Lake Tourism in Bali: Where Misty Mountains Dance on Crystal Waters (And Your Camera Finally Earns Its Keep)
They told you Bali was all about beaches, yoga, and $10 smoothie bowls. But here’s the truth no influencer will admit: the island’s lakes are where the magic really happens.
Picture this: volcanic craters filled with water so clear, it looks photoshopped. Sacred lakes where the only ‘crowd’ is a family of ducks. Highland vistas so quiet, you can actually hear your soul relaxing.
Welcome to Bali’s best-kept secret: its lakes.
Tucked away in the misty highlands—far from beach clubs and scooter traffic—these liquid mirrors prove lake tourism in Bali isn’t just a thing… it’s the anti-mainstream escape you’ve been craving.
- For nature lovers: Think emerald waters framed by jungles.
- For culture buffs: Ancient temples perched on serene shores.
- For you, the smart traveler: A chance to say “been there, got the actual postcard-worthy shots”.
Backed by local knowledge and travel insights, this guide takes you beyond the obvious — into the calm heart of Bali’s highland wonders.
So pack that sweater (yes, Bali’s highlands get cold), leave your FOMO at the beach, and let’s dive into the 4 most stunning lakes in Bali—where the Wi-Fi is weak, but the vibes? Unbeatable.
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💧 Quick Comparison: Bali’s Hidden & Heavenly Water Spots
Six beautiful bodies of water, each with their own charm. From misty glamping vibes to photogenic rivers — here’s your cheat sheet for Bali’s underrated blue gems.
| Name | Location | Vibe | Entry Fee | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danau Tamblingan | Buleleng (Munduk Highlands) | Spiritual, serene, fog-draped | IDR 10k | Popular for glamping & canoe preweddings |
| Danau Buyan | Buleleng (next to Tamblingan) | Wilderness, campfires > beach clubs | IDR 10k | Locals call it Tamblingan’s bodyguard |
| Danau Yeh Malet | Bugbug, Karangasem (East Bali) | Pocket-sized & peaceful | Free | Zero crowds, often just ducks & fishermen |
| Kali Unda | Paksebali, Klungkung | River meets natural infinity pool | IDR 10k | Prewedding hotspot with waterfall backdrops |
| Danau Beratan | Bedugul, Tabanan | Iconic, Instagram-famous | IDR 75k | Home to Pura Ulun Danu floating temple |
| Danau Batur | Kintamani, Bangli | Crater lake with volcano views | IDR 15k | Largest lake in Bali, born from eruption |
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1. Lake Batur, Kintamani – Bali’s Volcanic Mirror (With a Side of Coffee & Clouds)
“If Bali’s beaches are the life-of-the-party extroverts, Lake Batur is that deep-thinking friend who wears sweaters year-round and knows exactly where to watch the sunrise. This isn’t just water—it’s a 1,050m-high volcanic love letter from Mother Nature.”
✅Read: Lake Batur: Where the Views are Epic and the Fish Might Judge You
Fast Facts (Because Knowledge is Power, But Also Bragging Rights):
📍 Location: Kintamani Highlands (65km from Denpasar)
📏 Size: 16 km² of liquid serenity (Bali’s largest lake)
🎟️ Entry: IDR 15k – cheaper than your avocado toast
🌅 Best Time: 5:30-7AM (sunrise over Mount Batur = core memory unlocked)
Why You’ll Fall in Love:
- Geologic Celebrity Status: Part of a UNESCO Global Geopark (aka Earth’s VIP list).
- Moody Waters: Shifts from emerald to cobalt blue—like a mood ring for the gods.
- Hot Spring Bonus: Nearby Batur Natural Hot Springs offer volcano-view soaking.
- Zero Crowds: Just you, the mist, and maybe a fisherman’s canoe gliding by.
Pro Tips (From Someone Who’s Been Burned, Literally):
- ☕ Coffee First: Kintamani’s mountain-grown brew tastes extra magical here.
- 🧥 Layer Up: Mornings are chilly (yes, Bali has a “cold” setting).
- 📸 Secret Shot: Hike to Bukit Cinta for the full crater-lake panorama.
