While Bali is famous for its vibrant beaches and bustling towns, the island’s serene mountain region of Bedugul offers a completely different kind of experience. Nestled in the central highlands of Bali, Bedugul is known for its cool climate, lush greenery, and stunning landscapes. A popular destination for both locals and tourists looking for a peaceful retreat, Bedugul is home to iconic temples, scenic lakes, botanical gardens, and beautiful rice terracesThe
Cool Climate and Lush Surroundings
Bedugul’s elevation, about 1,500 meters above sea level, gives it a refreshingly cool climate—making it a perfect escape from the heat and humidity of Bali’s coastal areas. The cool, misty weather and fertile volcanic soil make Bedugul a lush, green oasis, surrounded by dense forests and sprawling plantations. The area is also known for its vegetable and fruit farms, where local produce such as strawberries, corn, and various tropical fruits are grown and sold in local markets.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: The Iconic Landmark
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Bali, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, is located on the shores of Lake Beratan in Bedugul. This stunning water temple seems to float on the lake’s surface, creating a magical, almost otherworldly sight, especially when surrounded by mist or reflected in the calm waters. Built in honor of Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple plays a vital role in Balinese culture and agriculture.
The temple is a place of prayer and ceremonies for farmers, who seek blessings for fertile crops and abundant water through the island’s complex irrigation system, *subak*. The temple complex itself is a beautiful example of Balinese Hindu architecture, with intricately carved shrines, towering meru pagodas, and lush gardens surrounding it.
Visiting Ulun Danu Beratan Temple offers not only a serene and spiritual experience but also an incredible opportunity for photography, as the temple’s location on the lake makes for breathtaking scenery.
The Scenic Lakes of Bedugul
Bedugul is known for its three serene lakes—Beratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan. These lakes, nestled between the mountains, offer tranquil settings for relaxation, reflection, and exploration. Lake Beratan, the most famous of the three, is home to the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking along its shores.
Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan, located a little further off the beaten path, are surrounded by dense forests and offer a quieter, more secluded experience. These twin lakes are ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers who enjoy hiking, bird watching, and kayaking in a serene and unspoiled environment.
Bali Botanic Garden: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
For those with a love for flora, the Bali Botanic Garden (*Kebun Raya Bali*) in Bedugul is a must-visit. Covering an impressive 157 hectares, it is the largest botanic garden in Indonesia and is home to thousands of plant species, including a vast collection of orchids, medicinal plants, and even a cactus garden. The gardens are a haven for biodiversity, with tropical trees, flowering plants, and rare species thriving in the cool mountain air.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks through the beautiful landscapes, learn about Bali’s rich plant life, or even try the Treetop Adventure Park—an adrenaline-pumping series of zip lines, rope bridges, and swings suspended high in the trees.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Though not located directly in Bedugul, the nearby Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are worth the short trip from the area. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these rice terraces are a stunning example of Bali’s ancient *subak* irrigation system. Stretching across the rolling hills, the terraces are a symbol of harmony between humans and nature, where water management is deeply intertwined with Balinese spirituality.
The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces offer scenic hiking opportunities, where visitors can walk along narrow paths between the vibrant green rice paddies and observe the traditional farming techniques still in use today. The views from various vantage points are breathtaking, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the light enhances the beauty of the landscape.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Bedugul’s cool climate and rugged terrain make it a fantastic destination for outdoor activities. Hiking is one of the most popular pursuits in the region, with trails leading through rainforests, around lakes, and up mountains. Mount Lesung and Mount Batukaru are two popular peaks in the area, offering challenging hikes with rewarding panoramic views at the summit.
For a more relaxed outdoor experience, Bedugul offers opportunities for golfing at the Bali Handara Golf & Resort, one of the most picturesque golf courses in Southeast Asia. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and a crater lake, the course offers a serene setting for golfers of all skill levels.
Why You Should Visit Bedugul
Visiting Bedugul offers a chance to experience a different side of Bali—one that is calm, cool, and deeply connected to nature. Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal at the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, exploring the lush landscapes of the Bali Botanic Garden, or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air by the lakes, Bedugul provides a refreshing escape from Bali’s more tourist-heavy areas.
Its combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and opportunities for adventure make Bedugul a must-visit destination for those looking to explore Bali’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or someone seeking tranquility, Bedugul’s peaceful atmosphere will leave a lasting impression.