Sketches about Bali. Lake Bratan and Balinese waterfalls. Pura Ulun Danu Temple - the main water temple in Bali, Git-Git waterfall and Bratan lake

Lake Bratan (Beratan) is the second largest on the island of Bali, located in the high caldera of the volcano of the same name (about 1230 meters relative to sea level) in Bedugul, a famous tourist region of the island. The largest Balinese lake is also volcanic - located in the Batura caldera.

The area of ​​Lake Bratan is 3.8 square meters. km, its depth reaches 22 meters.

The main attraction of Bratan Island in Bali is the sea temple of Ulun Danu with multi-tiered classical pagodas, created in the 17th century. It is the landscapes with the temple that most often appear in photographs of the lake. Best time for shooting - at sunset or in light fog in the morning. On the side of the temple there is also a lake pier.

Locals choose Beratan as a destination for picnics and socializing with loved ones.

One of the popular types of recreation on Lake Bratan among tourists is boat trips on high-speed boats or traditional canoes - this is an opportunity to get away from tourist places and see the calm lake in all its glory. Other leisure and entertainment options include parasailing, banana boat rides, water skiing, and lake fishing. Near the tourist sector, where buses arrive, there are souvenir shops and cafes.

It's always cool on the shores of Bro - this contrast with the beaches of Bali is always felt. This is why it is so important to choose dry weather for your trip and take a windbreaker or raincoat with you, just in case. The best time to visit is early in the morning (before 8 - 9 o'clock), when there are few people on the shore of Bratan.

In one trip to the lake and temple, you can also combine a visit to the Bedugul botanical garden and a large fruit and vegetable market.

How to get to Lake Bratan in Bali

You can get to the most popular part of the lake coast - near the Ulun Danu Temple - from organized excursions, which are carried out with southern resorts Bali.

Because public transport If there is no route along the route, then travelers have few alternatives to tour buses: take a taxi for at least half a day (the distance from Kuta is 60 km, from Denpasar - about 53 km) or get there on your own with a rented scooter/car.

Please note that travel from Kuta and those closest to it beach resorts It will take about 2 hours one way, so for an early visit you will have to leave before dawn.

Video: Lake Bratan (Beratan) and Ulun Danu Temple, HD aerial photography

Lake Beratan on Google panoramas Maps

There are several lakes on the island of Bali that I recommend visiting to every tourist planning a trip to this country. Lakes are of particular interest, since in such a relatively small island, there are four of them: Tamblingan, Buyan, Bratan, Batur. Each of them has its own origin, history and influence on the life and life of the local population.

This body of water is the largest existing in Bali. Its fresh water supplies provide most of the island. Like the others, it is of volcanic origin. Batur is located in the northeastern part of Bangli district. Its width is about 8 km and its length is 3 km. Since the lake was formed in a depression after a volcanic eruption, it has an impressive depth: along the shore it is about 3 meters, and closer to the center it reaches 70 m.

There are many legends about the appearance of this reservoir. Local residents claim that there are 11 springs at its bottom that feed the lake all year round. And even when the season is practically without precipitation, the water level does not decrease at all.

In those days when the lake did not yet exist, a village of the same name was located in its place. When it was flooded, local residents moved it higher up the slope. It is said to exist to this day.

There are villages along the entire coast; they are absent only on the northern side, because there the lake comes close to steep cliffs. There is an active volcano nearby. Its eruptions often cause significant damage to agriculture, since the water is saturated with sulfur, which kills many fish and makes the water unsuitable not only for consumption, but even for irrigating fields.

Swimming in this lake is currently prohibited. Agricultural activities have suffered because of it, although some fields are still irrigated with the waters of this lake.

But there is another side to this coin: due to frequent volcanic eruptions, the soil is saturated with microelements, as a result of which the Balinese harvest twice and sometimes three times a year.

Arriving in this region of the island, you can enjoy the natural landscape, walk along the lake and, of course, climb the majestic Batur volcano. IN given time it is included in the UNESCO Geoparks system, thanks to which the population of local animals and plants is preserved.

Lake Bro

Just like the previous one, Lake Bratan was formed after a volcanic eruption, which contributed to a change in the area. This is the largest crater lake in the world, even larger than the American Crater Lake.

