6 Things to do in Bedugul
If you’re looking to escape the heat and crowds of Bali’s popular spots, Bedugul is the perfect chill destination. Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a world away from the beachy vibes down south. From dreamy temples to hidden waterfalls, Bedugul has plenty to offer, especially if you’re a nature lover. Here’s what I got up to during my visit to this gorgeous part of Bali.
Quick Overview: Best Things to Do in Bedugul
• Wander through the lush Bali Botanic Gardens and Traditional Medicine Garden
• Sip tea or coffee at Rusa by the Lake with views of Lake Beratan
• Have a cozy indoor picnic at Rumah Gemuk Restaurant
• Explore the eerie ruins of the abandoned Ghost Palace Hotel
• Snap a photo at the famous Handara Gate (go early to avoid crowds!)
• Play a round of golf at Handara Golf & Resort in the cool highlands
• Visit the sacred floating Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on Lake Beratan
• Go off-track to Leke Leke Waterfall for a jungle escape
• Explore Taman Ayun Temple and its UNESCO-listed gardens
• Visit Sangeh Monkey Forest for a quieter, shaded alternative to Ubud’s
TRAVEL
Explore the Bali Botanic Gardens
The Bali Botanic Gardens, or Kebun Raya Bali, are the largest of their kind in Indonesia, offering a verdant paradise for plant lovers and explorers alike. The gardens span over 157 hectares, featuring tropical trees, rare orchids, and stunning collections of medicinal plants. Stroll along peaceful pathways that weave through bamboo forests, fern gardens, and rose collections, or spend the day birdwatching as the area is a natural habitat for several bird species.
Unique Fact: The gardens houses the Traditional Balinese Medicine Garden, showcasing indigenous plants used in ancient healing practices.
About
Hi, I’m Nitisha. I grew up in a world that told me to follow the script, but somewhere along the way I traded the script for a compass. These days, I follow where my feet and heart lead, from sleepy towns to saltwater coves, capturing stories that feel like home even when I’m far from it.
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Soak Up the Scenic View at Rusa by the Lake
For a laid-back afternoon in Bedugul, head to Rusa by the Lake, a cozy spot that offers one of the best views of Lake Beratan. This lakeside café is perfect for sipping coffee or tea while taking in the serene surroundings. The tranquil lake reflects the surrounding mountains, especially at sunset, creating a dreamy, postcard-perfect view. You can relax on their outdoor deck or take in the scenery from one of their cozy indoor spaces.
Pro Tip: Visit during golden hour for the most breathtaking view, and don’t miss trying their locally inspired dishes.
Enjoy an Indoor Picnic at Rumah Gemuk Restaurant
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, check out Rumah Gemuk in Bedugul. This restaurant offers an “indoor picnic” concept, where you can enjoy delicious meals surrounded by lush indoor plants, creating the perfect cozy atmosphere. The greenhouse-like setting feels like dining in nature, with beautiful views of the hills and garden outside. They serve a mix of Indonesian and Western cuisine, with plenty of healthy options and fresh ingredients.
Pro Tip: Rumah Gemuk is a great spot for brunch, and they offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes.
Visit the Ghost Palace Hotel
If you’re up for a little mystery and adventure, don’t miss the eerie yet fascinating Ghost Palace Hotel (officially known as P.I. Bedugul Taman Rekreasi Hotel & Resort). This abandoned luxury resort has become one of Bali’s most intriguing hidden attractions. Built in the 1990s, the hotel was left unfinished and abandoned for unknown reasons, adding to the mystery surrounding it. Over the years, the crumbling remains have become a popular spot for urban explorers and photographers. Walking through the hotel’s deserted hallways and moss covered structures is an experience that’s both haunting and captivating.
Visit the Handara Gate + Play Golf at Handara Golf & Resort
The Handara Gate has gained iconic status on Instagram, with its towering stone gateway perfectly framing the misty mountains behind it. This majestic gate is located at the entrance of Handara Golf & Resort, a luxury golf course nestled in the cool highlands of Bedugul. While the gate is a great photo opportunity, the resort itself offers a world-class golfing experience surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just visiting for the photo op, this is one spot you won’t want to miss.
Pro Tip: To avoid the crowds at Handara Gate, visit early in the morning for the best chance of capturing
that perfect shot.
Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
The iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is undoubtedly one of Bali’s most famous landmarks. This floating water temple sits on the shores of Lake Beratan, with its pagoda-like structure reflected in the calm waters of the lake, creating an almost mystical scene. Dedicated to the water goddess Dewi Danu, this temple is considered a sacred site by the Balinese people and is often used for important religious ceremonies. The surrounding mountains and cool air add to the temple’s peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the most serene places to visit in Bedugul.
Off the Beaten Path in Bedugul
For those looking to step away from the main tourist trails, Bedugul has a few hidden treasures that are definitely worth exploring. Just a short drive or hike away, these spots offer a more peaceful and authentic experience of Bali’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Start with a visit to Taman Ayun Temple in nearby Mengwi. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning example of traditional Balinese architecture, featuring manicured gardens, tiered shrines, and tranquil lotus ponds. Translating to “beautiful garden,” Taman Ayun is just as serene and picturesque as its name suggests.
For adventure seekers, head out to the jungle to Leke Leke Waterfall. A short, scenic hike will take you through bamboo forests and across small streams to this hidden gem, where you’ll find a beautiful, secluded waterfall. It’s the perfect spot for a refreshing dip or a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.
