The Bedugul area provides the last remaining tropical forest of the island. This crisp mountain town boasts three crater lakes, which are hemmed by untamed jungle and patchworks of market gardens. Bedugul is a favorite holiday spot for the Balinese and offers a wide range of accomodations and restaurants; the local tourists are their best customers. This is the place to retreat from the heat of the coast, to fish, or to wander through the lovely botanical gardens.
Though it is only 60 kilometers from Seminyak, Bedugul is 1,500 meters higher and this change in elevation is reflected by a cooler, dryer climate. The temperate climate, abundant rainfall and rich volcanic soils make the crater ideal for market gardening. In the early 1970s most local farmers cut out their coffee gardens and started growing vegetables. Now the Bedugul gardens supply the huge Denpasar markets and hotel resorts with fresh cabbages, carrots, onions, strawberries, passion fruit and other fresh fruits and vegetables.
Flower growing has also proved profitable, and bemo-loads of freshly cut roses, lilies, gardenias and gladioli are sent southwards at dawn. Nursery gardens and orchid shelters have sprung up all over the valley. As you approach from the coast you will see roadside vendors and markets offering a large selection of vegetables and fruits.
At the crest of the volcano is the village of Bukit Munggu. It's a small town but it has a few places to eat and a colorful little market that offers a wide sampling of the fresh vegetables, exotic wild orchids, roses, and colorful birds. Should you be charmed with the place and want to stay the night, you can also find modern rooms with lovely views of the lake and the temple. There is also a large botanical garden nearby.
Bedugul's Bratan Lake is the home of one of Bali's most famous and picturesque temples, Ulun Danu. The lake itself is not terribly large, and you can rent canoes and paddle about and explore if you so desire. The shattered rim of the volcano rises sharply above the lake framing views of the temple and reflecting in the waters below. It's a pleasant scene and worth staying for a while to relax. Between the climate, the relaxed attitude, and the lovely views, it is no surprise that Bedugal and Bratan Lake is a destination favored by well-to-do locals and tourists in the know.
Few tourists stop to explore Bedugul and Lake Bratan on journeys to and from the north coast. But this little hideaway is well known to long-term Bali residents for its delightful scenery, spectacular mountain walks and many other recreation opportunities.
