Ulun Danu Beratan is a water temple on the shore of Lake Beratan at Candikuning, near Bedugul in Tabanan regency, about 50 km north of Denpasar. The drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours up Jl. Raya Denpasar-Singaraja, climbing to roughly 1,200 metres, where the air is noticeably cooler than on the coast. A private driver is the most convenient option; minibuses run from Ubung Terminal to Candikuning but take about 2 hours and involve walking from the road. The temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, and the lake is a key source for irrigation across central Bali. Its tiered meru shrines, including an 11-tier structure, appear to float when the lake level is high, and this image is printed on the 50,000 rupiah banknote. The grounds also hold gardens, a Buddhist stupa and a small mosque, reflecting the area's mixed communities, and visitors can rent paddle boats on the lake. The nearby Bedugul Botanic Garden and the Candikuning fruit and flower market are easy additions. A suggested day leaves Denpasar around 7:30 to arrive when mist still hangs over the water and crowds are thin. After walking the grounds, visitors can browse the market for strawberries, vegetables and orchids, then lunch at a lakeside restaurant. The return journey can include a stop at Jatiluwih rice terraces, though that makes a long day. Mornings are clearer, and afternoons often bring cloud and showers in the wet season. April to October is the best window. A light jacket is useful because the altitude keeps temperatures low. Modest clothing is required at the temple.
| Distance | About 50 km north of Denpasar centre |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-2 hours |
| Getting there | Private driver, IDR 600,000-900,000 (approx US$33.52-50.28) per day, or Grab IDR 400,000-600,000 (approx US$22.35-33.52) one way |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Jl. Raya Denpasar-Singaraja, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali 82191 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Private driver
- Route
- Denpasar to Bedugul via Jl. Raya Denpasar-Singaraja
- Duration
- 1.5-2 hours
- Cost
- IDR 600,000-900,000 (approx US$33.52-50.28) per day
- Mode
- Minibus
- Route
- Ubung Terminal to Bedugul (Candikuning)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Cost
- IDR 30,000-50,000 (approx US$1.68-2.79)
Location
Jl. Raya Denpasar-Singaraja, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali 82191
-8.2753, 115.1666 View on map
Highlights
- Meru shrines rising from Lake Beratan, as shown on the 50,000 rupiah note
- Lakeside gardens with a Buddhist stupa and mosque
- Candikuning market for fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers
- Cool highland air and misty lake views
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9:00 for mist, softer light and fewer tour groups.
- Pack a light jacket, as Bedugul is much cooler than Denpasar.
- Hire a driver for the day if the plan includes Jatiluwih or the botanic garden.
- Respect temple etiquette and keep off the shrines near the water.
- Eat at lakeside restaurants or the market warungs, and check prices before ordering.
When to visit
Early morning from April to October gives the clearest views and fewest crowds. Afternoon cloud and rain are common in the wet season.
Accessibility
The gardens and lakeside paths are mostly flat and paved, which suits many visitors with limited mobility, though some areas have steps and uneven surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ulun Danu Beratan from Denpasar?
It is about 50 km north of the city centre. The drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Is it cold at Bedugul?
Temperatures are noticeably cooler than on the coast because of the altitude of roughly 1,200 metres. A light layer is useful, especially in the morning.
Can visitors enter the shrines?
Visitors can walk the grounds and view the shrines from the shore, but the temple is an active place of worship and the inner areas are reserved for prayer.
Can the trip be combined with other sites?
Yes, Jatiluwih rice terraces and the Bedugul Botanic Garden are the usual add-ons, although together they make a long day.