The temple complex at Lake Bratan is one of Bali's most recognizable landmarks. While it is a popular tourist bus destination, it is still worth visiting. The temple grounds are formally landscaped and set off nicely against the meru and stone of the temple.

Lake Bratan (Danu Bratan) provides a beautiful backdrop for the temple with the walls of the volcano rising up behind. The temple was built to honor Dewi Danu Bratan, the goddess of the lake by the king of Mengwi in 1633.

The temple grounds consist of four compounds, the two outermost of which are completely surrounded by water. When the three-tiered Siwaitic lingga Petak was recently restored, the builders discovered a bubbling spring and a big white stone flanked by two red ones - a phallic lingga representing the reproductive power of Siwa as the god of fertility.

The image most people recognize is the single shrine of 11 roofs which stands on a separate islet. This is dedicated to Wisnu in his manifestation as the lake goddess Dewi Danu. Farmers come to the temple to seek the goddess's blessing for the waters of the lake to feed the rice crops.

Note that you can explore the temple, but the inner courtyard is off limits.

The lake and the temple are just one of the many things you can do in the Bedugal area. This is a destination we quite like for the cool air and the break from the rapid pace of the Seminyak / Kuta scene. It's a great day trip up from the coast or, if you have more time,come up for the weekend and explore some of the great hiking in the area - Lake Tamblingan (very close) is really untouched by tourism.