The Ulun Danu Temple is a well-known landmark and important Hindu temple situated on the edge of Beratan Lake in Bedugul. The temple is one of the most famous in Bali, particularly known for its picturesque setting on the water, where it looks like it’s floating at high tide. The Bedugul area is itself a popular destination for locals and tourists, as it strategically connects the north and south of the island. The breathtaking scenery and atmosphere of the temple’s setting make it a well-frequented spot for sightseeing and recreation.
The temple was erected in the 1600s in worship of the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and the lake goddess Dewi Danu. As you enter the temple gates, you’ll notice immediately the traditional Balinese architecture and tiered shrines for each god: Vishnu with eleven tiers, Brahma with seven and Shiva with three. The temple is considered to have been a sacred site long before it was built during the rise of the Mengwi kingdom due to the presence of a sarcophagus and stone tablet artifact, dated from about 500 BC.
Visiting the temple costs IDR 7,500 for domestic tourists and IDR 10,000 for international visitors. As the place is a favourite tourist spot, the surrounding area has been equipped with hotels, villas, a public park, restaurants and cafes and souvenir stores. Close by are some other places of interest that are worth taking a look, such as the Bedugul botanical gardens and the Bedugul fruit and vegetable market.