This reservoir stretches 2 km in length and approximately the same in width. But its maximum depth is only 35 m. Locals idolize Bratan and call it Lake of the Holy Mountain, since it is a source for irrigating rice fields.

There is a legend that if you want to prolong your youth and increase your life, you need to plunge into the waters of a reservoir at a time when the rays of the sun are just beginning to touch the ground.

It is this legend that attracts crowds of tourists here. But this is not the only reason for the popularity of this place.

Arriving here, it is worth visiting the Ulun Danu Temple, which is located on the shore of this sacred place. It has 11 tiers, some of which are in the water and above the water. Each of them was built in honor of a god. Balinese often come here, lay gifts and pray to various gods for a rich harvest, longevity and family happiness.

A luxurious building was built around the lake Botanical Garden, by visiting which you can take advantage of the offer of boating, water skiing and admiring the enchanting landscapes.

Lake Buyan

It is located on the northernmost side of the island at an altitude of 1119 m above sea level. That is why fogs and temperature fluctuations from hot during the day to cool at night are regularly observed here. It was once a single lake with Tamblingan. But due to seismic activity, an isthmus formed between them, which divided them into two. Even now, the Balinese sometimes call them twin lakes or double lakes.

Compared to its brothers, Buyan is small in size, its area is only 3.5 square meters. km, and the depth in the center is 85 m. The lake is surrounded on all sides by dense forests, but despite this, a road runs along the hill on which observation decks, allowing you to view the lake and nearby villages. In addition, there are cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine and take a break from the trip.

To the southeast of Buyan there is a village around which there are many farms where fruits and vegetables are grown, as well as coffee. You can visit them and get to know the local people.

The lake is considered one of the cleanest of all existing on the island. Therefore, it is carefully protected and prohibited from driving motor vehicles. Fishermen catch fish by going to the backwaters on boats made from solid logs.

Tamblingan Lake

As for this lake, it is the smallest of the four lakes and is sacred according to local residents. Its name consists of two words and is translated as “tamba” - healing and “elingan” - spiritual healing.

There is a legend that in ancient times the village was attacked by a disease from which not only local residents, but also animals died. And only bathing in the waters of the lake, combined with the prayers of the temple servants, were able to heal people and save them from complete extinction. In addition, it occupies a leading position in purity.

Tamblingan is located on the slope of Mount Lesung at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level. The lake is 2 km long and 1.1 km wide. But at the same time, its depth is the greatest and reaches as much as 90 m. As in other bodies of water, the use of motor boats is prohibited here. Residents of the surrounding villages use wooden canoes for fishing.

Tamblingan is the deepest lake. During the rainy season, its waters overflow its banks and flood all the fields and some villages. Because of this phenomenon, many Balinese moved their homes to higher and more distant slopes.

Unlike neighboring lakes, this is not popular place from tourists, since it is difficult to get to. But, nevertheless, there are areas for inspections with cafes, where you can not only taste local dishes national cuisine, but also buy some Exotic fruits.

IN tropical forests located on the slopes, there are hiking trails along which you can walk and see monkeys. They are not very friendly, but they look at tourists passing by with interest. There is also a temple dedicated to the water goddess Devi Danu on the coast.

Lakes of Bali on the map

On this map you will find exact location all described lakes.

These 4 lakes of the island of Bali make up all the fresh water reserves of the islanders, which they need to irrigate crops and carry out all life activities. That is why they protect them with special care. There are some attractive ones here tourist routes that are worth visiting. The beauty of natural landscapes will not leave indifferent any person who has visited these truly sacred places.

Lake Buyan is the smallest lake on the island of Bali. It is located approximately 7 kilometers northeast of Bedugul. The lake is surrounded by virgin forest, and next to the lake there are trees, coffee and clove plantations, and farms.

In the western part of Lake Buyan we can see the sister of Lake Buyan - Lake Tamblingan. On the same side, between the fields, surrounded by trees, the Pura Tahun temple was hidden. On the shore opposite the village of Asam Tamblingan, rise the eleven-, nine- and five-tier roofs of the meru of the Pura Gubug Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Devi Danu. Three kilometers from Lake Tamblingan is the Munduk waterfall, whose strong streams of water fall from a great height, and a kilometer from this place is the village of Munduk, in which there are several cottages and restaurants.