If you’re interested in Bali’s wildlife, stop by Sangeh Monkey Forest for some monkey watching. It’s a quieter alternative to the more crowded Ubud Monkey Forest, allowing you to observe playful macaques in a more relaxed environment. The towering nutmeg trees here add to the peaceful, shaded atmosphere, making it a hidden sanctuary away from the usual tourist crowds.
Ethical Travel Tip: Respect the Sacred Lakes and Temples in Bedugul
Bedugul is more than just a highland getaway. It’s home to sacred lakes like Beratan and Tamblingan, and revered temples such as Ulun Danu Beratan. These are not just tourist spots, but spiritual landmarks deeply woven into Balinese Hindu life.
While it’s tempting to pose for Instagram photos or drone shots at these serene locations, it’s important to remember they are living temples, and are still used daily for prayer, offerings, and ceremonies.
Why Be Mindful at Sacred Sites?
- Ulun Danu Beratan is one of Bali’s most important water temples—modesty and quiet behavior are expected.
- Disrespectful photo shoots (e.g. yoga poses or exposed outfits) are considered offensive by locals.
- Flying drones without permission can interrupt ceremonies and disturb wildlife.
- Littering in the lake or temple grounds is not only polluting—it’s culturally disrespectful.
Better Alternatives
- Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) or rent a sarong at the entrance.
- Visit early to enjoy peaceful moments and take respectful, scenic photos.
- Observe temple etiquette: walk calmly, avoid stepping over offerings, and speak softly.
- Ask before photographing locals or ceremonies—it’s always appreciated.
Map of Bedugul’s Top Spots
(Add an embedded or downloadable Google Map with pins for: Ulun Botanical Gardens, Handara Gate, Beratan Lake, Buyan & Tamblinga Market, and Bali Treetop Adventure Park.)
Location:
Central Bali Highlands — known for its cool mountain air, volcanic la and serene temple settings nestled between misty hills.
How to Reach Bedugul:
- From Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar): Roughly a 2.5–3-hour drive, depending on traffic and route.
- By Private Car or Driver: Most convenient option — IDR 600k–800k one way. You can c lake temple visit.
- By Scooter: Possible for confident riders — roads are winding and can get foggy, so extra caution is needed.
- By Shuttle Bus or Tour: Few direct options from southern Bali, but many tour package Ubud or Canggu.
Best Time to Visit:
- May to September: Cool, clear skies and less rain — ideal for temple visits, garden , and lakeside views.
- October to April: Rainy season brings misty mornings, dramatic skies, and lush greenery — beautiful, but pack waterproof gear.
Ideal Stay:
- 1–2 days is perfect for exploring Bedugul’s main sights at a relaxed pace, or longer if you’re combining it with Munduk or north Bali.
Hidden Gems for Photographers:
- Ulun Danu Beratan at Sunrise: Arrive before 7 a.m. for glassy lake reflections and mist rising behind the floating temple.
- Handara Gate (Before the Crowd): Best snapped before 9 a.m. to avoid queues and get a clear shot of the iconic split gate.
- Buyan & Tamblingan Lakes Viewpoint: Fewer tourists, sweeping lake views, and early morning fog for dramatic compositions.
- Bali Botanical Gardens’ Bamboo Forest: Soft light filters through tall bamboo—perfect for moody portraits and nature shots.
Top Nature + Cultural Experiences:
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: A serene lakeside water temple, often covered in early morning mist. Don’t miss the traditional boats docked nearby.
- Bali Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Bali): The largest in Indonesia, filled with orchids, medicinal plants, tree ferns, and rare species. Great for slow walks or picnics.
- Handara Gate: A popular photo spot and entrance to a golf resort—yes, it’s touristy, but still atmospheric in the right light.
- Beratan Lake Activities: Paddle a wooden canoe, rent a swan boat, or simply enjoy a lakeside stroll with warm corn and coffee.
- Candi Kuning Market: Browse highland produce like strawberries, passion fruit, herbal teas, and handmade craft.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures:
- Tamblingan Jungle Trek & Canoe Tour: Guided hikes through ancient forest temples and misty lakes, often led by local conservationists.
- Pura Dalem Tamblingan: Smaller than Beratan, but equally sacred. Can only be reached and rarely crowded.
- Twin Lakes Lookout (Asah Gobleg): Perfect for sunrise. Spot both Buyan and Tamblingan Lakes nestled between dense forest ridges.
- Bali Treetop Adventure Park (within the Botanical Gardens): A ziplining and ropes course among the treetops — great for fa nature-based Challenge
Pro Travel Tips for Bedugul:
- Pack Warm Layers: Temperatures drop to 16–20°C at night — bring a light jacket or fleece.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking through gardens, mossy temples, and possibl forests.
- Limited Signal in Some Areas: Tamblingan and Buyan regions may have patchy coverage — download offline maps in advance.
- Try Local Produce: Bedugul is famous for strawberries, mountain-grown vegetabl at roadside stalls or the main market.
- Avoid Plastic & Pack Reusables: Lakes and gardens are trying to reduce waste. Bring your own bottle, snacks, and cloth bags.
- Observe Temple Etiquette: Cover shoulders and legs, don’t climb temple structures , and avoid loud conversations.
- Drone Use is Restricted:Always ask for permission near temples and lakes — many spots are drone-free zones due to sacredness and wildlife.
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Hi, I’m Nitisha. I grew up in a world that told me to follow the script, but somewhere along the way I traded the script for a compass. These days, I follow where my feet and heart lead, from sleepy towns to saltwater coves, capturing stories that feel like home even when I’m far from it.
