Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan lie side by side in the old volcanic caldera west of Lake Beratan, separated by a narrow, forested strip of land. Known together as the Twin Lakes, they are quieter and wilder than their famous neighbor, surrounded by dense rainforest and steep hills. Viewpoints along the road between Bedugul and Munduk look down on both lakes from the caldera rim.
The lakes are sacred to the surrounding communities. On the shore of Lake Tamblingan stands Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan, still used for traditional ceremonies, and old temples lie along forest paths between the lakes. The forest around them protects the water that feeds springs and farms below, and local villages have long played a role in guarding it.
The best way to experience the Twin Lakes is slowly. Local guides offer walks along mossy paths through the forest, and traditional canoes cross Lake Tamblingan in the early morning, when mist hangs low on the water and birdsong carries across the surface. Afternoons often bring cloud and rain, so dawn and early morning are the most rewarding times to visit.
Highlights
- Caldera-rim viewpoints over both lakes
- Traditional canoe trips on Tamblingan
- Forest walks between the lakes
- Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan on the shore
Good to know
- Book a canoe and guide at Lake Tamblingan for the misty morning hours.
- Stop at a roadside viewpoint on the caldera rim for the classic view of both lakes.
- Dress modestly near Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan and avoid entering during ceremonies.
On the map
Bali 2027 Travel Guide
The complete island guide: where to go, how to get around, what to avoid, health and safety, and the phrases that open doors.