The North of Bali is an area that is mainly unexplored. While tourists go on day adventures to seek out the most beautiful places, the true experience is actually staying here and see what this beautiful area has to offer. From the Sekumpul Waterfall to the black sand beaches of Lovina, this area is filled with some of Bali’s most hidden treasures, and the most beautiful of them all… Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, near Bedugul. A temple located at the shores of Lake Bratan and if you are lucky, you might witness one of the most magical sunrises in Bali you have ever seen! Interested in visiting? Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about Pura Ulun Danu Bratan!
Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that purchasing a product or service via these links may earn us a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).
.
Where is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan?
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is located in the small village of Bedugul, also spelled Bedoegoel, is the perfect location for exploring the lake areas and the mountains around Bedugul. Situated right at the edge of Lake Bratan you will have some of the most stunning views in the region. Going here from Ubud will take you roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the Bali traffic madness of course! To give you a better idea where Bedugul and the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple is located, check out the map below!
.
How to get to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Depending on where you are coming from getting to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is fairly easy. As most people don’t visit the North of Bali it is possible to visit the temple on a day trip from Ubud or Kuta! Depending on the traffic, and your mode of transportation it will take you 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours to get there, also depending on Bali traffic of course! To make it easier for you we have broken it down into the different ways to get there:
Option 1: rent a scooter or motorbike – Our personal favorite, and recommended option, but only if you have experience riding a scooter or motorbike. Bali traffic can be a bit crazy, and if you don’t feel confident riding a scooter we would definitely not advise it. For everyone who does, it is the ultimate mode of transportation. Renting a scooter in Bali is extremely affordable, and it will give you the ultimate freedom to go wherever and whenever you want. Scooters can be rented from many guesthouses and scooter rental services in Ubud or Kuta, and is one of the most affordable ways to get around Bali, great for those who are traveling Bali on a budget! From Ubud it is roughly a 1.5h to 2.5h ride to the temple, depending on how many stops you are planning to make and business of the road.
Expected costs: scooters can be rented from 50K IDR to 100K IDR per day. The cost depends on the duration of rent and the amount of cc’s. For example, we rented a 150CC for 24 days and paid 55K IDR per day.
Option 2: by taxi – As there is a lack of public transportation in Bali it is common to hire a taxi service for a day or half a day. These services are offered by almost any guesthouse or hotel in Ubud, or can be arranged from the many stalls in the centre. From Kuta your guesthouse should be able to assist you further. You can often arrange to see multiple activities on one day, and the price will depend largely on the amount of stops and distance the driver will have to drive.
Expected costs: taxi services range from 350K to 1 Mill IDR per day or half a day trip. The price is per taxi, so can be split if you are visiting with your family or friends.
Bonus Option: book a tour – If you don’t feel like renting a scooter or arranging a taxi, then it is often also possible to arrange a simple tour to the temple. Check with your guesthouse or hotel for more information. If you are planning on taking a tour, we strongly advise to check out the ratings on Tripadvisor in advance so you are sure you have picked the right tour for you!
.
Sunrise at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a Balinese Hindu Water Temple and the reason for its popularity is the beautiful location. Located right at the shores of lake Bratan it has some of the most impeccable views of Northern Bali. Walk around the temple or perhaps even be intrigued by taking a boat ride to get closer to the water temple. The best time to visit the temple is as early in the morning as possible. Having the temple compound to yourself and seeing the sun rise over the temple and the lake is one of the most magical experiences.
The temple’s official opening hours is from 7am, but when we arrived for sunrise at 6.30am we were allowed to still enter the temple, and to our surprise, there was no one there. Simply take a seat and enjoy the tranquil and serene view over the lake. After you have admired the sun rise, don’t forget to wander around the rest of the beautiful temple complex. Not convinced yet? Maybe these photos will…
.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple – Know Before You Go
To make it easier for you, we thought it would be best to compile a list with everything you need to know before going to the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple! So here you go:
- Dress Respectfully – The temple is a place of worship, and while there doesn’t seem to be a strict dress code, it is advised to dress respectfully. Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees. While at most temples in Bali sarongs are handed out, these did not seem to be available at Ulun Danu Bratan.
- Ulun Danu Bratan entry fee – the entry fee to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is steeper then many of the other temples in Bali and is 50K IDR (Oct ’18). So be sure to have some money ready before entering the temple.
- Bali for the first time – Visiting Bali for the first time? Be sure to check our Bali for first timers guide with 20+ things you should know before visiting Bali!
- Weather – as the temple is located in a mountainous are, right at the lake, it tends to get cold here in the morning. Bringing a sweater or jacket is definitely not a bad idea.
- Go early – Sun rise is the best time to visit the Ulun Danu Bratan temple, in the afternoons many tours stop at the temple, making this a busy, and a lot less serene. If you can’t make it for sun rise, try to go as early as possible!
- Explore the area – while the Ulun Danu Beratan temple is absolutely beautiful, your visit will be much more worth it if you see more places in the North! For example, visit the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls or perhaps even make your way all the way to Lovina!
.
Where to go after Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan sure does deserve a spot on everyone’s itinerary, but so do many other places! Bali is filled with the most beautiful sights, from temples to rice fields, this island truly has it all. Still looking for some travel inspiration? Be sure to check out some of our other Bali guides:
And there you have it, everything you need to know about visiting Pura Ulun Danu Bratan for sunrise. Planning on exploring the rest of Bali, don’t forget to check out all our other Bali articles! Oh, and don’t forget to pin it for later…



8 Comments
What an amazing read with great detail! You have an amazing blog!
Thank you so much Mike!
What beautiful photos! Wish I’d known about this place when I visited Bali many moons ago. Lovely part of the world, I really should go back!
Thanks Keri! Bali is such a dream destination, I am already dreaming of my next visit!
I didn’t realise the temple was so far out from Ubud. Great to know! The early wake up call looks totally worth it! Stunning photos as always, Odette!
Thanks Emily! And I was quite surprised myself at first at well, it is definitely quite a ride!
I have seen before pictures of this temple but I had no idea where it was. It is so beautiful! And it really pays off to go there for the sunrise. My to-see list for Indonesia keeps on growing! Amazing pictures Odette =)
Thanks for stopping by Jenn! I absolutely loved seeing the sunrise over the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple, definitely a Bali bucket list item!