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In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know to plan an independent adventure to the beautiful Ulun Danu Lake Temple in Bali in 2026. This beautiful Lake Temple is very picturesque and iconic. However, there are a few important things you need to know before you visit.
We absolutely LOVE exploring Bali and have visited as a couple and now as a family. If you’re in Bali we highly recommend taking some time to explore the quieter north of the island. AND if you’re in the north of Bali – we definitely recommend visiting the Ulun Danu lake temple. In this article, we will explore the temple’s location, entrance fees, transportation options, cultural significance, and much more.
If you are planning to book a tour or a hotel please do use our links. We use affiliate links in our articles. This enables us to earn a small commission when you book – AND there is no extra cost to you.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on Bali temples NOT TO MISS
Why Visit the Ulun Danu Lake Temple?
The Ulun Danu Lake Temple, also known as Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, is one of Bali’s most iconic and breathtaking temples. With its serene and mystical atmosphere, this enchanting temple is not only a must-visit for those interested in Balinese culture and history but also for anyone seeking a truly unique and captivating experience.
Located on the shores of Lake Bratan, The Ulun Danu Lake Temple is surrounded by lush flower gardens, green mountains, and a calm, mirror-like lake, creating an unforgettable, postcard-perfect scene. The temple’s unique architecture and captivating sculptures make it a prime destination for photographers, backpackers and anyone interested in temples and culture in Bali. There are also boats so you can enjoy paddling on the lake.
Is it worth visiting the Ulun Danu temple?
Ulun Danu is a little out of the way. Why not fit it into a bigger Bali itinerary where you also visit the north? For example, check out this EPIC 10 day Bali itinerary that also includes Ulun Danu and north Bali
Is Ulun Danu worth visiting? YES, we think this temple is well worth a visit. However, it is worth being aware that Ulun Danu is a long way from Kuta, Denpasar and Ubud. We wouldn’t recommend traveling all this way for the temple alone. There are some other awesome attractions in the north of Bali – so we recommend visiting Ulun Danu alongside some other epic attractions in the north of Bali.
ALSO, as a more remote location in the quiet north of Bali, Ulun Danu is rarely over-crowded. Yes, you’re likely to see a handful of other people here – but you don’t need to worry about the crowds that you find in the south of Bali. So, yeah, overall we do think this temple is well worth a visit, especially if you’re planning to see some other attractions in the area.
Where is the Ulun Danu Temple located?
Ulun Danu Lake Temple is situated in the Bedugul area of Central Bali, Indonesia. The temple is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, and 22 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of Singaraja.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Ulun Danu Lake Temple?
Entrance to the temple costs 75,000 IDR (around £4 or $5). Additionally, parking fees for cars and motorbikes are typically separate and may cost around 5,000 IDR (approximately 0.35 USD) for motorbikes and 10,000 IDR (approximately 0.70 USD) for cars.
TOP TIP: If you’re passing by and don’t want to pay for entry – you can get a nice view of the temple from the edge of the lake.
How Do You Get to the Ulun Danu Lake Temple?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on how to get around in Bali
The Ulun Danu temple is located a long distance from the main hubs in Bali. If you’re planning to travel between the north and south of Bali you can plan your route to pass the lake Beratan on Jalan Raya Bedugul. Then just drop by and visit the Ulun Danu temple. There is no public transport running to this area, so you will need to arrange your own transport. Here are the BEST ways to get to the Ulun Danu.
1 Rent a motorbike
Renting a motorbike in Bali offers the most flexibility and independence when exploring Bali. The drive from Denpasar to Ulun Danu Lake Temple takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic so be prepared for a sore bum! You can rent a motorbike from many places around Bali for around 100,000 IDR – 200,000 IDR (£5 – £10 or $6 – $12). Negotiate a cheaper price if you’re renting for longer. Always wear a helmet and ride carefully in Bali. Don’t miss our full guide on Bali by bike – 4 intrepid routes around Bali.
2 Take a taxi
You can also take a taxi to get to the Ulun Danu temple. This is more expensive and more convenient. The BEST way to book a taxi in Bali is using the Grab taxi app. You will need to get a local sim card with some mobile data. Then just download the app and register for an account using your local number. A taxi to the Ulun Danu temple is likely to cost around 400,000 IDR or more depending where you’re traveling from (roughly £20 or $24). Find out more about using Grab in Bali.
3 Rent a car
Car rental is a cheap and fun way to explore Bali. This is particularly good if you’re traveling with kids. You can find car rental deals in Bali for around 200,000 IDR – 400,000 IDR (£10 – £20 or $12 – $24). The best way to rent a car is to make a deal with a local rental company. They should be willing to offer cheaper prices for longer rental periods. Always check the contract carefully and we recommend using an international license in Bali.
4 Join a guided tour
Many tour companies offer guided day trips that include visits to the Ulun Danu Lake Temple and other nearby attractions. You can book tours including the Ulun Danu temple for around £20 – £30 on Klook.
What is the BEST tour including the Ulun Danu temple?
One of the BEST tours including the Ulun Danu temple is available on Klook for around £20 – £30 (or $24 – $40). This tour includes Ulun Danu Beratan, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and Tanah Lot Ocean Temple. When you look at transport costs around Bali this really is great value for money!
When is the Best Time to Visit the Ulun Danu temple?
The ideal time to visit the Ulun Danu Lake Temple is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The weather during this period is generally sunny and dry, providing better opportunities for outdoor activities and photography. However, it is worth being aware that the conditions at this location are often foggy. Furthermore, rain is common even during the dry season. Also be aware that Bali tends to be more crowded and busy during the peak season, and things can be a little more expensive.