Lake Bro

The sacred lake Bratan is located in the crater extinct volcano, at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. Ancient legend says that the lake will give beauty, youth and health to anyone who plunges into its holy waters.

Lake Bratan is also a source of pure water, which is used by local farmers for cooking and farming. Local nature here it is pristinely pure, as on the first day of the creation of the world. An exception is the modern water amusement park - a favorite place for tourists.

On the shore of the lake stands the Ulun Danu Temple, built in honor of the goddess of fertility. Consisting of several structures, some of which are located on lake islands, the temple produces a stunning, incredible spectacle - its multi-tiered roofs seem to grow from the depths of a sacred spring.

It is always very clean and elegant here, because local residents often perform religious ceremonies here dedicated to the goddess of fertility Devi Danu. You can often see clouds of incense over the surface of the lake.

Lake Bratan (or Beratan), I still don’t know how to read this name correctly, is the most visited lake by tourists in Bali. This deep lake located at the foot of Mount Gunung - Katur at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level.

Here is located one of the most famous temple complexes “on the water” on the “most popular” Indonesian island.

Even local Balinese come here for picnics, or just to spend free time while riding a boat with my family.

This lake is the main source of water for rice fields, the Balinese are very protective of it and built the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple here - one of the nine sacred temples on the island. Of the “nine temples,” I saw only this one, on Lake Bratan, but in general many of them are also within tourist accessibility.

The most revered temple sacred complex of Bali, naturally, is the Besakih Temple, I was not there, but Igor and Natasha photographed it very well and described it. At the foot of the volcano, there is the sacred temple of Pura Ulun Danu Batur, which I also didn’t have enough time to see, and also, everyone is looking at the temple in Pura Luhur Uluwatu, which one day I almost didn’t get to in my Honda Vario.

But the temple at Lake Bratan is without a doubt one of the most beautiful on the Indonesian island. The temple towers are located on small islands in the lake and some of them can only be reached by boat.

Previously, the water level in the lake was much higher, but due to intensive use, it has dropped and some of the temples that previously stood on the islands are now on solid ground.

There is also a park on the shores of the lake, where it is very pleasant to take a walk, breathing in the fresh “high-mountain” air.

In Bali, the main means of transportation are bikes, scooters or mopeds, everyone calls them differently. Motorcycles in Bali are also sometimes found, these are the enduro Kawasaki KLX150S, mostly they are all low-powered, during my two weeks on the island I did not see a single “litruki”, there is simply nowhere to “fry” there - there are no suitable roads.

After visiting the lake, I went to the north of the island to the Bali waterfalls, of which I visited two. The first was Gitgit waterfall. All the way to this waterfall, tourists are accompanied by Balinese children selling souvenirs.

The road to the waterfall is not very close and the path lies through interesting and quaint bridges.

And here is the first of the Gingit waterfalls; to be honest, it didn’t make much of an impression on me.

It's kind of small.

For that reason, the second waterfall is very, very cool, you can even swim in it, but I deprived myself of such joy by simply not taking my swimming trunks with me.

The second waterfall in Bali where we went was Sekumpul Waterfall. It is larger, more interesting, but there is a very long road leading to it.

This is probably the most high waterfall on Bali. You need to go to it along a small canal, right next to the settlements of local Balinese.

The waterfall is very high and beautiful.

In Bali we went to a specially organized surf camp, which was invented very interesting person Lyosha Kirillov and his company. In my opinion, this is the best way, in terms of price-quality ratio, to try yourself in this sport. He organizes surf groups almost every month. So that our group would somehow be remembered in my memory, I called it the capacious word “junkies”. Getting to the bottom of the waterfall, you need to overcome great amount steps.

And ford a small river. I called this photo “junkies crossing the river” and I laughed at this joke all the way while walking to the waterfall, after all, Balinese “plants” are killer stuff.

As it turned out, there was more than one stream on the way to the waterfall, but the “junkies” coped with this task.

