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Brantan Bali Pura-Ulun-Danu-Bratan. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas on

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, or Pura Bratan, is a major Hindu Shaivite temple in Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex is on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul.It is one of the backbones  of the area. 

The water from the lake serves the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association. Let’s take a look at some of the most fascinating facts about it;

1.It is used for offerings and ceremonies dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu

Built in 1633, the temple is used for offerings and ceremonies dedicated to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali.

The 11-storey pelinggih meru in the complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Buddha’s statue is also enshrined in this temple. This temple is also called the “Bali temple on the Lake” because it looks as if it is floating when the Bratan River rises.

2.The temple’s inner courtyard consists of several shrines

Bratan, Bali, Indonesia: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a balinese hindu temple. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas on

The temple’s inner courtyard consists of several shrines. The inner courtyard is the site of the shrines and religious ceremonies. The shrines are known as merus and are square structures with brick bases and multiple pagoda-style thatched roofs. 

The number of roofs reflects the status of the deity, and is always an odd number. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is one of the nine ‘Kahyangan Jagat’ temples on Bali. The temple complex consists of five various shrines dedicated to other Hindu gods as well. 

3.The temple has three courtyards separated low walls pierced by ornate gateways

Temple is laid out according to ancient Lontar texts with three courtyards separated by low walls pierced by ornate gateways. The outer courtyard is for secular pursuits, with pavilions used for meetings, resting performers and musicians at festivals.

Food stalls are set up here during festivals. The middle courtyard is a transition zone between the human and divine sections; here offerings are prepared and temple paraphernalia are stored. The inner courtyard is the site of the shrines and religious ceremonies. 

4.The temple also has a different complex for tourists

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Bali. Photo by Manuae on

The temple also has a different complex for tourists, the Buddhist stupa of Beratan which is a place of worship for Buddhists located at the tourist complex of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. Its existence is quite unique and interesting considering its location in close proximity to the sites of worship belonging to Hindus.

This stupa signifies religious harmony. It faces south and is located outside the main area of the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple complex. It is one of the most visited sites in the temple and Indonesia at large.

5.It is build in the banks of Lake Beratan and is surrounded by the lake and gardens

The temple is build in the banks of Lake Beratan and is surrounded by the lake and gardens.it is a gorgeous and very beautiful temple with its unique Hindu and Buddhist influences.It’s also very well kept.

This temple has one of the rare benefits of having both distinct Hindu and Buddhist influences on its architecture, with the plurality of belief showing the unique cultural blend that makes Bali so special.

6.The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple is a hotbed of tourist activity

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Bali. Photo by Manuae on

Famed for its location on top of a lake, this temple is a hotbed of tourist activity and when the site is as gorgeous as this is, you can hardly be surprised.The gardens next to the temple are beautiful. 

There is also a gorgeous mural that shows the history of how the lake has affected the communities around it, which further adds to the local flavour of the temple. It’s all very magical not forgetting the view that is presented is very soothing to the eye. 

7.The inner sanctums of the temples are not accessible non-worshippers

The inner sanctums of the temples are not accessible if you’re not a worshipper but much of the complex can be viewed from the gates.The gardens next to the temple are beautiful and within the complex there are a restaurant, toilets and play parks.

There is also a hut with a display of animals so there is plenty of occupy your time with in the temple and its surroundings.  Surrounded by wonderful flower gardens, this is a place to unwind yourself and surrender to the divine. 

8.The temple is easy to locate and the entry fee is affordable

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Bali. Photo by Manuae on

The temple is easy to locate and the entry fee is affordable. This amazing temple is located 1200 mts above sea level. From Seminyak, Bali this temple is a drive of 2.5 hours. There is an entry fee of IDR 50,000 per person to this place. The usual opening hours are from 8 A.M to 6 P. M. 

The temple grounds are spread out with lust green vegetation. There are well laid out pathways leading to the edge areas of the Beratan Lake. It takes about 1.5 hours from Ubud to the temple. The drive itself is very pretty with rural Balinese villages and paddy fields.

9.There are several hotels and restaurants near the temple

There are several hotels and restaurants near the temple including;CLV Hotel & Villas which is 0.41 miles, Enjung Beji Resort 0.24 miles, Eco Bedugul Adventurer Camp 0.36 miles, Strawberry Hill Hotel 0.76 miles and Bedugul Lake View Residence which is 0.53 miles aways 

The restaurants include; Ulun Danu Restaurant which is 0.5 miles away ,  Saras Restaurant 0.14 miles away ,De Danau 0.16 miles away and Strawberry Stop which is miles way 0.33 miles away. 

Other attractions near Ulun Danu Bratan Temple include Lake Bratan, Wego Bali Tour,  Pandawa Surf Tour, Vihara Mahavira Bedugul Baturiti and Ulun Danu Buyan Temple. 

10.There are three holy colors used in the building of the temple

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Bedugul, Bali, Indonesia. Photo by ESCapade on

There are three holy colors used in the building – red symbolizing Brahma, who is the Creator of all; Black symbolizing Vishnu, who maintains and preserves the balance of nature; and lastly white symbolizing Shiva, who is known as the Destroyer! Several people come to this place of worship to fulfil their desires of fertility, prosperity and a sense of complete well-being in life.

Visitors can enjoy the mesmerizing scenic beauty of Lake Bratan and watch as the sun calmly sets behind the mountains.The Ulun Danu Bratan temple has a startling architecture in the form of an intermingling of the Indonesian Balinese architectural features like the tiered shrines and other popular features characteristic of a Hindu architecture.It is one of the best places to visit.