Cultural and Historic Significance of the Ulun Danu Lake Temple
Built in 1633, the Ulun Danu Lake Temple is one of the most prominent and important temples in Bali. This beautiful temple is dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu, the deity of water, lakes, and rivers. The temple complex consists of several smaller temples, with the most prominent being the 11-tiered Meru tower dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi. The temple is an essential site for the Balinese Subak irrigation system and serves as a place for local farmers to offer prayers for abundant harvests and prosperity.
Tips for Visiting the Ulun Danu Lake Temple
Here are a few TOP TIPS to help you make the most of your visit to Ulun Danu:
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a more serene atmosphere, lower temperatures and better light conditions. The sunrise shines across the lake behind the temple creating a picture perfect scene – great for photography or just admiring the view.
- Sarongs are not needed at this temple. We do recommend that you dress appropriately: Cover your shoulders and knees and avoid revealing clothing.
- Respect the local customs: Observe signs and follow the guidance of temple staff. Avoid entering restricted areas or disturbing worshippers during prayer sessions.
- Be prepared for changing weather: The temple’s high-altitude location means that the weather can be cooler and more unpredictable than in other parts of Bali. Bring warm clothing, a light jacket or an umbrella.
Accessibility and Facilities at the Ulun Danu temple
The facilities at the Ulun Danu Lake Temple are very good:
- Toilets are available on-site.
- There is an on site restaurant serving tasty local food.
- Local photographers offer their services (normally charging around 20,000IDR per photo)
- There is also a small children’s playground located at the Ulun Danu temple.
While the temple grounds are generally accessible for wheelchair users and prams, some areas are challenging to navigate due to uneven surfaces or steps. If you require assistance, don’t hesitate to ask the temple staff, who are typically more than happy to help.
Things to Bring to the Ulun Danu Lake Temple
Here are a few things to bring to the Ulun Danu temple:
- Comfortable shoes: As you’ll likely be walking and exploring the temple grounds, it’s crucial to wear comfortable footwear.
- Light jacket or sweater: Due to the temple’s high-altitude (1,200m above sea level), the temperature can be cooler than in other parts of Bali. Bring a light jacket or sweater in case you feel cold.
- Umbrella or raincoat: Be prepared for sudden rain showers, especially during the wet season. Carry an umbrella or a raincoat with you.
- Sun protection: Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, even on cloudy days.
- Water and snacks: Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks to stay hydrated and energized during your visit.
- Camera: Capture the breathtaking beauty of the Ulun Danu Lake Temple and its surroundings with your camera or smartphone.
- Some money for entrance fees, parking, or donations at the temple.
One day itinerary including the Ulun Danu temple
Here is an epic one day itinerary in the Beratan lake area including the Ulun Danu temple:
8am – 9am Ulun Danu temple
9am – 10am Botanical Gardens
10am – 11am Strawberry farm
11am – 12pm Visit the Handara Gate
12pm – 3pm Visit the Munduk Moding resort & plantations
3pm – 5pm Explore the Golden Valley waterfalls
Other things to Do Near the Ulun Danu Lake Temple
- Visit the Bali Botanic Garden: Just a short drive from the temple, this expansive garden is home to a diverse collection of tropical plants, flowers, and trees.
- Explore the Bedugul Traditional Market: Experience the vibrant colors, scents, and flavors of Bali by visiting this bustling market, where you can shop for local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs
- Experience Lake Beratan: You can rent a traditional wooden boat or a paddleboat to explore the lake’s tranquil waters and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
- Hike in the Munduk region: The nearby Munduk area offers numerous trekking opportunities, including the Golden valley waterfalls, forests, and mountain trails.
- Visit the Munduk Moding resort & organic coffee plantations. This luxury resort welcomes day guests. This includes food, drinks and use of the pool (depending which package you pick). They have a great restaurant & an infinity pool.
- Check out the beautiful wild Wanagiri Coffee plantation. This is an ethical and high quality plantation run by a lovely family. Drop by and they are always happy to show people around. Find out more about coffee plantations in Bali
- Strawberry farms – there are several strawberry farms in the area. Pick your own strawberries and try some tasty strawberry products.
- Handara gate – this beautiful Balinese gate is a great spot for selfies. With a stunning backdrop of jungle mountains this is well worth a stop. They have a small selfie fee of 30,000IDR (just over £1.50 or $1.80)
- Visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these picturesque terraced rice fields showcase the beauty and ingenuity of traditional Balinese agriculture.
Looking for more inspiration? Make sure you don’t miss a thing with our FULL GUIDE on things to do in Bali
Where are the BEST places to stay near the Ulun Danu temple?
Here are a few awesome resorts and hotels up in the north of Bali not too far from the Ulun Danu temple.
1 Chakra Tavern
Rooms range between £10 – £20
Great low budget option not too far from Ulun Danu temple. Great location in town – convenient access to shops, local food and cafes. This property offers simple cozy single rooms for a great price.
2 La Montana
Rooms typically cost around £35 per night
Great value for the quality and location. Lovely luxurious rooms with beautiful bathtubs and views over the mountains. Perfect mid range option if you want a tranquil break in the hills.
3 Giriwood Hotel and Villa
Rooms typically come in around £100 per night
Splendid luxuruius 4 star resort in the mountains with deluxe wooden cabins, terraces, an infinity pool and amazing views. The perfect place to relax and unwind.
4 Munduk Moding Resort & Plantations
£200 – £750 per night
Superlative luxurious resort in the mountains with organic coffee plantation and gardens. Two beautiful restaurants and an infinity pool. Sample coffees in the organic coffee bar or relax in the infinity pool with breathtaking views. Great range of private suites and villas available.
