Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur, or the Kintamani Floating Temple, is one of those places that gets talked about a lot, photographed a lot, and misunderstood a lot.
If you’re planning a trip to Kintamani, chances are this temple has popped up on your map or Instagram feed. It looks peaceful, photogenic, and easy to visit.
I’ve put this together to explain exactly what this temple is, where it’s located, how much you’ll likely pay, what the visit is actually like, and whether it’s worth stopping at while you’re in town.
About Pura Segera Ulun Danu Batur
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur is a small Balinese Hindu temple located directly on the edge of Lake Batur in Kintamani.
This Bali temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes, and irrigation. Its role is closely tied to Lake Batur, which is considered one of the most important water sources in Bali.
There are no large courtyards or extended walking paths here. Most visitors stop briefly before continuing on to other Kintamani viewpoints, cafes, or nearby attractions.
It’s often confused with Pura Ulun Danu Batur, the much larger temple complex located on Kintamani’s main road. Despite the similar names, they are two different temples.
Due to being on the lake, it also bears similarities to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, one of Bali’s most iconic temples sometimes referred to as “the floating temple.”
📍 Location: Central Batur, Kintamani, Bangli, Bali
⏰ Opening Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
💸 Entrance Fee: IDR 25,000 (cash)
🚗 Car Parking: IDR 5,000
🛵 Scooter Parking: IDR 2,000
🥻 Dress Code: Sarong and sash required (provided on entry)
🚻 Facilities: Toilets near parking
⏳ Recommended Visit: 10–20 mins
Pura Segara vs Pura Ulun Danu Batur
These two temples are not the same place, even though the names are almost identical. They serve different purposes, look completely different, and are located in different parts of Kintamani.
Pura Ulun Danu Batur
This is the main and most important temple in Kintamani, and the one Balinese locals visit for major religious ceremonies.
- Located on Kintamani’s main road
- Large temple complex with multiple courtyards
- One of Bali’s most important temples religiously
- Actively used for ceremonies throughout the year
- Can feel busy and formal, especially on ceremony days
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur
This is the smaller lakeside temple by Lake Batur, and the one most tourists are actually looking for when searching online.
- Located right beside Lake Batur
- Small, standalone temple
- Focused on water and lake-related rituals
- Quiet and simple in layout
- Usually a short stop rather than a long visit
Why Visit This Temple
This temple isn’t for everyone, and that’s fine.
Visit if you like quiet stops and simple places that don’t feel overly touristy. It works well if you’re already in Kintamani and want a short, easy stop without crowds.
It’s also a good fit if you want quick photos by the lake and don’t feel like committing to a big attraction. You stop, walk around, take a few photos, and move on.
You can skip this temple if you’re chasing iconic Bali sights or expecting something impressive and grand. If you want a major temple experience, this isn’t it.
This place works best as a bonus stop, not the highlight of your day.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur Location
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur is located near the southern end of Lake Batur (Danau Batur) in Kintamani, a cooler region known for being home to Mount Batur.
From the main road, it’s roughly a 15-minute drive downhill. The road winds northeast as it drops toward the lake and you’ll definitely feel the temperature change on the way down.
Finding it is easy. There are large signs right out front, so you’re not hunting for a hidden turnoff or guessing which driveway is correct.
- From Canggu: 68 km
- From Kuta: 76 km
- From Nusa Dua: 81 km
- From Sanur: 60 km
- From Seminyak: 67 km
- From Ubud: 36 km
- From Uluwatu: 90 km
If you’re visiting with one of my private drivers, just say you want the Ulun Danu temple by the lake and they’ll take you straight there. They all know the difference.
If you’re riding a scooter, take extra care. This stretch can be sketchy at times. Steep winding hills, tight corners, and trucks crawling up or down the road are common.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur Entrance Fee
Here’s where things can feel a bit unclear, so I’ll spell it out properly.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur does not have an official entrance ticket. The payment is labelled as a donation, which you can tell because you don’t receive any ticket or receipt after paying.
