Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a major Shivaite and water temple on Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex is located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. Built in 1633, the temple is devoted to the goddess of the lake, Ida Batari Dewi Ulun Danu. Water temples serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association (subak).
Bali's prominence as a travel destination has been well-established since the early 20th century when it began to gain recognition among European and American artists, anthropologists, and tourists for its unique culture and beautiful landscapes. Pura Ulun Pura Bratan, being one of the most picturesque and significant temples in Bali, gradually became an integral stop for visitors exploring the island's cultural and natural attractions.
The growth in global air travel in the 1970s and 1980s saw an influx of tourists to Bali, and sites such as Pura Ulun Danu Bratan became increasingly popular. The temple's image, often depicted with its pagoda-like meru (shrines) reflected in the waters of Lake Bratan, became an iconic postcard image synonymous with Balinese spirituality and the island's scenic beauty.
In recent decades, the Indonesian government and Balinese authorities have recognized the importance of tourism and the need to preserve key historical sites. Efforts have been made to ensure that institutions like Pura Ulun Danu Bratan are maintained and protected, while also accommodating a growing number of visitors.
Recent trends in tourism have seen a shift toward experiential and sustainable travel. Tourists are often looking for more authentic experiences that allow them to connect with the local culture, history, and environment. Eco-tourism and cultural tours are becoming increasingly popular, with people seeking not just to visit, but to understand the places they travel to.
Additionally, there's been a rise in the use of digital platforms and social media to share travel experiences. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is very popular on platforms like Instagram, inspiring a growth in visitor numbers who are keen to capture the temple's serene beauty.
The influence of technology on travel is also evident in the proliferation of travel apps and online resources that provide information on historical sites. Tourists can now easily access detailed histories, cultural context, and visitor information about sites like Purah Ulun Danu Bratan before even arriving.
Furthermore, there's been an increasing focus on health and wellness tourism. Bali's reputation as a place for relaxation and spiritual healing complements visits to sacred places like Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, where tourists can engage in serene and contemplative experiences amidst the temple's stunning natural backdrop.
Responsible tourism practices are also being more heavily promoted, emphasizing the importance of preserving Bali’s unique culture and natural resources. As more tourists seek responsible and ethical travel experiences, there are opportunities to educate them about the significance of temples like Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and the wider Balinese philosophical concept of Tri Hita Karana (the three causes of well-being: harmony with God, with nature, and with one another).
Beaches (7)
Religious Places (4)
Historical Places (7)
Museums (4)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (1)
Zoos (3)
Island (4)
Trekking Places (1)
