Eleven-tiered shrine of Ulun Danu Beratan reflected in still lake water, with clouds over the hills behind

Religious site · Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Lakeside water temple in the cool Bedugul highlands, its tiered shrines reflected in Lake Beratan

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Photo: Guillaume Marques (@mrqs_g) / Unsplash

Discover Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

High in the hills of central Bali, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan stands at the water's edge of Lake Beratan, with misty forested slopes rising behind it. Its best-known shrine, a slender tower with eleven thatched roofs, sits on a small island just offshore, so on still mornings it appears to float on its own reflection.

The temple grounds are laid out as gardens with lawns and flower beds, and the cooler mountain air makes a welcome change from the coast. It is a natural stop on a day trip through the highlands that might also include the botanic garden, the twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan and waterfalls on the road north.

Don’t miss

01The eleven-tiered meru of Pura Puncak Mangu on its island in the lake
02The three-tiered Linga Pura shrine beside it
03Landscaped temple gardens with flower beds along the shore
04Views across Lake Beratan to forested hills, often wrapped in cloud
05Traditional jukung boats on the lake

History & culture

The story of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Wonderful Indonesia notes that the site has been used for worship since the megalithic period, with a stone sarcophagus found beside the temple, and that the temple was recorded by 1556. In 1633 it was rebuilt by I Gusti Agung Putu, King of Mengwi, in a style that blends Hindu and Buddhist elements.

The temple honours Dewi Danu, goddess of water, lakes and rivers. Because Lake Beratan feeds springs and irrigation in the farmland below, the temple plays an important role in Bali's subak water-temple network. Its four main structures include the three-tiered Linga Pura dedicated to Shiva and the eleven-tiered Pura Puncak Mangu, and the temple appears on Indonesia's 50,000 rupiah banknote.

Local life & traditions

Lake Beratan is considered sacred as a source of water for central Bali's fields, and farmers' subak groups bring offerings to Dewi Danu here to pray for water and fertile harvests. The temple's courtyards are used for regular ceremonies, when worshippers in white and traditional dress gather with offerings. The surrounding Bedugul highlands are known for vegetable and flower farming that supplies much of the island.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

Walk the shoreline paths and gardens for the classic views of the island shrines, then continue around the grounds to the other temple courts, which are viewed from outside when ceremonies are not taking place. Early mornings are the calmest time for reflections on the water before mist and cloud build and tour groups arrive.

The highland area around Bedugul has a cool climate and fertile farmland. Combine the temple with the Bali Botanic Garden, the morning fruit and vegetable market at Candikuning, viewpoints over Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, or a stop at a coffee or strawberry farm on the route.

When to go

The temple can be visited all year, but the highlands are cooler and wetter than the coast, so bring a light jacket. The drier months from about April to October usually give the best chance of clear morning views; afternoons often bring cloud and showers, especially between November and March. Arrive early for the stillest water and the fewest visitors.

Plan your visit

Verified information

History: Rebuilt in 1633 by I Gusti Agung Putu, King of Mengwi; the site has been used for worship since the megalithic period. Source: indonesia.travel ↗
Main structures: Linga Pura (three levels, Shiva), Pura Puncak Mangu (eleven levels, Vishnu), Pura Teratai Bang (main temple) and Pura Dalem Purwa. Source: indonesia.travel ↗
Banknote: The temple appears on Indonesia's 50,000 rupiah note. Source: indonesia.travel ↗
Lake: Lake Beratan is described as Bali's second-largest lake; an earthquake is said to have split an older lake into Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan. Source: indonesia.travel ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Bring a light jacket or umbrella; the highlands are noticeably cooler and showers are frequent.
Arrive soon after opening for still water and soft light on the island shrines.
Dress modestly and use a sarong and sash where requested.
Do not climb on shrine platforms or walls for photos.
Allow about two hours' drive each way from south Bali or Ubud.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Pura Ulun Danu Beratan: food, markets & places to stay

Candikuning village beside the temple has a market selling local fruit, vegetables and flowers, plus simple restaurants; some serve halal food, as the Bedugul area has a long-established Muslim community, but ask before ordering. The Bali Botanic Garden is a few minutes away, and Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan lie a short drive north-west. Visitors usually come by hired car with driver or on an organised tour, as public transport to the highlands is limited.