Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: A Must-Visit for History and Nature Enthusiasts

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Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, also known as Pura Beratan, is a beautiful and significant temple located in the highlands of Bali, Indonesia. The temple is situated on the shores of Lake Beratan, surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountains. It is considered one of Bali’s most iconic and picturesque temples and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

You might recognize Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple as it’s pictured on the 50,000 rupiah bill.

The temple complex is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, and is believed to be a place of great spiritual and cultural significance for the Balinese Hindu community. The temple is also an important site for ceremonies and festivals related to water, agriculture, and the well-being of the community.

Built in the 17th century, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is an architectural masterpiece, showcasing the unique blend of Balinese and Javanese styles. The temple complex comprises several shrines, pagodas, and gates, each with its own unique design and symbolism. The temple’s location on the shores of Lake Beratan adds to its beauty and serenity.

Visiting Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a must-do for anyone interested in history, culture, and nature. In this blog post, we will describe what to expect during a visit.

Experience at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

A visit to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a unique and memorable experience, offering a glimpse into the rich culture and spiritual beliefs of the Balinese Hindu community.

Upon arriving at the temple, visitors will first see the main entrance gate, called the Candi Bentar, which is a large and impressive structure decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Before you arrive at the iconic temple, you can walk through beautiful gardens. The temple compound has several gates without doors where people can come for worshipping.

The temple’s location on the shores of Lake Beratan adds to the overall experience. The lake provides a picturesque background for the temple and the reflection of the temple on the lake’s surface creates a breathtaking view. Visitors can also take a boat ride around the lake to fully appreciate the temple’s surroundings.

Sometimes Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is called a floating temple because of the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple’s unique position on the lake.

There are amenities like a cafe and restrooms on the temple grounds. You’ll find also other attractions like a children’s playground and photographers that can take photos for you for a small fee. They know the best angles for stunning pictures, so if you don’t have a professional photographer friend, consider taking the locals to take your photo in this iconic location.

You can also consider going on a speedboat trip around Beratan lake. It takes around 10 minutes and offers unique views of the temple and the surrounding mountains that you wouldn’t get from the shore.

The entrance fee for an adult to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple was 75,000 Rupiah in 2022. They accept credit cards, o you don’t have to worry about taking cash for visiting this temple.

If you are interested in the history of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, consider reading about it online beforehand or hiring a local guide. There isn’t much information about the temple’s history on the grounds.

When to visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple?

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple should be visited either early in the morning from 7 am to 9 am if you want to enjoy the surroundings without crowds of tourists.

Unfortunately, this site has been commercialized due to its popularity. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is pictured on the 50,000 Rupiah note and visible in uncountable Instagram pictures. This has put the temple on a must-visit list for almost anyone going to Bali.

Also, it usually gets foggy during the day and the mountains might not be visible if you arrive in the afternoon. So the early morning visit can also give you an opportunity to shoot better pictures.

How to get to Ulun Danu Temple?

Ulun Danu Bratan is located around 50 km from Denpasar. It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach it, but you can check the map for more specific directions.

You can get there by renting a scooter for your time in Bali, or a private driver for a day. There are also several guided tours that include a visit to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.

It takes around 1-2 hours to see the temple and its surroundings, so consider adding some other landmarks to your day trip. Check out what else you can see on a day trip in Bali.

What makes Ulun Danu Beratan Temple unique?

The temple is famous for its unique location that makes Ulun Danu Beratan Temple look like it’s floating on the water.

You can observe some of the local traditions in the temple. Locals use it to worship Hindu gods and arrive in traditional clothes. At certain times you can witness people praying and placing offerings.

However, many visitors have commented that this temple has become too crowded and commercialized. So adjust your expectations, and consider visiting the temple at times that aren’t as popular with other tourists.

The Architecture and Design of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is an architectural masterpiece, showcasing the unique blend of Balinese and Javanese styles. The temple complex comprises several shrines, pagodas, and gates, each with its own unique design and symbolism.

The main temple complex is located on a small island in the middle of Lake Beratan, and can only be reached by boat. The main temple complex is made up of several shrines, each dedicated to different deities. The central shrine, called pelinggih meru, is a multi-tiered structure with 11 roofs dedicated to Shiva.

The temple complex also includes several other shrines. Each of these shrines is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

The temple complex also includes several pagodas and gates, which are decorated with colorful carvings and sculptures.

The temple’s location on the shores of Lake Beratan adds to its beauty and serenity. The temple’s architecture and design are closely tied to the lake and its surroundings, with the temple’s design and layout believed to be in harmony with the natural environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a magnificent and sacred site that offers a glimpse into the rich culture and spiritual beliefs of the Balinese Hindu community.

The temple’s architectural and design masterpiece, showcases the unique blend of Balinese and Javanese styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple’s location on the shores of Lake Beratan adds to its beauty and serenity.

A visit to the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is an experience not to be missed for anyone interested in learning about the Balinese culture and tradition. It offers visitors an opportunity to observe the daily activities of the local community, and admire the intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

The temple’s location on the shores of Lake Beratan adds to the overall experience, providing a picturesque background and a reflection of the temple on the lake’s surface. If one of the reasons for traveling to Bali for you is to get iconic pictures, then Ulun Danu Beratan is something you don’t want to miss. The temple is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bali and will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

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