Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Lonely Planet review

This very important Hindu-Buddhist temple was founded in the 17th century. It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters, and is actually built on small islands, which means it is completely surrounded by the lake. Both pilgrimages and ceremonies are held here to ensure that there is a supply of water for farmers all over Bali.

The temple is truly beautiful, with classical Hindu thatch-roofed meru (multiroofed shrines) reflected in the water and silhouetted against the often cloudy mountain backdrop - one of the most common photographic images of Bali.

A large banyan tree shades the entrance; walk through manicured gardens and past an impressive Buddhist stupa to reach the lakeside.

For an almost surreal experience, take a quiet paddle across the lake and see Pura Ulun Danu Bratan at sunrise - arrange it with a boatman the night before.

The Perama Ulundanu eating house in the grounds has a pleasant outdoor terrace and the usual Indonesian and Western dishes.