Lake Batur
Lake Batur is included as the largest caldera lake in Bali. This lake was formed from a massive eruption of ancient Mount Batur. Located in Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Lake Batur is the largest crater lake in Bali, situated within the caldera of an active volcano. Located at an altitude of 1,050 meters above sea level (masl), this destination offers a stunning panorama against the backdrop of Mount Batur and Mount Abang. In the middle of the lake, there is also a small island known as Trunyan, one of the Bali Aga villages that has a unique burial tradition. If you plan to visit Lake Batur, prepare a jacket, as the temperature in Kintamani can be cold, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
The uniqueness of Lake Batur is not only from its view but also from these few things:
- Lake Inside a Caldera: The position of this lake is within the crater or caldera of a mountain. The double view scenery between the lake and the active volcano (Mount Batur) is the main attraction that makes Lake Batur different from others.
- Trunyan and Unique Burial Tradition: Across the lake is the village of Trunyan. The community there has an unusual way of burying the deceased, which is by simply placing them under the Taru Menyan tree without being buried. Miraculously, even though they are not buried, the odor of the deceased is not smelled because it is absorbed by the aroma of the tree.
- Varying Water Temperatures: At some points, the water temperature of Lake Batur can vary. This is reportedly influenced by geothermal activity from Mount Batur.
- Best Sunrise Spot: Many tourists, especially those who like trekking, say that Lake Batur and Mount Batur are one of the best spots to see the sunrise in Bali. The morning sun illuminating the lake and caldera offers an unparalleled view!
Lake Beratan
Lake Beratan is included as the most popular and most iconic lake in Bali. This lake was formed inside an ancient mountain caldera in the Bedugul area. Located in Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Lake Beratan is the second largest lake in Bali after Lake Batur. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,239 masl, this destination offers a stunning panorama with very cool air and is often covered in thin fog. On the edge of the lake, there is a very famous landmark, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, which appears to float on the water. If you plan to visit Lake Beratan, prepare a thick jacket, as the temperature in Bedugul can be very cold and the rainfall is quite high compared to the coastal areas of Bali.
The uniqueness of Lake Beratan is not only from its view but also from these few things:
- The “Floating” Temple: Its main attraction is Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. This temple was built on the edge of the lake, but when the water is high, the temple appears as if it is floating in the middle of the water. This view has become one of the most legendary photo spots in Indonesia.
- Immortalized on Rupiah Currency: Due to its iconic status, the view of Pura Ulun Danu and Lake Beratan was once immortalized in the image of the Rp50,000 Rupiah currency (old emission). This proves how important this place is as a symbol of Indonesian tourism.
- Exotic Foggy Atmosphere: Unlike other lakes that might be sunnier, Lake Beratan is often covered in thick fog, even during the day. This mystical yet romantic atmosphere is what makes tourists feel at home here for a long time.
- Water Tourism Activities: In addition to enjoying the view, you can also rent a speedboat or duck boat (water bike) to travel around the middle of the lake. From the middle, you can see the beauty of the Temple and the surrounding hills from a different perspective.
Lake Buyan
Lake Buyan is known as one of the “Twin Lakes” in Bali, side by side with Lake Tamblingan. This lake was formed inside a large caldera that separates the Bedugul area from the north of Bali. Located in Pancasari Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency, Lake Buyan offers a much more natural and quieter atmosphere compared to Lake Beratan. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,350 masl, this destination is surrounded by dense tropical rainforest and is often shrouded in thick fog. If you plan to visit Lake Buyan, prepare warm clothes or outdoor gear, as this place is very popular as a camping location with air that is quite bone-chilling, especially at night.
The uniqueness of Lake Buyan is not only from its view but also from these few things:
- Twin Lakes Concept: This lake is located next to Lake Tamblingan, separated only by a forest wilderness of approximately one kilometer. The view of these two lakes is most iconic and instagrammable when seen from a height on the Wanagiri highway (Twin Lake View).
- Camping Heaven on the Lake Shore: Unlike Lake Beratan, which is busy with daily tourists, Lake Buyan is a favorite for nature lovers for camping. The lake shore area is wide and flat, perfect for setting up a tent while enjoying the silence of nature.
- No Motorized Boats: The atmosphere here is much quieter because there is not much motorized water tourism activity like speedboats. Water activities usually only use small traditional boats or fisherman’s canoes, so the tranquility is truly felt.
- Surrounded by Strawberry and Vegetable Gardens: Before entering the lake area, you will pass through Pancasari Village, which is famous for producing fresh strawberries and vegetables in Bali. So, a trip here can also include strawberry picking agritourism.
Lake Tamblingan
Lake Tamblingan is included as the smallest yet most natural and “ancient” lake among the three lakes in the Bedugul area. This lake was formed inside an ancient caldera and is surrounded by a very dense protected forest called Alas Mertajati. Located in Munduk Village, Banjar District, Buleleng Regency, Lake Tamblingan is adjacent to Lake Buyan. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,217 masl, this destination offers a very quiet, mystical, and spiritually rich panorama. On the edge of the lake, you will find many old temples that hold the history of ancient Balinese civilization. If you plan to visit Lake Tamblingan, prepare comfortable shoes or trekking shoes, as to reach the most beautiful lakeside, you often have to walk through a damp and cold forest path.
The uniqueness of Lake Tamblingan is not only from its view but also from these few things:
- Non-Motorized Zone: This is the only lake in Bali that strictly prohibits the use of motorized boats. Tourists are only allowed to circle the lake using small traditional wooden boats called Pedau. Because of this, the atmosphere is very silent and calm, far from noise.
- Spiritual Nuance and Sunken Temple: Around the lake there are dozens of temples, one of the most iconic is Pura Gubug. When the lake water is high, the temple’s courtyard is often submerged in water, creating an exotic sight similar to a Balinese version of “Atlantis.”
- Pristine Rainforest: This lake is surrounded by the Alas Mertajati forest which is still very beautiful and considered sacred. Large mossy trees hundreds of years old become a natural umbrella around the lake, making it a favorite spot for nature-themed pre-wedding photos.
- Forest Trekking Trail: Unlike Lake Beratan which is “drive-through”, the best way to enjoy Tamblingan is by jungle trekking. You can walk through the forest from the top of the hill down to the lakeside, feeling the sensation of a real adventure.
