Encircled by the misty Bratan Mountains of Bali is the mythical looking Pura Ulun Danu temple. Built on the edge of Lake Bratan, it holds a great significance with locals who hold festivities celebrating the harvest cultivated from the waters of the lake. Such stunning natural surroundings can be enjoyed in an Ubud hotel such as Uma Bali. Let the serenity invigorate your soul as you stay at this luxury hotel Baliand discover the many hidden treasures in the mountains of a true island paradise.
Dedicated to different deities, the temples on the banks of the lake are built in the classical ‘meru’ style of Hindu architecture. The multi-tiered and tiled roofs of each temple are set off against a landscaped garden in the Candi Kuning area. Making up the complex are 4 structures – the Lingga Petak, devoted to Shiwa; Penataran Pucak Mangu, for the god Vishnu; Terate Bang, for Bhrama god; Dalem Purwa, for the goddess Danu.
The calm waters compliment the understated charm of the temples each rising up from the bright green grass. When the tide is high enough the waters rise enough to make the temple grounds look like islands, floating in the middle of the lake. Ceremonies to the goddess are held every six months according to the Balinese calendar, and an even bigger annual celebration to give thanks for the water for the fields of Bali.
Even though it is located considerably out of the way from main cities in Bali, its peacefulness and cool mountainside setting attract many visitors daily, which can make the temple complex rather crowded sometimes. So if you want to experience the tranquillity the temples were intended for, try to get there as early in the morning as possible. Arrangements can be made with boatmen the night before to see the sunrise over the mists of the mountains from the lake; an experience that is quite surreal. The premises even have an eating house for the hungry guests serving western and Indonesian dishes in an outdoor setting.