For almost three decades, the lake was hidden by overgrowth and silt, with legends circulating about dragons and spirits living there. Now Yeh Malet Lake in Karangasem is open to tourists again. It’s worth visiting for the beautiful views of Mount Agung and the fascinating stories that locals still tell in whispers.
Yeh Malet is often called the island’s fifth lake, alongside Batur, Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan. For many years, almost no one knew about it. The lake was completely choked with weeds, grass and water hyacinth, and its natural water source had been blocked by mud and vegetation.
Things changed after a major clean-up carried out by the military together with local residents. The work lasted around two months across an area of 8 to 10 hectares. About 50 people worked on the lake every day.
The initiative to restore the lake to its former beauty came from local residents themselves. After they approached the military, the clean-up began almost immediately. The army provided two pontoon boats and a conveyor system to remove plants from the lake. Major Dewa Oka said that after the clean-up, the water source started working properly again. Now it’s safe for children to swim in the lake, and locals can fish there once more.
Bali’s tourism authorities are already calling Yeh Malet a new natural attraction in East Bali. They especially highlight the panoramic view of Mount Agung and the rare combination of nearby sights. Just three minutes from the lake is the quiet black-sand Yeh Malet beach, and five minutes away is Goa Lawah Temple, known as the “bat cave temple”.
The closest convenient base for tourists is Padangbai. From there, it’s about a 15-minute drive to the lake. It’s also the main port for trips to Nusa Penida and the neighbouring islands.
Even so, locals urge visitors to remember that this is not just another tourist spot. The lake has long been considered a spiritual place. Some talk about mysterious sounds, like explosions, that are said to be heard before heavy rain. Others recall stories about three bidadari—heavenly maidens—who some visitors reportedly saw before falling into a trance during the melukat purification ritual.
One local resident even said he saw a dragon-like creature in the lake, with a fin above the water. Afterwards, he said, he silently asked for permission to be near the lake—and the creature disappeared.
That’s why visitors are asked to behave respectfully at the lake, avoid swearing, and follow traditional restrictions. If you decide to go, keep in mind that for locals Yeh Malet is not only a beautiful natural spot, but also a place of strong spiritual significance.
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