Ulun Danu Batur Temple is a type of Balinese water temple. It is the second most important temple in Bali after the Besakih Temple complex, located near Mount Agung. 'Pura' means 'temple' in Balinese, 'ulun' means 'head' or 'source', and 'danu' means 'lake'. So the name translates to 'Lake Source Temple of Batur'. The word 'batur', which is also the name of the volcano, village, and lake, means 'pure' or 'spiritually pure'. Ulun Danu Batur Temple is situated on the edge of the outer caldera of Mount Batur, in the village of Batur, overlooking Lake Batur. The sanctuary is dedicated to the god Vishnu and the goddess of lakes and rivers, Devi Batari Ulun Danu. She is the goddess of fertility, rivers, and lakes and is one of the principal deities in Balinese Hinduism.
The temple offers a beautiful view of the lava fields, Lake Batur, and the panorama with Mount Batur, Mount Abang, and Mount Agung.
In all Balinese temples, you are expected to wear sarongs and tie a sash around the sarong when entering. If you have your own sarong and sash, you can use them. If not, the locals will either offer you to buy or rent them for 5,000 rupiahs. Tourists often complain that they are informed about the requirement to wear a sarong and sash only after they have already purchased the temple entrance ticket, and then sarongs are offered for 200,000 rupiahs. Please arrange for appropriate attire and the price for it before buying the entrance ticket to avoid any unpleasant surprises. The entrance ticket costs 35,000 rupiahs.
