Pura Ulun Danu Beratan sits on the shore of Lake Beratan in the highlands near Bedugul, where its tiered shrines seem to float on the water. The temple honors Dewi Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers. The lake supplies water to farmland downstream, so the temple holds a central place in the network of water temples that serve Bali's subak irrigation societies.
The site was a place of worship long before the present temple, and records mention it in the 16th century. In 1633 the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu, rebuilt it. Its best-known shrine is an 11-tiered meru, the odd number of roofs reflecting high status. The temple has appeared on Indonesia's 50,000 rupiah note.
Mornings here are cool and often misty, with mountains rising around the lake and the meru reflected in still water. Landscaped gardens surround the shrines, and fishermen and small boats move across the lake. The air is noticeably fresher than on the coast, so most visitors linger, walking the shoreline before heading on to the markets and waterfalls of the region.
Highlights
- The 11-tiered meru on the lake
- Misty highland mornings
- Gardens along Lake Beratan
- A key temple of Bali's water network
Good to know
- Bring a warm layer, as the highlands are much cooler than the coast.
- Arrive soon after opening to photograph the meru on calm water.
- Combine the visit with Munduk or the twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan nearby.
On the map
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