And here is the tall Sekumpul waterfall, I’m standing on the left for scale.

One more photo to understand the scale of the waterfall.

Our surf team is “Torchki” in Sekumpul waterfall.

After such a busy excursion, we went to dinner. Not far from Kuta there is wonderful place Jimbaran, where restaurant tables are located in close proximity to the ocean on gorgeous sandy beaches.

An excellent place to relax after a stressful excursion. Here you can have a delicious dinner with salad cooked in pineapple and drink Indonesian beer "Bintang".

Our camp leader

The lakes in Bali are four mountain reservoirs that are the largest reservoir of fresh water on the island. Local residents have a special and very reverent attitude towards water - after all, it nourishes the crops, ensuring the harvest. In this article I will tell you why the lakes of Bali are interesting, how they were formed, and what significance they have in traditional local culture.

There are many attractions on the island; on this site they are all divided into categories. You are now in the “Ozera” section. To get into another category, select it in the “Places by category” block. See full list attractions can be found in the “All places” section.

General characteristics of lakes

In Balinese, "lake" sounds like "danau". The roots of the name go back to ancient Sanskrit, where the word “d anu” means “moisture”.

The four lakes on the island have the following names:

Each of them can be characterized by the following parameters:

  • Location and dimensions
  • Origin
  • Cultural and religious significance
  • Ecology

Location and dimensions

The most big lake is Batur, the smallest is Tamblingan. All of them are located in the east and north of the island.

Here is basic information about their location and size:

  • It is located in the northeastern part of Bangli district - Kintamani district.
  • Height above sea level – 1061 meters
  • Area – 1 6 km²
  • Maximum depth – 70 meters


  • The lake is located in Tabanan district, at the eastern foot of the volcano of the same name.
  • Height above sea level – 123 1 meters
  • Area – 3.8 km²
  • Maximum depth - 35 meters


  • It is located in the northernmost district of the island - Buleleng.
  • Altitude above sea level – 1190 meters
  • Area – 3.6 km²
  • Maximum depth – 85 m



  • The lake is located less than a kilometer east of Buyan.
  • Altitude above sea level – 1200 meters
  • Area – 1.9 km²
  • Maximum depth – 88 meters


Origin

Mountain lakes in Bali are of volcanic origin. They are located in two calderas. A younger caldera near Lake Batur. It was formed as a result of two eruptions of the volcano of the same name. The first of them occurred 30,000 years ago, and the second - 20,000 years ago. After the lava came out, voids appeared under the volcano, into which huge sections of the earth's surface fell. Then part of the caldera filled with water - and a large Lake Batur appeared.

Three northern lakes arose on the spot ancient volcano Chatur, which once reached a height of 3-4,000 meters. Presumably, its eruption occurred 100,000 years ago. The ancient caldera is larger than that near Batur. After the failure, a huge ring was formed, which now resembles a ridge with mountains and hills covered with tropical forest.

It is possible that initially all three northern Balinese lakes were connected into one. Then, as a result of an earthquake or other cataclysm, they were separated. It is known for sure that until 1800 Buyan and Tamblingan were one body of water. There is no such information about Bro.

Due to the volcanic origin of the lakes, they have quite high level salt content. This is especially true for Batur, located next to active volcano. There are many lakes nearby thermal springs. This also indicates high geological activity of the subsoil in this area. All lakes are surrounded by hills and mountains, many of which are former volcanoes.

The importance of lakes for the Balinese

As I already said, all four bodies of water play an important role in the life of the island’s population. Now I will tell you more about this.

Lakes are closely connected with such aspects of social life as:

  1. Religion
  2. History and culture
  3. Farm

Now more details about each

In religion

Water, primarily fresh water, is sacred to the island's inhabitants. It gives life to crops; without it, it is impossible to grow precious rice, which is also considered a sacred crop. Moisture serves to cleanse the body and soul. Since, apart from four lakes, there are no sources of fresh water on the island, the attitude towards them is special.

