Pura Ulun Danu Bratan


An iconic image of Bali, depicted on the 50,000Rp note, this important Hindu-Buddhist temple was founded in the 17th century. It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters, and is built on small islands. Pilgrimages and ceremonies are held here to ensure that there is a supply of water for farmers all over Bali as part of the Unesco-recognised subak system. Incredibly popular, you'll need to dodge selfie sticks unless you set out early.

The tableau includes classical Hindu thatch-roofed meru (multi-tiered shrines) reflected in the water and silhouetted against the often cloudy mountain backdrop.

Unfortunately, there’s a bit of a sideshow atmosphere here: animals, including some very sad-eyed deer, are apparently being held here before ritual sacrifices, and the car park is lined with souvenir stalls. You can escape the masses by renting a pedal boat shaped like a deformed swan (100,000Rp) or taking a guided canoe tour (200,000Rp).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Candikuning Market

0.77 MILES

This roadside market is very touristy, but among the eager vendors of tat, you'll find locals shopping for fruit, veg, herbs, spices and potted plants.

2. Bali Botanic Garden

1.01 MILES

This garden is a showplace. Established in 1959 as a branch of the national botanic gardens at Bogor, near Jakarta, it covers more than 154 hectares on…

3. Air Terjun Gitgit

3.9 MILES

Around 11km south of Singaraja, a well-signposted path goes 800m west from the main road to the touristy waterfall, Air Terjun Gitgit. The path is lined…

4. Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls

5.9 MILES

Newly developed as a tourist attraction in early 2018, the falls here are among the best on Bali. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the car park; a 500m…

5. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

6.22 MILES

In the secluded, picturesque highlands north of Munduk, a 15-minute hike down natural, bamboo-railed stairs leads to this powerful pair of cascades. Enjoy…

6. Jatiluwih Rice Fields

6.5 MILES

At Jatiluwih, which means ‘truly marvellous’, you'll be rewarded with vistas of centuries-old rice terraces that exhaust your ability to describe green…

7. Munduk Waterfall

6.56 MILES

About 2km east of Munduk, look for signs for this waterfall (aka Tanah Braak) along the road. Though the signs say the trail is 700m long, it seems to be…

8. Sekumpul Waterfall

6.64 MILES

Sitting 18km southeast of Singaraja, some six or seven separate waterfalls – all fed by upland streams – pour up to 80m over cliffs in a verdant bamboo…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "indonesia/candikuning/attractions/pura-ulun-danu-bratan/a/poi-sig/1210887/1318846",
      "position": "superzone"
    }