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Located in the peaceful surroundings of Lake Beratan, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is known as one of the most captivating classic landmarks in Bali.
Famous for its “floating” appearance during floods, this ancient location pays homage to Dewi Danu, the water goddess.
Featuring misty mountains, layered shrines, and peaceful lakeside scenes, the temple provides a magical retreat into Bali’s deep spiritual heritage, making it a top spot to visit in the morning when it looks most beautiful.
The History and Layout of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Pura Bratan, also recognized as Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, is an important Hindu Shaivite temple situated in Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex sits near Lake Beratan, surrounded by the mountains near Bedugul. All the surrounding area in the outflow region receives water from the lake; further down, there are various smaller water temples serving each irrigation group (subak).
Built in 1633, the temple was established for the purpose of performing rituals and ceremonies in tribute to the Balinese water goddess Dewi Danu, acknowledging the importance of Lake Bratan as a main water source in central Bali. The shrine meru, standing 11 storeys tall in the compound, is dedicated to Shiva and his wife Parvathi. This temple also houses a Buddhist stupa. It is called the “Bali temple on the Lake” because it looks like it is floating when the Bratan River rises.
In Bali, Hindu temples are known as “pura” and are built as enclosed outdoor sacred areas for prayer. The intricate walls have several elaborately decorated entrances that don’t have doors for worshippers to enter. The sacred pura is structured according to a square layout and design.
A common temple follows the layout described in ancient Lontar texts, featuring three courtyards divided by short walls adorned with intricate gateways. The outer courtyard is designated for worldly activities, featuring pavilions utilised for gatherings, as well as for performers and musicians to rest during festivals. During festivals, food stalls are installed here.
The middle courtyard serves as a passageway between the human and divine areas; it is where offerings are made and temple items are kept. Shrines and religious ceremonies take place in the inner courtyard. The merus are square buildings with brick bases and numerous pagoda-style thatched roofs; the deity’s status is indicated by the number of roofs, always being odd.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is one of the nine sacred temples in Bali known as ‘Kahyangan Jagat’. The temple compound includes five different shrines that are also dedicated to different Hindu deities.
Visiting Experience
The optimal time to explore Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is either at sunrise or immediately after. Because the temple is highly sought after and the area is compact, waking up early will be advantageous.
In the morning, you will notice that the skies in Bedugul are often clear, but as the day progresses, the heat and winds from the lowlands cause clouds to form, obscuring the stunning mountains and sometimes causing showers. This is yet another justification for going early!
The place is conveniently located on Google Maps, making it easy for visitors to find directions with ease. The website is open every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Bali time (WITA) to cater to both morning people and evening adventurers.
The cost of admission changes depending on the type of visitor and their age. On weekdays, Indonesian visitors are charged IDR 20,000 for children and IDR 40,000 for adults, which increases to IDR 50,000 on weekends. Tourists from other countries pay IDR 50,000 for kids and IDR 75,000 for adults, providing a simple pricing system for travellers.
How to get to Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
The location of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is in Bedugul, a town situated about 1.5 hours to the north of Ubud, with minimal traffic. It will take between 2 to 2.5 hours by car from Kuta.
The easiest way to reach the water temple is by scooter or taxi, though there are also numerous shuttles available from other well-known areas of Bali like Ubud.
Where to Stay?
Villa Surga in Ubud is the ideal starting point to begin your exploration of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. It requires about. 74 minutes’ drive from this opulent retreat with stunning surroundings, featuring four elegant bedrooms for a peaceful and luxurious escape after your adventures.
Relax in the peaceful atmosphere of Ubud before starting your trip to the holy temple, where you will find the stunning beauty of Bali.
Bottom Line
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, an enduring representation of Balinese spirituality, provides a mesmerising experience with its scenic lake, distinctive design, and peaceful environment. Get to the temple early to see its stunning beauty in the morning light, and make sure to schedule your visit for a smooth entrance and easy journey.
