The Bali Handbook
Central Bali

Bedugul

Cool mountain region centered around three crater lakes, featuring the iconic floating temple, misty forests, and a refreshing escape from tropical heat.

Bedugul

About Bedugul

Bedugul is a completely different side of Bali from the beaches and busy towns. Sitting about 1,200 meters up in the central mountains, this area gives you cooler weather and gorgeous natural scenery. The whole region is built around three beautiful crater lakes: Bratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan, with Lake Bratan being the most popular spot.

The weather here is nothing like coastal Bali, with temperatures around 15-25°C (59-77°F), so you'll actually need a light jacket, especially in the mornings and evenings. The landscape has pine forests, misty mountains, and farming terraces that feel worlds away from typical tropical Bali.

Bedugul is famous for the stunning Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, which looks like it's floating on Lake Bratan and has become one of Bali's most photographed spots. The area is also a major farming region, growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers for the whole island, so you get to see how local agriculture really works.

Highlights of Bedugul

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is hands down the main attraction in Bedugul, with incredible views especially in the early morning when mist often covers the lake. The temple sits right on the water, creating those perfect reflection photos that have made it famous worldwide.

The Bali Botanical Gardens have thousands of tropical and subtropical plants spread across 157 hectares of mountain terrain. You can walk peaceful trails, see different plant species, and enjoy the cool mountain air instead of Bali's usual heat.

Traditional markets in Candi Kuning sell fresh mountain produce like strawberries, passion fruit, and vegetables grown in the cool weather. The local strawberry farms let you pick your own fruit while enjoying mountain views.

The drive up to Bedugul has winding mountain roads with amazing views of rice terraces, traditional villages, and volcanic landscapes that show you Bali's varied geography.

Travel tips for Bedugul

  • Pack warm clothes including a light jacket or sweater, since temperatures drop way down compared to the coast. Mornings and evenings get pretty chilly.

  • Get a car with a driver instead of taking a scooter, since the mountain roads have steep curves and sometimes fog that makes it hard to see.

  • Bring enough cash for entrance fees, food, and shopping, though you can find ATMs in the main tourist areas. Temple entrance usually costs 75,000 IDR for foreigners.

  • Be ready for changing weather, especially during rainy season when afternoon showers happen regularly. Mornings usually have the clearest weather.

  • Download offline maps since phone coverage can be spotty in the mountains.

Location & map

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Things to do in Bedugul

  1. Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple early in the morning for the best photos and smaller crowds. The temple has beautiful lake views and classic Balinese architecture.

  2. Walk through Bali Botanical Gardens to see tons of different plants, enjoy the trails, and feel the cooler mountain weather. The gardens have both local and exotic plants.

  3. Pick strawberries at local farms along the main road. Many farms let you pick your own strawberries with great mountain views.

  4. Take a boat ride on Lake Bratan to see the temple from the water and get different views of the surrounding mountains.

  5. Check out traditional markets in Candi Kuning to see local life and buy fresh mountain produce at good prices.

  6. Try local mountain food like grilled corn and fresh fruit grown in the cool weather.

  7. Drive around the countryside to see terraced farms, traditional villages, and mountain views.

Best time to visit Bedugul

The dry season (April to October) has the most reliable weather with clear skies and good views for temple photos and mountain scenery. This time gives you the best conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Early morning visits (6-9 AM) work best for great lighting, fewer people, and clearer weather. Temple photos look especially good during these hours.

The rainy season (November to March) can still be nice but expect afternoon rain and possibly misty conditions that might block mountain views. Morning activities usually work better during this time.

Weekdays are usually more peaceful than weekends when lots of Indonesian families visit the area. Hotels and activities might also cost less on weekdays.

Location quick info

Region

Central Bali

Best time to visit

The dry season (April to Octob...

Suggested stay

2-3 days