5 Scenic Lakes in Bali to Visit

Bali's lakes are concentrated mainly in the island's cooler highland and mountainous areas, although lesser-known lakes can also be found in East Bali.

Here are five scenic lakes worth adding to your itinerary:

1. Lake Batur

• Location: Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali

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• Opening hours: Open throughout the day; surrounding attractions may have their own operating hours

Lake Batur is one of the most spectacular volcanic lakes in Bali. Located inside the Batur caldera in Kintamani, the crescent-shaped lake sits beneath Mount Batur and forms part of the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark.

UNESCO highlights the area's volcanic geology, geothermal waters, agriculture, and Balinese Hindu culture.

The dramatic combination of lake, volcano, and surrounding caldera makes Lake Batur particularly appealing for travelers who want more than a typical Bali beach experience. The landscape also changes throughout the day, with early mornings often offering cooler air and atmospheric mountain views.

One of the most popular ways to experience the area is by combining Lake Batur with a Mount Batur sunrise hike.

You can also explore viewpoints around Kintamani, visit geothermal hot springs, or continue to other cultural attractions around the caldera.

Lake Batur is also a strong choice if you are interested in Bali's volcanic landscape. The Batur UNESCO Global Geopark covers Kintamani and showcases the relationship between geological heritage, local communities, agriculture, and tourism.

Best for: Volcano views, photography, Kintamani, mountain scenery, and combining a lake visit with Mount Batur.

2. Lake Beratan (Lake Bratan)

• Location: Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali
• Opening hours: The Ulun Danu Beratan visitor area generally operates from around 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, but hours can change

Lake Beratan, also commonly called Lake Bratan, is arguably one of the most recognizable lakes in Bali.

Located in the cool Bedugul highlands, the lake is famous for its calm water, mountain surroundings, and the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.

Ulun Danu Beratan is the main reason many travelers visit the lake. The temple complex sits beside and partly over the lake, creating the famous scene that often appears in Bali travel photography. The site is associated with Dewi Danu and has important spiritual and cultural significance.

Beyond photography, visitors can enjoy boating and explore the gardens and surrounding Bedugul attractions.

The area is also close to other destinations such as the Bali Botanic Garden and traditional markets, making Lake Beratan convenient to include in a broader Central Bali itinerary.

The cool mountain climate is another attraction. At roughly 1,500 meters above sea level, Bedugul can feel noticeably cooler than Bali's coastal areas, particularly in the morning and evening.

Best for: Temple visits, photography, cultural experiences, cool weather, and classic Bali sightseeing.

3. Lake Buyan

• Location: Pancasari, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali
• Opening hours: Open throughout the day; outdoor activities are best enjoyed during daylight

Lake Buyan is one of the two famous Twin Lakes in Bali, together with Lake Tamblingan.

Surrounded by tropical forests and green mountain landscapes, it offers a quieter atmosphere than some of Bali's better-known tourist destinations.

The lake is particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The surrounding area is suitable for walking, trekking, photography, fishing, and camping, while the cool highland air creates a refreshing contrast to Bali's coastal regions.

Pancasari, where Lake Buyan is located, is also known for its cool climate and natural scenery. Local tourism sources highlight camping, fishing, traditional boats, and outdoor activities around the lake.

For photography, morning is an especially attractive time to visit. Light mist can sometimes settle over the lake, while the surrounding forest and mountains create a layered landscape.

If you are looking for a Bali lake where nature is the main attraction rather than a major temple or commercial tourist complex, Lake Buyan is worth considering.

Best for: Camping, forest scenery, nature photography, trekking, fishing, and a peaceful highland escape.

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4. Lake Tamblingan

• Location: Munduk, Buleleng Regency, Bali
• Opening hours: Open during daylight; canoeing and local activities depend on weather and local operators

Lake Tamblingan sits west of Lake Buyan and forms the other half of Bali's famous Twin Lakes.

