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<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Photo: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple<\/p>\nWe set off for the temple from our villa in Banjar right after breakfast. We trusted the GPS without checking the route beforehand. While it may not have been a mistake, we certainly didn\u2019t expect so much excitement on a mere 40-kilometre stretch. The roads were narrow, often barely wide enough for one car, with cliffs on either side. The inclines were so steep that I was pushed back into my seat and had to hold onto the steering wheel tightly. Scooters and hairpin bends were the norm. After the toughest 20 kilometres, which took us about an hour to cover, we stopped for a short break. Marianna and Mum could barely walk, their legs were like jelly.<\/p>\n
The views from the top were stunning. On our return journey, we took a different route. Just before the turnoff to this road, I noticed a sign in English saying, “This road is so dangerous.”<\/p>\n
Continuing on, we stopped by Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan. Marcel spotted an iguana, a bat, and a boa constrictor and insisted on holding all of them, one after the other.<\/p>\n The views of the lakes were absolutely captivating, and we could have easily spent more time there, sipping coffee from a nearby caf\u00e9. However, we were pressed for time due to afternoon online meetings, so after encountering a group of monkeys, we headed straight to Ulun Danu.<\/p>\n As soon as we arrived at the car park, even before entering the temple grounds, we had to satisfy our hunger and thirst with some dried fruits and Balinese sweets from one of the nearby shops.<\/p>\n Finally, we entered the temple grounds. Tickets cost around \u00a34 for adults and \u00a33 for children. With the ticket, the cashier also gave us a small bottle of water, which is worth asking for since they often forget to hand it out \ud83d\ude0a. At the temple, there\u2019s no need to wear a sarong. Upon entering, you are greeted by well-maintained gardens and a playground.<\/p>\n The temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake and rivers. In Balinese culture, water is considered the source of life, and this temple plays a key role in rituals related to agriculture, irrigation, and prayers for bountiful harvests.<\/p>\n Built in the 17th century by King Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu, the temple has withstood Bali\u2019s turbulent history. The area surrounding the temple offers not only breathtaking views of the lake but also lush gardens filled with exotic plants and flowers. Nearby, you can also visit waterfalls like Gitgit, a popular spot for tourists.<\/p>\n Ulun Danu Beratan is the site of many important Balinese ceremonies, such as Piodalan\u2014the temple\u2019s anniversary\u2014during which locals make offerings and participate in prayers. This is a time when you can truly experience Balinese culture and spirituality.<\/p>\n For those interested, here is a bit of the temple\u2019s history.<\/p>\n Here, I tried Luwak coffee for the first time. It was tasty but a bit more acidic than other coffees.<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Views in the Bedugul mountains<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Marcel holding a boa constrictor<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Marcel holding a bat<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Marcel holding an iguana<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Monkeys by the lake<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Monkeys by the lake<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: A family of monkeys<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Shop near Ulun Danu Beratan Temple<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Crowds at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple<\/p>\n<\/a>Photo: History of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple<\/p>\n