After leaving the Strawberry fields with a box of berries that we picked, our next stop was Pura Ulun Dana Bratan, otherwise known as one of Bali’s water temples. This temple is used for offering ceremonies to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess, Dewi Danu. It was built in 1663, is located on Lake Bratan, and enjoys an elevation of 4000 feet. This lake is central to much of Balinese irrigation, which is why this temple is quite important.
After paying a small entrance fee, we entered the beautiful gardens and walkways that led down to the lake.
There wasn’t much wildlife…except for, perhaps, our children…
The kids spotted a small playground, and we let them play as we walked the park childless, for the first time in a long time.
I admired the colorful moss that covered the ancient walls. The gardening was also immaculate!
This 350 year old temple is still quite a sight!
We continued through the grounds, and discovered other treats for the eye…
We gathered up our kids, purchased some new sarongs from a vendor outside, and jumped back in Dewa’s car. He drove us to the nearby Bali Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali), where we paid another fee to enter this park. It’s nice to see that some land in Bali is being protected from development. This had large stretches of land with various kinds of trees that were labeled. It also had some pretty fantastic sculptures, including this one depicting the battle of Kumbhakarna and a monkey army led by Rama.
This particular sculpture was located in the center of a roundabout, which was encircled by a mini-moat with beautiful carved elephant heads.
Across from this sculpture is a treetop adventure park. Ella had loved doing a treetop adventure in Spain, so she begged and begged to do it! I would have considered squeezing this into our day, but the price ($22 for adults, $14 for kids) wasn’t tempting enough for me.
Maybe next time, when I’m not 5 months pregnant?
We spotted this fluffy pink “flower”. Anyone know what it is called?
We went into their “Cactus Collection” greenhouse, and were amazed by the huge variety of species!
I love stars!
I particularly liked this fake-looking vine with dramatic zigzags!
Across the street was the orchid house, which had over 4000 species of orchids!
I’ll be honest…instead of drooling over orchids, Jared and I were captivated the fern-like palm trees!
Do you think I can grow one of these in Southern Oregon?!! Haha!
My beautiful family!
If you’re making a trip up to the water temple, then you may as well hit up the Botanical gardens. They are within 10 minutes of each other, and each gives you a taste of history and Balinese life!
(p.s. If you’re looking for a Balinese taxi driver or tour guide on your visit to Bali–Dewa Arjana is your man! His local cell phone is 6281-2397-0358, his English is great, and his honesty is impeccable! You will love him!)