At the entrance, the Balinese men on duty usually ask for around IDR 25,000 per person. That’s reasonable and pretty standard.
Occasionally, some of our guests report being asked for more. If the amount feels excessive, you’re under no obligation to pay it.
You can simply skip the stop and move on. It’s a nice temple, but it’s not worth feeling pressured.
The donation includes:
- a sarong and sash
- an udeng for men (traditional Balinese headwear)
One important thing to note is payment. This must be cash only. There are no card machines and no ATMs nearby, so make sure you’ve got small notes on you before heading down toward the lake.
Dress Code at Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur
Like all temples in Bali, you’re expected to follow Bali temple etiquette, even though visitors cannot enter the main shrine area that sits out on the lake.
This mainly means:
- shoulders covered
- legs covered below the knees
- respectful behaviour inside the temple grounds
The good news is that you don’t need to overthink it. The donation at the entrance includes everything you need, including a sarong and sash.
Once you’re wearing the correct attire, there’s nothing else required. No strict footwear rules, no additional dress checks once you’re inside.
You may hear that bringing your own sarong and sash can sometimes result in a smaller fee. While that can happen, you probably won’t have one on hand anyway, so it’s not something I’d plan around.
As long as you dress respectfully and use the provided clothing, you’ll have no issues visiting.
What to Expect at the Temple
This is here to set your expectations properly. Some visitors love stopping at Pura Segera Ulun Danu Batur, others leave feeling underwhelmed. Knowing what you’re walking into makes all the difference.
- The temple is very small compared to Bali’s famous temples, so don’t expect a large complex.
- Once you pay the “donation” and walk through the gate, that’s the entire site.
- You cannot enter the worship area.
- Most of the time it’s very quiet, with only the occasional local family visiting for prayers.
- There are no performances, no guided tours, and nothing beyond the immediate temple area.
- The lake level changes with the season.
- During the rainy season, the lake is fuller and the temple looks more “lakeside.”
- In the dry season, the bridge may not have water around it at all.
- Expect some souvenir sellers or people asking for money “to feed their family.”
- Some may offer to take your photo for free, then gently try to guide you toward their stall.
- A polite “No thank you” or “No cash, sorry” usually does the job.
- There are decent toilets near the parking area if you need them.
- You’ll likely see geese and ducks swimming around the lake.
- You’re not allowed to swim in the lake.
- Best treated as a quick photo stop or short stroll, not a major sightseeing attraction.
Opening Hours & When to Visit
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur can usually be visited between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm.
You might see it listed as open 24/7 on Google Maps, but in reality the gates are often closed outside these hours unless there’s a ceremony taking place.
From my experience, the best time to visit is during Bali’s rainy season, which lines up with Bali’s low season. The lake levels are higher, the temple looks better visually, and it’s far quieter overall.
A bonus of visiting in low season is fewer people around. In many cases, you’ll have the place almost to yourself, with far fewer souvenir sellers compared to peak months. If you’re after a calm visit and clean photos, timing it this way makes a noticeable difference.
Exploring Kintamani
Kintamani is far from South Bali, so if you’re planning to visit this area, it pays to plan properly. This isn’t a quick pop-in destination. It’s a longer drive and best enjoyed when you’re not rushing.
Whether you’re staying overnight in Kintamani or visiting for the day, I recommend booking one of my drivers.
You’ll get around comfortably in a private SUV with a local, English-speaking driver who knows the area well and understands these roads.
The roads around Kintamani are winding and can be unpredictable. It’s common to share narrow rural roads with trucks and industrial vehicles heading to and from the area.
This is one of those regions where having an experienced local behind the wheel makes a real difference.
Hit the button below, fill out a few details, select East Bali, and you’re set. I’ll send you your driver’s details before your booking date so everything’s sorted ahead of time and you can just enjoy the ride.
What’s Nearby
If you’re already down by the lake, it makes sense to combine Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur with a few nearby stops. Kintamani works best as a full-day loop.
