Bedugul is an area in the mountain range of Central Bali.
Bedugul is the name used to cover a large area of the central highlands of Bali around the villages of Bedugul itself, Candikuning, Pancasari, Pacung and Wanagiri (amongst others). This is an area of great natural beauty. The focus point of the area centres on the three crater lakes of Bratan (Beratan), Buyan and Tamblingan, and the nearby botanical gardens. The whole area is at an altitude of 700 metres or more, with the tallest mountain peaking above 2,000 metres. It can be distinctly chilly here.
This article covers the Bedugul area as well as the village of Munduk to the west, and areas between Bedugul and Mount Batukaru to the south west. Mount Batukaru itself is covered in the Tabanan article.
Bali Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Eka Karya). One of Indonesia’s four official botanical gardens. Located in Candikuning. The entrance road is identified by the presence of a giant stone corn on the cob statue! From the information centre buy a copy of an excellent little pamphlet called Six Self Guided Walks in the Bali Botanical Gardens and set off on your way. The gardens are huge covering some 160 hectares and any visitor with an interest in plants and trees could easily spend a whole day here. Also, an informative library and gift shop.
Jatiluwih (on the main Sangeh to Bedugul road turn west towards Tabanan about 8 km before you reach Bedugul. Follow the Jatiluwih signs and you will reach the pay booth.). A startlingly beautiful area of verdant, terraced rice paddies nestled in the shadow of Mount Batukaru. Take your time and explore thoroughly. There are a number hikes thorough truly stunning terrain. When you have had your fill there are a couple of cafes for refreshment (and yet more views).
Yeh Hoo waterfall in Jatiluwih. Have to walk all the way down the easy stairs and follow the path. The whole area is beautiful with water everywhere.
Munduk Waterfall (about 1 km west of Munduk market). These falls are impressive and really roar in the wet season. A spot that is little visited, despite being perhaps the most impressive accessible falls on the whole island. You will have to park your car or motorbike somewhere on the side of the road and then walk down something like 500 meters through a narrow path. You will not see the waterfalls from the road. Next to the waterfalls you will find a little ecologic bar where you can enjoy locally cultivated coffee.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Lake Bratan Temple), Lake Bratan, Bedugul. 07:00-19:00 daily. After Tanah Lot, this is perhaps the most photographed temple on the island and is certainly one of the iconic images of Bali. The temple sits on the western shore of Lake Bratan and it can give the illusion of actually floating on the water. Built in 1633, the temple is devoted to Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu, goddess of the lake. A beautiful temple in a truly stunning setting. Make sure to insist on your entrance ticket to make sure the your entrance fee actually goes towards to conservation of the temple. A park has been built around and can’t see temple from outside unless boat from the lake or very far view from lakeshore.
