Danau Bratan is one of the largest mountain lakes in Bali. The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, one of the most famous and important temples on the island, is located directly on its shore. The temple is one of the most popular photo opportunities for travellers to Bali. But besides this holy site, there are other interesting places around the lake. In the following, we will introduce you to the sights and attractions and explain exactly where Lake Bratan is located in Bali.
Where is Lake Bratan located?
Lake Bratan is located in the mountainous north of Bali. It is one of three large lakes in the region and lies within an ancient caldera. The lake is directly adjacent to the town of Bedugul. As the crow flies, it is about 20 kilometres southeast of Singajra, the second largest city in Bali. Danau Bratan is about 27 kilometres from Ubud in central Bali. From Singaraja, you should plan for about an hour’s travel time, and from Ubud, it’s better to plan for an hour and a half. With good traffic conditions, it can also be a bit faster.
The atmosphere at Lake Bratan
Lake Bratan is located in the highlands of Bali at an altitude of about 1240 metres above sea level. The crater lake, with an area of almost 3.75 square kilometres, is one of the largest lakes in Bali. The lake is surrounded by a beautiful, green mountain region. The forests on the mountains offer a breathtaking backdrop and invite you to take hikes in nature, at least in some places.
The climate around the lake is very different from the coastal regions of Bali. The mountain landscape and green hills ensure a cooler climate. They also trap the humidity to such an extent that a mystical fog arises.
Places of interest at Lake Bratan
There are some places of interest to discover in the immediate vicinity of Lake Bratan. Particularly noteworthy are the extremely important temple Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and the beautifully laid out botanical garden in Bedugul.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
The most famous attraction at Danau Bratan is also one of the most important temples on the Island of the Gods. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is an important water temple and one of the most popular photo opportunities in all of Bali. The two pagoda-shaped buildings, which are part of the temple and are located on two small islands in the lake, are particularly famous. The view of these pagodas with the beautiful lake and the misty mountains in the background is truly mystical.
Botanical Garden in Bedugul
The largest botanical garden in Indonesia is located in Bedugul. Inaugurated in 1959, the botanical garden is divided into several thematic areas. For example, there is a separate garden for traditional Balinese medicinal plants with around 300 species, and a bamboo garden with more than 80 species. There is also a greenhouse with cacti, a rose garden, lots of carnivorous plants and many other areas to discover. Part of the mountain rainforest also belongs to the botanical garden.
Candi Kuning Market
The Candi Kuning market is located in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the botanical garden. The market primarily sells fruit and vegetables that are harvested in the nearby growing areas. In addition to fresh fruit and vegetables, you can also find spices and exotic flowers such as orchids and roses at the market. The neatly arranged market stalls display a colourful array of products. There are also several restaurants around the market. Candi Kuning Market is open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Conclusion: Is Lake Bratan worth a visit?
Lake Bratan is nestled in a beautiful mountain and hill landscape and has a few attractions to offer. In particular, the famous temple Pura Ulun Danu Bratan attracts a lot of visitors, so it can get quite crowded here. Those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere will find it in the botanical garden and the beautiful forest landscapes alike. The lake is definitely worth a visit. If you are planning a trip to the famous temple, you should plan to go either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. At these times, there are no large crowds of tourists and the lake can be enjoyed at its best.
