.0(34) 12h
From €35
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Tanah Lot , Jatiluwih & North Bali Private Tour All–Inclusive

Tanah Lot , Jatiluwih & North Bali Private Tour All–Inclusive

5.0(30)
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Full Day Bali North West Tour - Waterfall and Scenic Site

Full Day Bali North West Tour - Waterfall and Scenic Site

5.0(26) 8h
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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (May to September): Clearest skies and the best odds of seeing the shrines against a blue backdrop. Days run about 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), mornings drop to 15 to 18°C (59 to 64°F). Crowds peak in July and August, and accommodation prices rise.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Afternoon downpours are common and mist often hides the lake, which can look moody and atmospheric. Expect 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F). Fewer visitors and lower prices, but plan on early starts.
  • Shoulder Months (April, October): Mixed weather, thinner crowds and reasonable prices. Good compromise for flexible travelers.
  • Daylight: Year-round sunrise is around 6 a.m. and sunset near 6 p.m., so the grounds open in good light at 7 or 8 a.m.
Arrive within the first hour after opening on a weekday to get calm water and empty lawns.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: good for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

The best bases are Ubud, Munduk and the Bedugul area, depending on how long you want to spend near the temple. Most backpackers stay in Ubud, about 1.5 to 2 hours away, because the social hostels and cafes there make it easy to find travel buddies and share a driver for a day trip. This works well if you want a sociable scene and plan to return the same evening. Munduk, roughly 40 to 60 minutes from the temple by road, is a quiet mountain village with homestays, waterfalls and rice and clove plantations. It suits slower travelers and hikers, and you can reach the lake early before the crowds. … read more 👉
The best bases are Ubud, Munduk and the Bedugul area, depending on how long you want to spend near the temple. Most backpackers stay in Ubud, about 1.5 to 2 hours away, because the social hostels and cafes there make it easy to find travel buddies and share a driver for a day trip. This works well if you want a sociable scene and plan to return the same evening. Munduk, roughly 40 to 60 minutes from the temple by road, is a quiet mountain village with homestays, waterfalls and rice and clove plantations. It suits slower travelers and hikers, and you can reach the lake early before the crowds. Bedugul itself has a handful of simple guesthouses and lakeside stays, but fewer social options and less nightlife. Singaraja and Lovina on the north coast are another choice if you are traveling through the island northward, with beach-town hostels and a relaxed backpacker scene. Stay in Ubud for company, in Munduk for peace and cool air.
Best hostels in Indonesia


Best quality hotels in Indonesia

👛 Costs (as of 15 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A day trip to Ulun Danu Bratan typically costs US$15 to 35 per person, including entry, transport and food. Entry is the smallest part of the budget, and getting there by scooter or shared driver is the biggest variable.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Foreign adult entryUSD 3 to 4 (IDR 50,000 to 75,000)Prices rise periodically; domestic visitors pay far less.
ParkingUSD 0.30 to 0.60Charged for scooters and cars at the entrance lot.
Scooter rentalUSD 5 to 8 per dayRoads from the south are steep and winding, with fog and trucks.
Private driver (day trip)USD 35 to 55 per carShared between up to 4 people, usually includes other stops.
Boat rentalUSD 8 to 15Speedboat or paddle boat, priced per boat for a short loop.
Food and snacksUSD 3 to 8Warung meals nearby are cheaper than lakeside cafes.
Sarong
… read more 👉
A day trip to Ulun Danu Bratan typically costs US$15 to 35 per person, including entry, transport and food. Entry is the smallest part of the budget, and getting there by scooter or shared driver is the biggest variable.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Foreign adult entryUSD 3 to 4 (IDR 50,000 to 75,000)Prices rise periodically; domestic visitors pay far less.
ParkingUSD 0.30 to 0.60Charged for scooters and cars at the entrance lot.
Scooter rentalUSD 5 to 8 per dayRoads from the south are steep and winding, with fog and trucks.
Private driver (day trip)USD 35 to 55 per carShared between up to 4 people, usually includes other stops.
Boat rentalUSD 8 to 15Speedboat or paddle boat, priced per boat for a short loop.
Food and snacksUSD 3 to 8Warung meals nearby are cheaper than lakeside cafes.
Sarong rentalUSD 0 to 1Sometimes included, otherwise a small fee.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQFrequently asked questions about Ulun Danu Bratan

Plan on 1 to 2 hours at the temple itself, since the grounds are compact. A half-day works if you add the Bedugul fruit market or a boat ride on Lake Bratan, and a full day if you also visit Handara Gate or Munduk waterfalls. Arriving by 8 a.m. keeps the visit short and the crowds light.
For most travelers, yes, because foreign entry is only about IDR 50,000 to 75,000 (roughly US$3 to 4). The ticket covers the lakeside gardens, the shrines from the outside and the best photo spots. Boat rides and extras cost more, but the main sight is good value if you arrive early.
The temple is in Bedugul, about 50 km (31 miles) north of Ubud and 55 km from Denpasar, a drive of 1.5 to 2 hours. Most backpackers rent a scooter for US$5 to 8 a day or share a private driver for about US$35 to 55 per car. Public bemo and minibus connections via Bedugul’s Candikuning market are slower and may require changes.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Indonesian attractions near Ulun Danu Bratan

Explore more nearby:

  • Batukaru Temple—Tabanan slopes, Pura Luhur Batukaru, rainforest shade, cool air| 11 km away
  • Tirta Empul Temple—spring-fed pools, ritual bathing, Balinese architecture| 23 km away
  • Tirta Empul—holy springs, purification pools, temple rituals| 23 km away

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Ulun Danu Bratan

Ulun Danu Bratan earns its fame. Standing on that lakeshore with cool mist and the eleven-tier shrine in front of you is a proper Bali moment, and the entry fee is tiny. The drawback is crowds. After about 9:30 a.m. the lawns fill with tour groups and the calm disappears, so get up early or you will mostly see the backs of phones.

✈️ When did I visit Indonesia?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Indonesia twice (and it was worth it): first in September 2015 and a bit later again in January and February 2016.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Indonesia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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