Temple of Ulun Danu Bratan

Located in the highlands of the mountainous Bedugul Regency in Bali, atop the plateau above Lake Beratan is the temple of Ulun Danu. In mild weather in the mountains approximately 1,500m above sea level, the air is fresh and cool. The lake is beautifully clear, calm and almost completely still, occasionally a gentle breeze passes by, creating small ripples on the surface of the lake. A thin mist rises from the lake and hangs in the air, surrounding the temple, giving Ulun Danu Bratan a somewhat mysterious appearance.

Ulun Danu Temple was built to worship Goddess Danu. Danu, in Balinese means lake, hence Goddess Danu is the queen of water, lakes and rivers. The temple complex consists of four sacred buildings. Linga Pura is three stories high, is the place to worship Lord Shiva. Pura Puncak Mangu is 11 stories high, built to worship Vishnu. Pura Teratai Bang is the main temple, and Pura Dalem Purwa was built to worship Sang Hyang Widhi. This temple is also a place for those who wish for fertility, prosperity and well-being.

The style of the temple follows the Trimurti faith; the three holy colors represent the three gods: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The first color is red, for Lord Brahma – the Creator. The second is black, the symbol of Lord Vishnu - the balance and preservation of the universe. The last is white, symbolizing Shiva - the Destroyer.

The area around the temple is believed to have been a place of worship and a center of religious ceremonies since the Paleolithic period. To the left of the temple there is a coffin as well as a stone slab dating back to around 500 BC. The existence of the temple is recorded as early as 1556. In 1633, it was rebuilt by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu, with a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. Despite its age, the temple is still in good condition, well maintained by the local community. Ulun Danu Temple is one of the symbols of the island of Bali, featured on the 50,000 rupiah bill.

Lake Bratan (or Beratan) is the second largest lake in Bali, and is the source of irrigation for rice fields and plantations throughout the entire Bedugul Village. The mountain on which it is located is often called the “holy mountain” because of its cool weather and fertile soil. In early times, Lake Beratan was the largest lake in Bali, until an earthquake broke the lake into three parts: Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan. The name Beratan is derived from Brata, which means one's self-discipline to fulfill the 9 main needs in life. The word used in the term “Tapa Brata” means meditation and union with nature.

Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191

Opening hours: - Monday - Friday & Sunday: 07:00 - 19:00

- Saturday: 05:00 - 19:00