Overview
A full day tour to see, Taman Ayun Temple, Ulundanu Beratan Temple, Handara Gate, Jati Luwih rice terrace and Tanah Lot Temple.
Bedugul and Tanah Lot Temple Tour is a day tour to up north of Bali area and southwest of Bali with the first stop will be at Taman Ayun Temple. Its Located in Mengwi, Badung, away from the hustle bustle of the city center, this temple is nestled in lush, greenery surrounding with trees and ponds – about 18 km northwest of Denpasar and about 8 km southwest of Ubud. Taman Ayun Temple is one of the most attractive and most visited temples in Bali. This 17th century creation was built as a family temple of Mengwi Empire and was only accessible for the royals. This temple is declared as part of the world cultural tourism site by UNESCO as it holds a very strong and sophisticated architectural design.
The Taman Ayun Temple complex occupies an area of 100 x 250 m2, comprising four different courts. The first one is called ‘Jaba’ or outer court – it is only accessible through one single entrance through a bridge over the ponds. In the first inner court, there is a small guardian shrine and a large ‘wantilan’ hall that the local communities usually use for gatherings.
Taman Ayun literally means “A Beautiful Garden”, which strongly represents the situation of the temple that is super beautiful – surrounded by many tiered shrines dedicated to different gods, lovely manicured foliage garden, thatched-roofed prayer hut, and canals. No wonder, this is the ultimate place that people usually flock to get peace and serenity.
After visiting Taman Ayun Temple, we will be then heading up north to see Ulundanu Beratan Temple, Ulundanu Beratan Temple or Pura Bratan, is a major Hindu Shaivite temple in Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex is on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. The water from the lake serves the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association (subak).
In Bali, Hindu temples are known as “pura”, being designed as open-air places of worship in walled compounds. The compound walls have a series of intricately decorated gates without doors for the devotee to enter. The design and plan of the holy pura follows a square layout. A typical temple is laid out according to ancient Lontar texts with three courtyards separated by low walls pierced by ornate gateways. The outer courtyard is for secular pursuits, with pavilions used for meetings, resting performers and musicians at festivals. Food stalls are set up here during festivals. The middle courtyard is a transition zone between the human and divine sections; here offerings are prepared, and temple paraphernalia are stored. The inner courtyard is the site of the shrines and religious ceremonies. The shrines are known as merus and are square structures with brick bases and multiple pagoda-style thatched roofs; the number of roofs reflects the status of the deities and is always an odd number. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is one of the nine ‘Kahyangan Jagat’ temples on Bali. The temple complex consists of five various shrines dedicated to other Hindu gods as well.
Next to Ulundanu Beratan Temple, we will have a stop at Famous Handara Gate, Handara Gate is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Set against the backdrop of Bali’s northern highlands, this towering stone gate, framed by lush greenery and misty mountains, is a stunning sight to behold. It's become a must-visit spot for travelers and photographers alike, with its dramatic split gate creating an unforgettable view. Beyond its beauty, Handara Gate provides a peaceful retreat from the busier areas of Bali. The cool mountain air and serene surroundings make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature. As you pass through the gate, you’ll feel a sense of calm and connection to Bali’s rich cultural heritage, far from the hustle of popular tourist spots.
After a few minutes have a stop at Handara gate for some good photos, we will be then heading down to Jati Luwih rice terrace. An iconic destination in Bali, enchants visitors with its mesmerizing blend of nature and culture. The vast rice fields, meticulously cultivated in terraced patterns, create a stunning panorama that reflects the harmony between human ingenuity and the untouched beauty of the environment. The cool mountain air and the rhythmic life of local farmers add an authentic touch to the experience, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and cultural admirers. Central to Jatiluwih’s charm is the Subak, a Balinese social organization dedicated to preserving nature and regulating the local community’s social life. Recognizing the profound significance of this synergy, UNESCO has bestowed World Cultural Heritage status upon Jatiluwih Rice Terrace. As visitors explore the terraced landscapes, they witness a living canvas where tradition, nature, and culture converge in timeless splendour, making Jatiluwih a scenic spot and a cultural sanctuary in the heart of Bali.
Tanah Lot Temple will be as our last stop. Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home to the ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot (literally “Tanah Lot temple”), a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography.
Tanah Lot means “Land [in the] Sea” in the Balinese language. Located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.
Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 16th-century Dang Hyang Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast, he saw the rock-island’s beautiful setting and decided to rest there. Some fishermen saw him and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock, for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods. The main deity of the temple is Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara, who is the sea god or sea power and these days, Nirartha is also worshipped here.
Tour highlight:
- Hotel pick up at 8.30 AM
- Taman Ayun Temple at 9.30 AM.
- Ulundanu Beratan Temple at 11.30 AM
- Handara Gate at 13.30 AM
- Jati Luwih Rice Terrace 15.30 PM
- Banyumala waterfall at 17.00 PM
- Back to hotel at 20.00 PM
What To Bring:
- Casual dress
- Hat
- Sunblock
- Sunglass
- Cash
Included/Excluded
- Private Transport
- All Entrance Tickets
- English Speaking driver
- Mineral water
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Tips for driver (opt)