- 🛶 Rent a local canoe if you’re feeling adventurous – or just want a great excuse to say “I’m paddling in a volcano
Vibe Check: 🧘♂️ Volcanic zen with a caffeine kick
🎯Read: Mount Batur Trekking Guide: Essential Tips for First-Time Hikers
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2. Lake Beratan, Bedugul – Bali’s Floating Temple Fantasy (Complete with Deer Entourage)
“If Lake Batur is Bali’s brooding philosopher, Lake Beratan is its radiant flower child—the kind who actually wakes up for sunrise yoga and makes floral crowns look cool. This isn’t just a lake; it’s a 1,239m-high dreamscape where temples float, deer roam like Disney extras, and the air smells like a million frangipanis.”
But this lake isn’t just a pretty face.
Surrounding it are towering pine trees, colorful gardens, and yes — actual deer casually chilling near the temple grounds. Add some clouds, sprinkle in some spiritual energy, and you’ve got yourself the set of a Disney movie… but with better food and way more incense.
Fast Facts (Trivia You’ll Actually Use):
📍 Location: Bedugul Highlands (Candi Kuning Village) – 1.5hrs from Canggu
📏 Elevation: 1,239m (Translation: blissfully sweater weather)
🎟️ Entry: IDR 75k (cheaper than your acai bowl)
⏰ Golden Hour: 6-8AM (foggy temple reflections = instant influencer status)
Why It’s Bali’s Most Photographed Lake:
- Postcard Perfection: Ulun Danu Temple’s floating illusion is even better IRL.
- Spiritual Layers: Triple-roofed shrines honoring Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Disney-Level Magic: Friendly deer + flower gardens = princess mode activated.
- Hidden Bonus: Nearby Bedugul Botanical Gardens (hello, giant lily pads!).
Pro Tips (From Someone Who’s Chased Deer for ‘The Shot’):
🧥 Pack Smart: Mornings dip to 16°C—hoodie > bikini here.
📸 Skip the Crowds: Locals visit Sat 5AM for rituals—join them for next-level vibes.
🚣 Secret Angle: Rent a traditional canoe for temple shots without tourists.
Vibe Check: 🦌 Ethereal meets whimsical
Hidden Bonus: Don’t miss nearby Bedugul Botanical Gardens — home to giant lily pads, a perfect detour for your Bali lake tourism experience.
🎯Read: 16 Epic Things to Do in Bedugul: Bali’s Coolest Mountain Escape
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3. Lake Tamblingan – Bali’s Best-Kept Secret (Where the Forest Whispers & Time Stands Still)
“Imagine a lake so untouched, even the ducks seem surprised to see tourists. Welcome to Lake Tamblingan—Bali’s real hidden gem, where the water is crystal-clear, the rainforest hums lullabies, and ‘Wi-Fi’ stands for ‘Wilderness-induced Freedom’. This isn’t just lake tourism in Bali; it’s anti-tourism tourism.”
Fast Facts (Because Legends Need Data Too):
📍 Location: Munduk Village (1hr from Bedugul – pair with Lake Beratan!)
📏 Elevation: 1,200m+ (hoodie weather, baby!)
🎟️ Entry: IDR 10k (cheaper than your airport water bottle)
⏰ Magic Hours: 6-8AM or 4-6PM (foggy mornings = Narnia vibes)
Why It’s Bali’s Most Peaceful Lake:
- Ghost Village Feels: Once home to a mysterious abandoned village (locals say they “moved uphill”).
- Nature’s Spa: Rainforest-filtered air + zero motorboats = next-level zen.
- Local Love: Villagers still clean it weekly (take notes, beach clubs).
- Adventure Bonus: Nearby Munduk Waterfall and Wanagiri Swing for thrill-seekers.
Pro Tips (From a Fellow Forest Wanderer):
🚶 Hike Smart: The 20-min forest trail is easy but slippery—wear grippy shoes.
📸 Golden Rule: Sunrise = mirror-like water; sunset = dramatic mountain silhouettes.
🦆 Duck Diplomacy: Feed the local ducks (sold on-site) for instant friendship.
Vibe Check: 🍃 Where elves would vacation
So if you’re craving a slice of serenity far from the crowds, Lake Tamblingan should top your list for unforgettable lake tourism in Bali.
🎯Read: Sniff, Stay, Sunbathe: 10 Pet Friendly Hotels in Bali You’ll Both Love
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4. Lake Buyan – Bali’s Untamed Twin (Where Campfires > Beach Clubs)
“Meet Lake Buyan – the wild child of Bali’s highland lakes. If Tamblingan is the shy artist, Buyan is its adventure-seeking twin who ditched WiFi for wilderness. This 490-hectare liquid mirror doesn’t do yoga retreats – it does proper camping under stars so bright, you’ll forget what light pollution looks like.”
According to an article by DJKN Kemenkeu, Lake Buyan is that secret spot in Bali you never knew you needed—quiet, cool, and blissfully free of crowds and maybe a duck quacking its approval, this hidden gem is calling your name. Trust us, your Instagram followers will thank you later!
Fast Facts (For Outdoor Legends in the Making):
📍 Location: Pancasari Village, Sukasada District (Just a skip from Lake Beratan)
📏 Size: 490ha (2x bigger than Monaco!)
🧭 Elevation: 1,350m (Bring that hoodie again, Bali’s got altitude!)
🎟️ Entry: IDR 10k (= 1/3 of a smoothie bowl)
Why It’s Bali’s Off-Grid Oasis:
- 🌲 Camp-Lover’s Paradise: Designated campsites with front-row lake views. Pitch a tent, toast some marshmallows, and fall asleep to frog lullabies.
- 🚴 Adrenaline Approved: Popular for jungle trekking, mountain biking, and even motor trail adventures for those who like their Bali with a bit of mud.
- 🚜 Local Connection: This lake isn’t just for gazing—locals use it for irrigating rice paddies and clove plantations. It’s beautiful and useful.
- 💧 Nature’s Cleanse: The water’s clean, the air’s crisp, and the Scenery so raw, even your phone’s filter gives up.
Pro Tips (From Someone Who’s Burned Their Toast at Camp Here):
- 🧦 Pack Smart: Nights dip to 15°C – thermal socks = lifesaver
- 🚵 Bike Hack: Rent locally (IDR 50k/day) to explore jungle trails
- 🌅 Golden Hour: 5:30AM fog creates Middle-earth magic
- 📸 Photo Hack: Head to “Hidden Hill Wanagiri” nearby for a bird’s-eye view of twin lakes—Buyan and Tamblingan.
Vibe Check: : ⛰️ Where Bear Grylls would honeymoon
Fun Fact: The lake’s so pristine, locals call it ‘Danau Tamblingan’s bodyguard (P.S. The frogs here sing better than your shower playlist. 🎵)
🎯Read: How to Save Internet Data While Traveling in Bali: A Complete Guide
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Nature’s Best-Kept Secrets: 2 Hidden Water Gems for Bali’s Ultimate Explorers
You’ve done the temples, conquered the waterfalls, and Instagrammed the rice terraces. Now it’s time for Bali’s best-kept secrets – where lake tourism meets raw, unfiltered nature. These aren’t just spots on a map; they’re experiences that’ll make your travel buddies whisper ‘…wait, where was that again?’
🌾 1. Lake Yeh Malet – East Bali’s Forgotten Mirror
“This isn’t just a lake – it’s East Bali’s best-kept secret, where the water is so still it could double as nature’s photo studio. The only crowds? A squadron of ducks who’ve claimed this as their private kingdom.”
Fast Facts:
📍 Pin It: Desa Bugbug, Karangasem (Google Maps might shrug)
⏰ Golden Hour: 5:30-7AM (when mist dances on the water)
📸 Pro Tip: The eastern shore has perfect reflection shots
🎒 Pack: Picnic breakfast – you’ll want to stay for hours
Why It’s Special:
- Perfect pairing with nearby Taman Ujung water palace
- Zero entrance fees, zero vendors, zero stress
- Working fishing boats add authentic Balinese charm
💍 2. Kali Unda – Bali’s Most Romantic ‘Not-Quite-A-Lake’
“Call it a river, call it a lagoon – we call it Bali’s most photogenic water feature. This is where the water does ballet over volcanic rocks, creating natural infinity pools that would make any luxury resort jealous.”
