Rising high above the caldera rim of Mount Batur, Pura Ulun Danu Batur stands as one of Bali’s most sacred Hindu water temples. Nestled in Desa Batur, Kecamatan Kintamani, Bangli, it overlooks the tranquil expanse of Lake Batur, the spiritual heart of the region.
Arround 5 kilometers from Penelokan Kintamani, this temple embodies a deep union of spirituality, history, and intercultural harmony, a place where faith flows as continuously as the mountain springs that feed the lake below.

The Highland Setting: Desa Batur in Kintamani

Perched 1,459 meters above sea level, Pura Ulun Danu Batur graces the cool highlands of northern Bali. The surrounding Desa Batur is alive with rituals, morning mists, and the sound of temple bells echoing through volcanic slopes. From here, one can gaze toward Penelokan Viewpoint, where the sunrise spills gold across Mount Batur and Lake Batur, a moment of serenity that captures the essence of Kintamani’s spiritual landscape.

History and Resilience of Pura Ulun Danu Batur

Historical records trace Pura Ulun Danu Batur back to the 17th century, when it was first built along the lake’s edge to honor Dewi Danu, goddess of water and fertility. She is revered as the protector of subak, Bali’s intricate irrigation system that sustains the island’s rice terraces.

The temple’s story is one of survival. When Mount Batur erupted in 1917, lava engulfed the sacred site. Yet, undeterred, the villagers of Desa Batur carried the temple’s sacred relics uphill. In 1926, they rebuilt it on higher ground, the very spot it occupies today, symbolizing both resilience and devotion. The Ulun Danu Batur history thus mirrors the Balinese spirit itself: steadfast, adaptable, and deeply connected to nature’s rhythm.

A Hidden Chinese Shrine: Klenteng Batur

Within the sacred walls of Pura Ulun Danu Batur lies a lesser-known marvel, the Klenteng Batur, a Chinese temple in Bali devoted to Shui Xian Zun Wang, the Chinese deity of water and harvest.
Centuries ago, Chinese settlers and traders who arrived in Kintamani built this shrine as an act of reverence and gratitude. Over time, their beliefs intertwined harmoniously with local Hindu practices, forming a living symbol of religious tolerance and cultural fusion.

Today, one can still see Balinese Hindus and Chinese devotees praying side by side, incense smoke mingling with temple offerings. The scene is both ordinary and extraordinary, a quiet testament to the open-hearted spirituality of Bangli Bali.

Sacred Function and Ceremonies

As one of Bali’s nine directional temples (Kahyangan Jagat), Pura Ulun Danu Batur serves to protect the island from the northeast. It also ensures balance between humans, nature, and the divine.

The temple’s Piodalan Festival, held annually on Buda Umanis Prangbakat, lasts for 11 days. During this time, thousands of devotees in vibrant attire ascend to Kintamani, bearing gebogan, towers of fruit and flowers, to express gratitude to Dewi Danu. The air fills with gamelan music, incense, and color, making it one of Bali’s most enchanting spiritual spectacles.

Architecture and Dual Identity

The temple complex features nine courtyards, representing the cosmic layers of the universe, and 11 multi-tiered meru towers dedicated to various deities. Carved from volcanic stone, the gates (candi bentar) and pavilions shimmer softly in the mountain light.

In striking contrast, the Klenteng Batur section glows in red and gold, with ornate dragons curling along the eaves and lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. Together, they form a visual symphony, Hindu solemnity beside Chinese vibrance, that reflects the soul of Pura Ulun Danu Batur: one spirit, many expressions.

Visiting Guide

• From Penelokan: around 5 km (10 minutes) by scooter or car.
• Best time: early morning or sunset for the calmest atmosphere and best light.
• Dress code: a sarong and sash are required and can be borrowed at the entrance.
• Etiquette: maintain silence during ceremonies and refrain from entering inner sanctums.

Conclusion

More than just a water temple in Bali, Pura Ulun Danu Batur is a living mosaic of faith, resilience, and unity. Its sacred courtyards in Kintamani preserve centuries of devotion, while the Chinese shrine within whispers stories of harmony between cultures.

A brief journey from Penelokan reveals not only architectural beauty but also the enduring spirit of Balinese heritage, where gods, nature, and people coexist in delicate balance. In the stillness of Desa Batur, the temple stands as both sanctuary and symbol, proof that faith, like water, always finds its way.