Situated at 1200m above sea level and thought to be 35m deep in places, Lake Bratan lies in the bottom of a once gigantic, but now almost indistinguishable, volcanic crater. Surrounded by rolling forested hill, with the bulk of Gunung Catur rising sheer behind, the lake becomes the scene of rampant water sports on holidays and at weekends. However, the awesome scenery more than compensates for the irritating buzz of motor boats.

Revered by Balinese farmers as the source of fresh water springs across a wide area of the island, the lake and its goddess are worshipped in the immensely attractive temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, one of the most photographed temples in Bali and the highly revered Kayangan Jagat, directional temple, for the northwest. Built in 1633 by the raja of Mengwi, on small promotory on the western shore of the lake, it is dedicated to Dewi Danu, source of water and hence fertility for the land and people of Bali. Set in attractive, well-maintained grounds, the temple consits of several shrines, some spread along the shore and others dramatically situated on small islands. On the main land, Pura Teratai Bang is the main compund, feauturing a seven-roofed meru dedicated to Brahma. The real highlights, though, are the island shrines, which appear to float on the surface of the lake, with the water stretching behind and the mountain looming in the distance. Closest to the bank, the eleven-roofed merus is dedicated to Wisnu and Dewi Danu, and the three-roofed meru just beyond it, housing an ancient lingam, to Siwa.