Beratan Temple
A highland lake temple in central Bali with cool weather, mountain views, and the Ulun Danu Beratan temple complex on the water.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sits on the western shore of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul highlands, roughly 1,200 metres above sea level. The temple appears to float on the water when the lake level rises, which has made it one of the most photographed places in Bali. The air here is cool year-round, a sharp contrast to the heat of the southern coast.
The temple was built in 1633 by King I Gusti Agung Putu of the Mengwi Kingdom and dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and water. For centuries, farmers and villagers have come here to pray for a steady water supply for their rice fields. The temple is still an active place of worship, not just a tourist stop.
History and origins
In Balinese, Ulun Danu means 'head of the lake'. That makes sense: Lake Beratan feeds the irrigation networks of central Bali, and the temple was built to honour Dewi Danu, the goddess who controls the water.
After the Dutch took control of the Mengwi Kingdom in the late 19th century, the temple was neglected for decades. Restorations in the 20th century brought it back to life. Today, the complex houses several shrines, including a Buddhist stupa alongside Hindu shrines. This shows how Hinduism and Buddhism have blended over time in Bali.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1633 by King I Gusti Agung Putu |
| Location | Lake Beratan, Bedugul highlands |
| Elevation | ~1,200 metres above sea level |
| Main deity | Dewi Danu (goddess of lakes and water) |
| Original kingdom | Mengwi Kingdom |
| Opening hours | 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily |
New cultural programs in 2026
Starting in 2026, the temple began hosting regular cultural performances so visitors have more to do than just take a quick photo. You can watch traditional Barong and Kecak dances on the first and second weeks of every month. These run alongside the regular religious ceremonies, so you're fairly likely to see or hear live Balinese music and dance during your trip.
The temple's management is trying to focus more on cultural tourism rather than just quick sightseeing. They've also added themed gardens and upgraded the facilities around the complex.
Entrance fees and opening hours
New entrance fees take effect on July 1, 2026, standardising prices across both weekdays and weekends. Local Bali residents get a discounted rate.
| Category | New price (IDR) | Previous price (IDR) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult | 100,000 | 75,000 |
| Foreign child | 75,000 | 50,000 |
| Domestic adult | 50,000 | 40,000 to 50,000 |
| Domestic child | 25,000 | 20,000 |
| Bali resident adult | 30,000 | N/A |
| Bali resident child | 20,000 | N/A |
The temple opens daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and you can buy tickets right at the entrance. If you need a sarong, you can rent one at the gate for 10,000 to 20,000 IDR. Your ticket covers both the main temple complex and the surrounding gardens. Travel operators and tour groups still get discounts of 20 to 30 percent.
New ticket prices take effect July 1, 2026. Foreign adults go from 75,000 to 100,000 IDR. If you are visiting before that date, the old rates still apply.
Best time to visit
If you want clear blue skies and crisp reflections of the temple on the water, aim for the dry season from April to October. Getting here between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM is your best bet for photos, as the morning light is great and you will beat the tour buses. The wet season from November to March brings heavier clouds and rain, but the temple grounds are much quieter, and the low mist over the lake is incredibly atmospheric.
July is easily the busiest month; the temple logged over 51,000 visitors in July of 2025. If you want to avoid the crowds, March and the other wet-season months are much quieter.
| Period | Conditions | Crowd level |
|---|---|---|
| April to October | Dry season, clear skies, cool air | Moderate to high |
| November to March | Wet season, cloudy, occasional rain | Low to moderate |
| July (peak) | Dry, busy school holiday period | Very high |
| March (quietest) | End of wet season, 22,000+ visitors | Low |
Arriving right at 7:00 AM gets you the calmest water and empty grounds. The first big tour buses usually don't roll in until around 9:00 AM.
Getting there
You will find Ulun Danu Beratan in the Bedugul highlands of Tabanan Regency, about 55 kilometres north of Denpasar. If you are staying in Ubud, the drive takes about an hour and a half. From the southern resort areas, expect a journey of 1.5 to 2 hours. The road climbs steadily through winding mountain passes, and you will feel the temperature drop as you get higher.
| Starting point | Travel time |
|---|---|
| Ubud | ~1.5 hours |
| Seminyak / Canggu | ~1.5 to 2 hours |
| Kuta | ~2 hours |
| Denpasar / Sanur | ~2 hours |
| Jatiluwih | ~30 minutes |
Hiring a private driver is by far the easiest option, costing around 600,000 to 800,000 IDR for a full day. Scooters work too, but only if you are confident navigating steep, winding mountain roads. While local public minibuses run occasionally, they are hard to time and require several transfers. Most travellers end up booking a day tour that covers the wider Bedugul area.
Nearby attractions
There is plenty to see near Bedugul within a short drive of the temple, making it easy to build a full day trip.
Blooms Garden
This is a massive flower garden sitting right next to the temple complex. It requires its own separate ticket but is open year round. It is a popular spot for a leisurely walk, photos, and grabbing a coffee at the cafe overlooking the lake.
Bali Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Bali)
Located ten minutes north of the temple, this is Indonesia's largest botanical garden. It spreads across 157 hectares on the cool slopes of Mount Pohen, offering shaded walking trails, a huge collection of ferns, and a manicured rose garden. You will need to buy a separate ticket at the gate.
Handara Gate
You have probably seen this split gate on social media. It marks the entrance to the Handara Golf Course, about 20 minutes north of the temple. It is a busy photo spot, so arrive early in the morning if you want a shot without other people in it.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
These sprawling, UNESCO-protected rice terraces cover over 600 hectares, roughly 30 minutes south of Bedugul. Because they are close, travellers frequently pair Jatiluwih and the temple in a single day's run.
If you are planning a full-day loop from Ubud or the south, a solid route is: head to Jatiluwih in the cool morning, hit Ulun Danu Beratan around midday, and spend the afternoon at either Handara Gate or the Botanical Garden. This is easiest to pull off with a hired driver.
Dress code and practical tips
Because Ulun Danu Beratan is an active place of worship, you need to dress respectfully. If your shoulders or knees are showing, you can rent a sarong at the entrance for 10,000 to 20,000 IDR. You will also need to slip off your shoes before stepping onto any of the inner shrine areas.
- You can rent a sarong for 10,000 to 20,000 IDR right at the entrance.
- Pack a light sweater or jacket. Highland temperatures hover between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius and can feel quite brisk.
- Keep cash on hand. While some food stalls and shops take card or QR payments, cash is still the safest bet.
- Give yourself at least an hour to explore. Add another hour if you want to wander the gardens or stay for a dance performance.
- Arrive at 7:00 AM if you want to skip the crowds and catch the lake water at its calmest, glassiest state.
- Group this visit with trips to Jatiluwih, Blooms Garden, or the Botanical Garden to fill out a full day.
Keep in mind that this is a living, functioning temple, not a theme park. Balinese ceremonies and daily offerings are part of life here. Please be quiet and respectful near the shrines, and make sure you do not block or photograph anyone who is praying.