Fast Facts:
📍 Find It: Paksebali, Klungkung (look for the bridal entourages)
💵 Entry: IDR 10k (cash only – this is old-school Bali)
👰 Peak Time: Dry season mornings (June-Oct) for crystal-clear flows
📷 Shot List: Long exposure water shots & daring rock poses
Secret Perks:
- Natural massage spots where water cascades over smooth rocks
- Local warungs serve killer nasi campur post-photoshoot
- 10-minute drive to Goa Lawah bat cave for a perfect combo trip
Vibe Check:
🌅 Yeh Malet = Meditation with ducks
💦 Kali Unda = Nature’s photoshoot studio
🌿 Responsible Visiting Tip: These spots are still largely untouched—please leave no trace, skip the drone if it bothers wildlife, and always ask locals before staging that epic waterfall pose.
🎯Read: 10 Fascinating Facts About Mount Abang Bali
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🗺️ [Secret] Bali Lake Map: Off-Grid Water Wonders Even Locals Forget About
“Where the ducks outnumber the tourists 50:1 and Google Maps shrugs ‘good luck'”
This isn’t your average Bali guide – this is a backstage pass to liquid mirrors and hidden swim spots that mass tourism forgot. We’ve tracked down:
- Misty volcanic lakes where the only crowds are fog banks
- Secret rivers that moonlight as natural infinity pools
- Forgotten wetlands where herons judge your photography skills
All pinned on one map – because real adventure shouldn’t require a treasure hunt.
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🤔 FAQ – Bali’s Secret Lakes (Answered Like a Local)
“The questions you actually asked (plus some you didn’t know you had)”
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🌊 The Ultimate Bali Lakes Roadmap: Adventure Awaits!
“You’re now armed with:
- ✅ The Big Four (for your inner tourist)
- ✅ The Secret Two (for your inner explorer)
- ✅ Enough lake knowledge to outshine any Bali guidebook
But how to actually conquer them all? Let’s talk strategy :
🚗 Option 1: The VIP Treatment (Zero Stress Edition)
“Rent a car + driver (~IDR 500k/day) and:
- Lake-hop like royalty (AC blasting, snacks stocked)
- Secret perk: Drivers know all the backroad shortcuts
- Pro move: Book one who doubles as a photographer (@heybaliinfo on IG does this!)
🛵 Option 2: Scooter Squad (For the Brave & Budget-Savvy)
“Grab a bike (IDR 50k/day from Hey! Bali Scooters) and:
✓ Zigzag through rice fields like a local
✓ Stop spontaneously at hidden warungs
⚠️ Warning: Highland roads get foggy—drive slow and pack a hoodie!”*
🌐 Connectivity Hack:
“Bali’s cell service laughs at ‘remote lakes’. Beat it with:
📶 Hey Bali eSIM ($9/30 days) – instant 4G even at Tamblingan
“But Deep, what if I—” Nope. Just get it.
🔥 Your Next Move (Pick One):
- The Purist: Hit all 6 lakes in 3 days (Yes, it’s possible. No, you won’t sleep.)
- The Savvy Mix: Pair lakes with nearby gems (Example: Beratan + Handara Gate)
- The Rebel: Skip the famous ones entirely. Yeh Malet sunrises > Batur crowds.
“However you roll, remember:
- Sarongs = mandatory at sacred lakes
- Sunrise > sunset for mirror-like waters
- Ducks have right of way (This is their turf, honestly)
Now go forth—Bali’s lakes don’t explore themselves. (But seriously, watch out for those ducks.) – Giostanovlatto
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Meet the Author
Giostanovlatto is a self-proclaimed “professional wanderluster” who believes that life is too short to stay in one place. When he’s not busy chasing sunsets or hunting for the best local food, you can find him striking up conversations with strangers (who often become friends by the end of the trip).
