Planning your first trip to Bali and wondering if Pura Ulun Danu Temple is worth visiting? Spoiler alert: it absolutely is! While it might not be the tranquil spiritual experience you’d expect from such a significant Balinese water temple, its stunning location on Lake Bratan, surrounded by the Bedugul mountains, makes it one of the most picturesque temples in Bali.
In this post, I’ll share a complete guide to planning your trip to Pura Ulun Danu, including what to expect during your visit and my honest feedback.
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Is Pura Ulun Danu Temple Worth Visiting?
Even though Pura Ulun Danu has become a bit of a tourist trap lately, it’s still a must-see if you’re exploring central Bali. The site’s natural beauty is simply stunning and holds real significance for the Balinese community.
Spiritual Significance
This temple is considered one of the most important places of worship for Balinese Hindus. Dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, rivers, and lakes, it plays a vital role in the subak system. Since the lake is Bali’s primary water source, ceremonies are held here to pray for and ensure a sufficient water supply to nourish the island.
The traditional Subak irrigation system, dating back to the 9th century, remains vital to Balinese culture and agriculture. It is not simply a method of watering rice paddies but a sophisticated network linking farming communities, the natural environment, and spiritual beliefs.
This intricate system encompasses everything from the iconic rice terraces of Jatiluwih to sacred water temples such as Pura Ulun Danu and Tirta Empul, demonstrating a deep respect for the interconnectedness of three elements: nature, humans, and spiritual beliefs.
…And Some Tourist Traps
Sadly, the spiritual significance of Pura Ulun Danu gets a bit lost in the tourist hustle. It’s incredibly popular, and, let’s be honest, the tourism business has taken over. You’ll find restaurants, coffee shops, and all those cheesy animal-feeding attractions (owls, rabbits, etc…) that really take away from the temple’s beauty.
A friend even defined it a “themed park,” and I can’t say I disagree entirely. While I’m usually so happy to support local activities and businesses, how these animals are treated in such situations is not the most ethical. So, I would avoid engaging in animal feeding activities and photo spots.
Stunning Natural Backdrop
But even with the less-than-peaceful atmosphere, the breathtaking natural setting makes it worth a visit. The iconic multi-tiered Hindu shrines (called merus, which you’ve probably seen in countless photos) are perched on Lake Bratan, at an altitude of around 1,500 meters, against the backdrop of the Bedugul mountains.
These aesthetically pleasing shrines, surrounded by curated gardens bursting with pink and red flowers, appear to float on the still lake’s waters. The lush, deep green mountains of Bali’s interior create an even more spectacular backdrop, sometimes partially veiled by the mist rising from the lake, giving the whole scene a mystical feel.
What to expect from the visit?
After navigating the crowded parking lot and purchasing your entrance ticket, you’ll enter the temple grounds through a traditional Balinese split gate, a candi bentar.
Just past the gate is the first courtyard, and this is the part that reminded me of a theme park. The atmosphere here isn’t exactly spiritual; you’ll find a kids’ playground and a bunch of tourist stalls and shops. Walk through this area, admiring the well-maintained gardens and vibrant flowers, to reach the lakeshore.
From here, you’ll have a stunning view of the two merus (shrines) seemingly floating on the calm lake, surrounded by colorful gardens and the mountains as a dramatic backdrop. This is arguably the most authentic and beautiful part of the temple, which, unfortunately, also makes it the most crowded.
You can continue along the lake’s edge to enjoy the scenery or head back to the inner courtyard to see the Buddhist stupa, an unusual feature in a Hindu temple that symbolizes religious harmony in Bali.
If you’d prefer a less touristy experience, consider renting a boat just outside the temple in the parking lot. This allows you to bypass the crowds and ticket booths while enjoying stunning views of the temple shrines from the water.
How to Get to Pura Ulun Danu
Pura Ulun Danu is located in the Tabanan regency in Central Bali. Its location, away from the main tourist hubs, makes it a great starting point for exploring the less-traveled northern part of the island.
One of the closest towns to Pura Ulun Danu is Ubud, which is about an hour and a half away, making it an ideal base for a day trip or a longer stay in central Bali. You have several options for getting to the temple:
Scooter
Navigating Bali’s roads by scooter offers the best flexibility, especially if you’re confident driving in the island’s northern region (where roads can be a bit trickier than in the more touristy spots).
Having your own wheels lets you explore at your own pace and discover hidden corners. Plus, it’s the most budget-friendly option, with scooter rentals in Ubud typically costing between IDR 70,000 and IDR 200,000. Remember that rain is always possible in this area, regardless of the season. You’ll need an international driving licence to rent a scooter, and don’t forget your travel insurance!
Private Driver
Hiring a private driver is also a good option if you visit Pura Ulun Danu and other sights in Central Bali. Here, you can book an English-speaking driver for up to 12 hours for approximately $35 (for a group of up to three people).
This allows you to create your itinerary, discuss your desired stops with your driver, and simply relax and enjoy the views without the stress of navigating the roads yourself.
Guided Tours
While joining a tour is the most convenient and stress-free way to visit Pura Ulun Danu, it does offer less flexibility. Typically, these tours include pick-up and drop-off services and entrance tickets to the sights. This tour includes Pura Ulun Danu, Jatiluwih, and other waterfalls in Bali’s central region.
What to Do Around Ulun Danu Temple
The Bedugul region is an ideal base for exploring other natural wonders in central Bali (and also one of my favorite areas among those I explored). Because of their remote location, these sights are often overlooked. Below are some of the sights you can consider.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Located just 40 minutes from the temple, Jatiluwih offers one of the most authentic rice terrace experiences in Bali. Surrounded by farming communities, this site is part of the ingenious Subak system, and these terraces stretch as far as the eye can see. The vibrant colors and natural beauty are truly unique and make Jatiluwih a must-see if you’re exploring central Bali.
Leke Leke Waterfall
Bathing beneath Leke Leke Waterfall was definitely a highlight of my Bali trip. Tucked away in the lush jungle of central Bali, just 25 minutes from the temple, it’s a true escape from the crowds often found at more accessible waterfalls. A short, 30-minute hike downstream leads you to this magnificent cascade, where you can dip in the pool below.
Bali Botanical Garden
Located only 6 minutes from the Temple, this lush area is Indonesia’s largest botanical garden. Here, you can explore diverse plant species, wander through green open spaces, and immerse yourself in the beauty of a tropical mountain forest.
The Twin Lakes
Lake Bratan isn’t the only lake worth visiting in the area. On the other side of the surrounding mountains, you’ll find Buyan and Tamblingan, often called the Twin Lakes. This area offers opportunities to explore local villages, hike to the Mount Agung Twin Lakes viewpoint, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this region.
Munduk Village
If you want to experience authentic Balinese life, you can’t miss the village of Munduk. Surrounded by jungle, vibrant rice paddies, and colorful plantations, this charming village is a waterfalls’ paradise. You’ll find tons of cascades to explore nearby!
Best Time to Visit Pura Ulun Danu
For the best experience at Pura Ulun Danu, I recommend arriving early in the morning, ideally right when it opens at 7 am. This will allow you to enjoy the temple’s serene atmosphere before the crowds arrive and capture stunning photos of the merus bathed in the morning light.
To make this happen, consider spending the night in the Bedugul region or leaving early to arrive in time for sunrise.
Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm. If you visit independently, you can purchase tickets at the entrance. If you join a tour, the entrance fee is usually included. For foreign visitors, the ticket price is IDR 75,000 ($4) for adults and IDR 50,000 ($3) for children.
What To Wear at Pura Ulun Danu
While there’s no strict dress code enforced at the temple (or at least, you don’t feel like it), respectful clothing is always a good idea when visiting temples. I wore long linen trousers (I was also visiting Tirta Empul that day, so it made sense to dress accordingly), a top with bare shoulders, and a sarong draped over my shoulders. This was a good compromise, allowing me to stay cool while appropriately dressed for a temple visit.
Where to stay in the Bedugul Region
During my trip, I based myself in Bedugul, just 16 minutes from the Pura Ulun Danu Temple. It was the perfect location for exploring the region.
If you’re looking for an accommodation surrounded by the beautiful nature of Central Bali, I highly recommend “Village Above the Clouds“. Surrounded by rice paddies and charming villages, this lovely property offers bungalows with breathtaking views. Waking up for sunrise is a must!
Map of the Bedugul Region
I hope this guide has provided you with all the essential information for visiting Pura Ulun Danu. While it’s become quite a touristy spot and perhaps lacks some of the authenticity you’d expect from such a culturally significant site, the sheer beauty of the shrines against the backdrop of the lake and mountains makes it well worth a visit. Now, discover it for yourself!
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