Its surroundings are heavily forested, giving the lake a more secluded and atmospheric character.

Unlike Lake Beratan, which is strongly associated with a major tourist attraction, Lake Tamblingan is better suited to travelers seeking nature, tranquility, and outdoor experiences.

One of the highlights is canoeing on Lake Tamblingan.

Visitors can explore the lake in a traditional dugout canoe accompanied by a local guide, with the experience typically lasting around one to two hours. The route can also include views of sacred temples around the lake.

The lake is surrounded by rainforest and is also associated with trekking and bird watching. The combination of dense greenery, mountain air, mist, and traditional canoes makes Lake Tamblingan one of the most atmospheric lakes in Bali.

Because of its natural setting, it is worth allowing extra time rather than treating the lake as a quick photo stop. The experience is more about slowing down and appreciating the landscape.

Best for: Canoeing, rainforest scenery, trekking, bird watching, photography, and a quieter Bali experience.

5. Lake Yeh Malet

• Location: Antiga Kelod, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali
• Opening hours: No established tourist attraction hours; visit during daylight and check local conditions

Lake Yeh Malet is a lesser-known lake in East Bali, offering a very different experience from the more established attractions around Bedugul and Kintamani.

The lake is located in Banjar Dinas Yeh Malet, Antiga Kelod, in Manggis, Karangasem. In early 2026, the area underwent an extensive cleaning and normalization effort after sedimentation and the growth of invasive plants had affected the lake's condition.

By April 2026, an official report stated that the cleaning had reached 100%, removing weeds and water hyacinth that had covered the lake's surface. The restoration was intended to help the lake regain its environmental and community functions.

By May and June, local reports noted that the lake was attracting visitors again, including people coming to fish and enjoy the restored natural setting.

This recent development makes Yeh Malet particularly interesting for travelers who want to discover a less conventional side of Bali.

However, it should be treated as a developing local destination rather than a fully established tourist attraction with the same facilities as Lake Beratan.

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travel, quiet countryside scenery, photography, fishing, and exploring East Bali.

Which Lake in Bali Should You Visit?

Each lake offers a different reason to visit, so your choice depends on the experience you want.

For a first-time Bali itinerary, Lake Beratan is convenient for travelers combining nature and culture, while Lake Batur works particularly well with a Kintamani or Mount Batur itinerary.

If your priority is a quieter outdoor experience, consider the Twin Lakes. For something less conventional, Lake Yeh Malet gives you an opportunity to explore a developing destination in Karangasem.

Best Time to Visit the Lakes in Bali

The dry season, generally from April to October, can be a convenient period for exploring Bali's outdoor attractions. However, mountain weather can change quickly, so clear skies should never be assumed.

For photography, early morning is often a good choice. Cooler temperatures, softer light, and occasional mist can create a more atmospheric landscape around Lake Beratan, Lake Buyan, Lake Tamblingan, and Lake Batur.

The highland areas around Bedugul, Kintamani, and the Twin Lakes are also considerably cooler than coastal Bali. Bring an extra layer if you plan to stay around the lakes early in the morning or after sunset.

Explore Lakes in Bali Easily with a Scooter from Cinchy!

Exploring Bali's highlands is easier when you can travel at your own pace.

Cinchy offers a convenient scooter rental service with online booking, well-maintained scooters, and delivery options that make it easier to reach scenic destinations across the island.

For different travel styles, Cinchy offers Compact scooters such as Honda Scoopy, Yamaha Fazzio, and Honda Vario from IDR 95K/day, while Comfort models such as Yamaha NMAX and Honda PCX start from IDR 155K/day. Weekly and monthly rates are also available.

Cinchy also provides a phone holder, hair net, and raincoat, with 24/7 assistance and scooter delivery available to selected areas.

Booking ahead is especially useful during Bali's peak travel periods, when popular scooter models can become less available.

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Planning to explore Bali on two wheels?

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