No less stunning is the mountain resort of Bratan, in Bedugul,
and the magnificent Ulun Danu, an inspiring place of worship that
appears to rise out of waters of Lake Bratan.
Built around a sacred spring, Tampak Siring. An inscription dates
the spring all the way back to 926AD; and there are fine carvings
and Garudas on the courtyard buildings. The temple and its two bathing
spots have been used by the Balinese for over a thousand years for
good health and prosperity; as the spring water really does have
the power to cure! Regular purification ceremonies also take place
here.
Ancient rituals pay homage to the guardian spirits of the sea.
Poisonous sea snakes found in the caves at the base of the rocky
island are believed to be guardians of the temple, standing virgil
against evil spirits and intruders.
Not for the faint-hearted. The Goa Lawah Temple is located in a
cave filled with thousands of bats and is said to lead all the way
to Besakih. Goa Lawah is one of six temples open to the public and
is revered as a sacred site for Brahma.
ULUNDANU BATUR :
This is an imposing complex of nine temples, still undergoing renovation. It is dedicated to the goddess of the lake. The temple is worth visiting, if only for its beautiful surroundings.
Location: 5 km south of Kintamani