You have come to Bali wanting to see all the beautiful temples you have seen on Instagram and not sure which ones to visit. Let me tell you about Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (aka Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple). There are some pretty special Balinese temples to visit on your Bali trip and I think that Ulun Danu Beratan Temple should be one of them if you can fit it into your itinerary.
This amazing Balinese temple is located about 1200 metres above sea level in Lake Beratan. Pretty much in the middle of Bali. This entire area is full of natural beauty.
Is It As Pretty As The Pictures?
Yes and also possibly no. It depends. A couple of factors come into play here. The main reason for Ulun Danu Beratan Temple’s popularity is that it floats on the lake. If you visit when the water is low, it will obviously not be floating. On our visit, it was almost a complete temple float. We also had a day with a lot of fog and some rain. This is quite common here. At some moments we had very little visibility but then when it passed a little it was quite mystical and special with some of the fog and overall feeling in the air.
How To Get To Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Bali
From say, Seminyak it is 2.5 hour drive and from Ubud, a little quicker than that say 1.5 hours. A private driver would be our recommended way to get to Ulun Danu Temple, regardless of where you are staying in Bali. Organise the driver for the day and see more while you’re at it.
How Much Is The Ulun Danu Temple Entrance Fee
Fun Fact: The 50.000 Indonesian Rupiah note features the Ulun Danu Temple. And since the latest price increase, that is exactly what it will cost you.
Entrance Fee: 50.000 IDR
Car Parking: 5.000 IDR
Motorbike Parking: 2.000 IDR
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Opening Hours
The opening hours are from 8 am to 6 pm. That said people have accounts of being there earlier than that, and at sunrise too, so parts must still be accessible at that time.
What To Do There?
Once you are inside the temple’s grounds, take your time, walk around and take in the beauty. The main things to do at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple are exploring by foot and even by little swan paddle boats if you’re in the mood for a paddle. Fishing is popular along the lake’s edge too. Did not see anything getting caught but all the fishermen and fisherkids seemed in their element. You can even rent fishing gear there if your keen to drop a line in.
How Long Should I Spend There?
Completely depends on what you want to do. We spent just over an hour and we took our time walking around the grounds, took some photos and enjoyed a couple of peaceful areas we found. We could have been quicker than that too. If you wanted to eat or hire a boat on the lake then allow time accordingly.
What Facilities Are At Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
As far as an attraction goes in Bali, you have most things available that you may want. Food, toilets and a carpark with a few market style shops lining it. If you are on your Bali holiday with kids there is a small play equipment area, and are a few nice seats to take in the temple grounds too. Let’s not forget the rentable fishing gear and paddle boats mentioned earlier.
Is It Worth It?
Yes. If you want to visit a unique Balinese temple on your Bali holiday then definitely consider visiting Ulun Danu Temple. I would say that in order to truly make it worth it, make a whole day of exploring, and visit some other parts of Bali whilst you have your private driver. Suggestions like the Twin Lakes lookout is a nice quick stop or visit a more secluded waterfall if you are feeling adventurous.
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