- Batur Natural Hot Spring (3.5 km away)
Lakeside hot springs with views across Lake Batur. A good option if you want something low-effort after driving around all morning. - Toya Devasya Hot Spring (3.8 km away)
A more developed hot spring complex with pools, changing rooms, and food options. Popular for longer soak sessions but can get crowded. - Mount Batur Viewpoint (5.1 km away)
Usually the first stop when entering Kintamani. This is where you get that wide panoramic view of Mount Batur, the crater, and Lake Batur from above. - Museum Geopark Batur (5.6 km away)
A simple but informative stop if you want context on the volcano, lava flows, and why this area is a UNESCO Global Geopark. - Akasa (6 km away)
A well-known restaurant with hanging seating overlooking the valley and Mount Batur. You’re paying for the view, but it’s a solid lunch or early dinner stop. - Pura Ulun Danu Batur (10 km away)
The large ceremonial temple on Kintamani’s main road. This is the religious centerpiece of the area and very different from the small lakeside temple. - Sukawana Sunrise Spot (13.7 km away)
A quiet sunrise viewpoint away from the main tourist crowds. Best visited early morning if you’re staying nearby or arriving before the day-trippers. - Lestari Pine Forest (14 km away)
A relaxed forest area with walking paths and photo spots. Nice if you want greenery and cooler air without doing anything too strenuous.
All of these pair easily with a visit to the lakeside temple and help turn Kintamani into a proper day out rather than a single stop.
Pura Segera Ulun Danu Reviews
Here’s a balanced snapshot of what visitors actually say, pulled from multiple reviews and paraphrased into clear takeaways. Good and bad mixed together, because that’s the reality.
- Great photo spot by Lake Batur, especially when the water level is high
- Often very quiet, which makes it easy to take photos without crowds
- Works well as a short stop after a Mount Batur or Kintamani visit
- Calm atmosphere that some people find relaxing and peaceful
- The site is small, and many visitors feel there isn’t much to explore
- The road down can be rough, with bumps and tight sections
- Donation requests feel inconsistent, with reports of prices increasing over time
- Some visitors felt pressured to pay, even when they had their own sarong
- Basic facilities are lacking, especially toilets and maintenance
- A few people mentioned pushy or unfriendly behaviour at the entrance
- Water levels vary by season, so the temple doesn’t always look “lakeside”
- Some areas feel run-down, with rubbish and limited upkeep
Overall, most reviews agree on one thing: Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur is best treated as a quiet photo stop, not a must-see temple.
If you arrive knowing it’s small, simple, and seasonal in appearance, you’re far more likely to enjoy it.
FAQs About Ulun Danu Batur
Where is Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur located?
It’s located near the southern end of Lake Batur, about a 15-minute drive downhill from Kintamani’s main road. The exact location is P9JP+9F4, Jl. Pendakian Gn. Batur, Batur Tengah, Kec. Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80652, Indonesia
What is the entrance fee to Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur?
There’s no official ticket. Visitors are asked for a donation, usually around IDR 25,000 per person. Cash only, and no receipt or ticket is issued.
What is the dress code at Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur?
You must follow Bali temple etiquette. Legs covered below the knees and shoulders covered. The donation normally includes a sarong and sash, plus an udeng for men.
Are kids allowed at Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur?
Yes. Kids are allowed as long as they’re dressed appropriately and behave respectfully.
How long should I spend at Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur?
Most people spend 10 to 20 minutes. It’s best treated as a quick photo stop or short stroll.
Is Pura Ulun Danu Batur the same as Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur?
No. Pura Ulun Danu Batur is the large ceremonial temple on the main road, while Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur is the small lakeside temple by Lake Batur.
Which one should I visit?
If you want a calm lakeside stop and photos, visit Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur. If you want a larger, more traditional temple experience, visit Pura Ulun Danu Batur. Many visitors combine both.
What’s the difference between Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple?
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is the famous floating temple in Bedugul that most people picture when they think of an Ulun Danu temple. It’s much larger, better maintained, and a major tourist attraction.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur is smaller, quieter, and far less developed. One is a headline attraction, the other is a short, peaceful stop./