So, near each lake there is one or more temples. The most significant ones are located near Batur and Bratan (Ulong Danu Temple), they are dedicated to the goddess Devi Danu. All others are also connected to it in one way or another. Devi Danu in Hinduism is the embodiment of the primordial moisture in the Universe. In ancient Hinduism, Devi Danu was considered the mother of the demon of chaos and drought, Vitra, who was killed by his worst enemy Indra. In later versions, the goddess is the daughter of Daksha and the wife of the divine sage Kashyapa (Cher epakhi), from whom all living beings originate.

Religious ceremonies constantly take place near the temples (by the way, water from lakes is always used for them). Local residents do not begin to sow rice and plant vegetables until they present their gifts to the goddess. You can often see groups of people praying and meditating on the shore. Believers even from neighboring islands come to the lakes.




Temples are also an important part of the irrigation system. The water is distributed throughout their territory and only then flows to the rice terraces. Some temples get flooded during the rainy season. Their walls are often covered with moss and grass due to high humidity. This does not mean that the Balinese do not want to take care of their shrines. Religious rules do not allow one to disturb the gods in their homes.

In history and culture

In addition to religious, the lakes have historical and cultural significance for the inhabitants of the island. Not long ago, in the Tamblingan area, historians found artifacts indicating that this is where the Balinese civilization began.

In general, it would be logical to assume that the first inhabitants of the island settled next to fresh water bodies. There is very real evidence of this. For example, the unique subak irrigation system originated in the 18th century in the area of ​​lakes. And near Batur there is one of the settlements of the oldest of the local peoples - Bali Agha.

On the farm

Lakes are very important for Agriculture nearby settlements. The water from them is used for domestic needs and drinking. The lakes contain a lot of fish, which are used not only to feed local residents, but also for sale to neighboring restaurants.



Ecology of lakes

The crystal clear water of the lakes is more of a memory from the past than a reality. The main cause of pollution is rapid development tourism business, population growth, intensive cultivation of agricultural land, use of pesticides, undeveloped sewers on the shores of lakes. For example, latest research showed that the water in Lake Batur is no longer suitable for drinking - only for irrigating the land. It reveals an increased amount of heavy metals and organic contaminants. Despite calls from the government, local residents continue to drink water from this lake.

Problem of pollution and overuse water resources in Bali is becoming increasingly relevant. A large amount of water is directed to tourist sites As a result, fields and gardens dry up and traditional agriculture declines. Local residents in some areas experience a shortage of water even for domestic needs; there is no need to talk about its quality. At the same time, no drop in water level in the lakes has been recorded; on the contrary, a rise has been observed in some.

Another problem is intensive fishing. The number of residents on the lake shores is increasing, and more and more hotels and restaurants are opening where fish can be sold. The fauna of lakes is declining due to pesticide pollution. There are periodic reports of mass fish deaths. First of all, these problems concern Lake Batur. Chemical contamination due to volcanic activity, supplemented by the release of agricultural waste into the water, the rapid development of tourism in the future may turn into an environmental disaster.


Lakes on the map

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What to do on the lakes

I would recommend devoting several days to visiting the lakes. You can start from Batur, then move towards the north. The trip promises to be very interesting and diverse.

Here are the types of holidays available here:

  • Walking along the shore
  • Boat ride or catamaran
  • Fishing
  • Bathing in hot springs
  • Climbing to the tops of active and extinct volcanoes
  • Visiting temples
  • Observation of ceremonies
  • Visit neighboring farms and rice fields

Now I will tell you about the most interesting activities:

Hiking and trekking

All volcanic lakes are very beautiful. You can admire the surface of the water along the way, because the lakes are located in the valley. Near the roads and paths there are cafes with open areas from which beautiful views to the water. The surrounding hills are also very picturesque, some are overgrown with jungle, others can be seen with orchards and rice terraces.




All lakes are surrounded by mountains different heights. If you wish, you can climb one of the peaks. The most popular climbs are to the Batur volcano. There are also hiking routes to Lesung (near Lake Tamblingan) and Chatur (near Lake Br atan).



Boating and fishing

Boat trips are one of the favorite pastimes of tourists. I will only note that on some lakes motor vehicles are prohibited; here people only swim with oars. If you wish, you can sit with a fishing rod on the shore, or negotiate with one of the local residents about fishing on boats in the center of the lake.



Bathing in hot springs

 

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