The Bedugul-Munduk lake country highlands of Bali is a mountainous area known for its arts, culture, temples and bodies of water with some of the island's best scenery and geographical features. Located in Central Bali, the lakes district enjoys a cooler climate to the coastal areas due to the altitude and surrounds.
Bedugul is a picturesque area with scenery including mountain lakes and botanical gardens, and cultural and religious drawcards such as the Candikuning market and Ulun Danu Bratan temple (Pura Ulun Danu Bratan). Located in the middle of the central highlands, Bedugul is framed by the three large crater lakes of Bratan, Buyan and Tamblingan.
Set in the midst of lush greenery on Danau Bratan with a misty mountain backdrop, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is one of the island's most photographed sites with its shrines reflected in the glassy water. The Hindu-Buddhist temple was founded in the 17th century and is dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of the waters. The stunning temple is built on tiny islands which means it is completely surrounded by water. Temple entry is IDR3,300 for adults and IDR1,800 for children from 7am to 5pm.
The fertile area yields an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables which are on display at the Bukit Mungsu traditional market held daily in Candikuning as well as local spices and hawkers aplenty. West of the market is the popular Bali Botanical Gardens where you'll find a plethora of flora including those that prefer cooler climes such as delicate blooms. Entry is IDR7,000 daily from 8am to 6pm.
Wind your way along the 16km-road past the lakes of Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan to the pretty mountain village of Munduk. The area is home to Dutch colonial buildings, hiking trails, breathtaking waterfalls and verdant coffee plantations which offer some truly amazing scenic sights.
To visit Bali's lake country and the areas around Bedugul and Munduk, it's a 90-minute drive from the cultural city of Ubud. For buses, Perama is the major tourist shuttle operator with offices in Ubud and Bedugul.
