26/07/2020
ULUN DANU TEMPLE, BALI
Ulun Danu Beratan temple, or can be called as Ulun Danu temple , is the largest temple in Bali after Besakih temple. The name refers to the location of this temple that stands on the shores of Lake Beratan. Location of the temple is quite special because it is located in the highlands of Bedugul, which is about 1,239 meters above sea level. Such conditions make the temple atmosphere is quite cool, with air temperatures between 18-22 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the beautiful landscape of Lake Beratan also adds to the wonderful atmosphere in this place.
History of the Ulun Danu temple establishment can be traced back to one of the stories recorded in the Chronicle of Lontar Mengwi. In that chronicle, it was told about a nobleman named I Gusti Agung Putu who lost the war against I Gusti Ngurah Batu Tumpeng. To rise from the defeat, I Gusti Agung Putu was meditating at the top of Mount Mangu to gain strength and enlightenment. After finished his hermitage, he built the Belayu palace (Bela Ayu), then go back to war against I Gusti Ngurah Batu Tumpeng and gained the victory. After that, I Gusti Agung Putu who was the founder of Mengwi kingdom established a temple on the banks of Lake Beratan which is now known as the Ulun Danu temple.
Ulun Danu temple is about 45 kilometers from the center of Tabanan city, or about 55 kilometers from the city of Denpasar. To reach this temple, tourists can use public transport, such as taxis, buses, as well as travel agencies towards the path Denpasar-Singaraja. This temple is situated on the border between Tabanan and Buleleng, located on the edge of the highway, precisely on the shores of Lake Beratan.
