Bedugul: Beautiful Historical Tourism, Don't Miss It When Visiting Bali

Bali has always been a favorite island for every traveler, both foreign and domestic. Its natural beauty can hypnotize anyone who comes there. Not only is Kuta beautiful with its beach, but the Bedugul area is also interesting with its lake.

If you have ever seen the view of a temple located in the middle of a lake on a Rp50,000 banknote, that is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan found in Bedugul. An amazing view at sunset can be found there.

Bedugul: Beautiful Tourism at the Heights of Bali

Bedugul is located in Candikuning Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency. It is about 45 kilometers from the city center. With easy access, Bedugul is always crowded with visitors, both on regular days and during holiday seasons.

Usually, the air in Bedugul is cooler than other tourist spots in Bali. This is because this place is located at a high altitude, namely 1,250 meters above sea level. The air in Bedugul is certainly cool when the hot sun is scorching in Kuta. However, never dare to visit Bedugul without a jacket during the rainy season because you will definitely shiver.

The History of Bedugul: From Communication Tools to a King

Like other tourist areas in Indonesia that are rich in historical tales and myths, Bedugul also has its own story. Uniquely, this tourist spot famous for its lake has two versions of the story regarding the origin of its name.

The first story is about Bedug and Kul-Kul. There have often been reports that since ancient times, there was a group of Muslims living in this area. Muslims who indeed recognized Bedug as a communication tool for announcing prayers could often be heard in this place. They would strike it five times a day, every day. Kul-Kul itself is a communication tool typical of the local community, usually used to announce if there is an emergency. From these two communication tools, the name Bedugul was then created. A form of tolerance, considering that Islam is not a religion widely embraced by the people of Bali.

The other story is about a king who once ruled there. It is said that the king was bathing in a lake. Then the local people accidentally saw him and were surprised, shouting, “Bedogol Sang Raja terlihat!”

Whichever is true, the name Bedugul certainly has its own uniqueness. Whatever the meaning and history, tourists remain enchanted by the natural state of Bedugul.

Beautiful Religious Tolerance in Bedugul

Like the story of the origin of the name Bedugul, which is said to be a combination of Bedug and Kul-Kul, the Balinese people are indeed known for their religious tolerance. The majority of the population adheres to Hinduism. However, did you know that around Bedugul there is a quite old mosque?

The mosque named Masjid Besar Al-Hidayah looks old but still sturdy. It is located to the west of Lake Beratan. Not only Masjid Besar Al-Hidayah, but there are also several prayer rooms in various tourist spots in Bedugul that can be used by Muslim tourists for worship. All live in harmony and peace.

Pura Ulun Danu: A Historical Temple in Bedugul

Like the Sarcophagus and stone slabs from the Megalithic Era, Pura Ulun Danu is a tourist site with old and ancient buildings. Full of historical elements that are interesting to study, so when visiting there, visitors not only get entertainment but also historical education.

Pura Ulun Danu looks unique because it is located in the middle of a lake called Beratan. This building serves as a place for rituals and was built since 500 BC, my friend.

It is said that Pura Ulun Danu was built by a king named I Gusti Agung Putu, the king who ruled Mengwi at that time. I Gusti Agung Putu fought against I Gusti Ngurah Batu Tumpeng, but he suffered a painful defeat.

I Gusti Agung Putu then decided to meditate at the peak of Mount Mangu to ask for skills and strength to fight his enemy. The Almighty granted the king's request. After obtaining that power, I Gusti Agung Putu returned and decided to build the Belayu Palace and fight I Gusti Ngurah Batu Tumpeng again.

Miraculously, I Gusti Agung Putu achieved victory in his battle against I Gusti Ngurah Batu Tumpeng. To celebrate it, I Gusti Agung Putu built Pura Ulun Danu, a meditation complex that is not only intended for the Hindu community but also for Buddhists as a sign of harmony among religious communities.

Lake Beratan: One of the Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

It is said that Lake Beratan was once a large lake that later split into three lakes due to a major earthquake. The two lakes besides Beratan are Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan. However, Lake Beratan is the most famous lake in Bedugul. This lake is also recorded as one of the most beautiful lakes among the 20 best lakes in the world, my friend. Beratan is used by the local population as an irrigation system for their rice fields.

Lake Beratan can be reached with a journey of 1.5 hours from Denpasar or if you are coming from the Kuta area, it will take about 2 hours. The lake area, which is at a high altitude, makes Beratan have cool and somewhat cold air.

Beratan can be enjoyed by tourists by paying an entrance fee of Rp15,000 per person for local tourists and Rp20,000 for foreign tourists. When you visit Lake Beratan with a group of friends or school and use a bus, the parking fee is Rp10,000.

Tourist Destinations Not Far from Bedugul

If you feel satisfied enjoying the views at the tourist destinations in Bedugul, don't worry because not far from there are many equally beautiful tourist destinations. Still want to enjoy historical tourism at worship places like Pura Ulun Danu? You can visit Pura Taman Ayun Tabanan. It is located not far from Lake Beratan and has beautiful monumental views.

Alas Kedaton Tabanan is also a must-visit tourist destination located not far from Lake Beratan. This area is a temple located in the middle of a forest, my friend. Quite unique, right?

In addition to these two tourist destinations, not far from Bedugul there are also several tourist destinations that you must visit, such as Sangeh Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot, Angseri Tabanan Hot Springs, the serene and calming Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Penatahan Hot Springs, the Margarana Heroes' Park Museum, and the beautiful Butterfly Park.

Oh, to get souvenirs in the form of T-shirts from Joger products, you don't need to go far back to the Kuta area. Because Bedugul has a Joger branch to visit.

It is no wonder that Bedugul has become another favorite tourist destination in Bali besides the beach, my friend. There are so many tourist destinations that can be enjoyed there. Not only beautiful views, but visitors can also learn about history because the origin stories of the area are so educational. So, when in Bali, don't miss visiting Bedugul!

Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa