Lakes in Bali: 5 Best Lakes to Visit for Scenic Views
Lakes in Bali offer a peaceful escape from the island’s famous beaches, temples and lively towns. Surrounded by volcanic mountains, lush forests and scenic villages, these freshwater lakes showcase a quieter side of Bali. From the iconic Lake Batur and serene Lake Beratan to the lesser-known Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, each destination offers a different experience.
Whether you want to enjoy mountain views, explore traditional temples, capture stunning photographs or spend time in nature, Bali Lakes are worth adding to your itinerary. This guide covers the best lakes in Bali, including their locations, highlights, activities and practical tips for planning your visit.
Bali Lakes At A Glance
Lake | Region | Best for | Drive time from Ubud | Time needed |
| Lake Batur | Kintamani | Volcano views, hot springs & photography | ~40 minutes | 2–3 hours |
| Lake Beratan | Bedugul | Temple visits, scenic views & sightseeing | ~1.5–1.75 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Lake Buyan | North Bali | Nature, viewpoints & photography | ~1.5 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Lake Tamblingan | Munduk | Canoeing, forests & tranquillity | ~1–1.25 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Lake Yeh Malet | Karangasem, East Bali | Offbeat experiences, photography & peaceful surroundings | Best accessed by private car or taxi | 1–2 hours |
5 Best Lakes in Bali to Visit in 2026
Explore the best lakes in Bali in 2026, from volcanic landscapes and tranquil mountain waters to scenic viewpoints and cultural landmarks. These lakes are ideal for nature lovers, photographers and travellers looking for a quieter side of Bali. They also make a great addition to Bali tour packages for travellers seeking scenic and offbeat experiences.
1. Lake Batur – Volcano Views, Sunrise & Hot Springs
Lake Batur is one of the most the largest lakes in Bali. It sits quietly inside a massive volcanic crater in the Kintamani region. The first view of this lake often surprises visitors because of its scale. Mount Batur and black lava fields surround it. Many travellers include it in their sunrise trips, making it a key part of most Bali itinerary plans.
- Location: Kintamani, Bangli, Central Bali
- Best for: Volcano views, sunrise trips, photography and hot springs
- What to see: Lake Batur, Mount Batur and surrounding black lava fields
- Things to do: Sunrise trekking, photography, sightseeing and visiting nearby hot springs
- Entry fee: Varies by attraction and activity
- Timings: Best visited early morning
- Best time to visit: April to October
- How to reach: Around 40 minutes by car from Ubud
- Time needed: 2–3 hours
- Nearby attractions: Mount Batur, Kintamani viewpoints and natural hot springs
2. Lake Bratan – Temple Views in the Highlands
Lake Bratan is located in the cool highlands of Bedugul and is one of the most peaceful attractions in Bali. The air feels fresh, and the scenery changes quickly with mist rolling over the water. Additionally, the lake is best known for the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple that sits near the shore. During early mornings, the reflection of the temple creates a calm and almost dream-like setting. It is one of the most visited highland lakes in Bali.
- Location: Bedugul, Central Bali
- Best for: Temple visits, scenic views and sightseeing
- What to see: Lake Bratan and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
- Things to do: temple sightseeing, photography, boating and enjoying the mountain scenery
- Entry fee: Varies by attraction and activity
- Timings: Best visited in the morning
- Best time to visit: April to October
- How to reach: Around 1.5–1.75 hours by car from Ubud
- Time needed: 2–3 hours
- Nearby attractions: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Handara Gate and Bedugul Botanical Garden
3. Lake Buyan – Quiet Twin Lake Escape
Lake Buyan is one of the parts of Twin Lakes in Bali and a great choice for travellers looking for peaceful nature, scenic views and fewer crowds. Surrounded by dense forests and green hills, it offers a quieter alternative to Bali’s busy tourist attractions. Visitors can enjoy panoramic lake views, take photos, explore the surrounding nature and combine the visit with nearby Lake Tamblingan. If you are looking for an offbeat experience, Lake Buyan is also one of the underrated scenic spots in Bali.
- Location: North Bali, near Munduk
- Best for: Nature, viewpoints, photography and peaceful escapes
- What to see: Lake Buyan, forested hills and Twin Lakes viewpoints
- Things to do: Photography, sightseeing, nature walks and exploring nearby viewpoints
- Entry fee: Varies by viewpoint and local attraction
- Timings: Best visited during daylight hours
- Best time to visit: Early morning from April to October
- How to reach: Around 1.5 hours by car from Ubud
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Nearby attractions: Lake Tamblingan, Munduk and Twin Lakes viewpoints
4. Lake Tamblingan – Jungle & Canoeing Experience
Lake Tamblingan sits beside Lake Buyan, forming Bali’s famous Twin Lakes landscape in North Bali. Surrounded by dense rainforest and misty hills, the lake offers a peaceful escape from Bali’s busier attractions. Canoeing in a traditional wooden boat is one of the best ways to experience its calm waters and jungle surroundings. Nature lovers can also explore nearby forest trails, visit ancient temples and enjoy scenic viewpoints. With fewer crowds and a more untouched setting, Lake Tamblingan is ideal for travellers looking for peaceful activities in Bali, nature experiences and offbeat places to explore.
- Location: Munduk, North Bali
- Best for: Canoeing, trekking, rainforest and tranquillity
- What to see: Lake Tamblingan, dense rainforest and traditional temples
- Things to do: Canoeing, trekking, photography and forest exploration
- Entry fee: Varies by activity and local operator
- Timings: Best visited during daylight hours
- Best time to visit: Early morning from April to October
- How to reach: Around 1–1.25 hours by car from Ubud
- Time needed: 2–3 hours
- Nearby attractions: Lake Buyan, Munduk waterfalls and Twin Lakes viewpoints
5. Lake Yeh Malet (Karangasem Region)
Lake Yeh Malet is a small and lesser-known lake located in East Bali’s Karangasem region. Unlike the famous northern lakes, this one remains quiet and less developed. It is slowly becoming more popular due to local tourism efforts. The area around the lake gives a glimpse of traditional village life. It is also one of the most underrated photospots in Bali, especially for travellers who prefer offbeat places.
- Location: Karangasem, East Bali
- Best for: Offbeat experiences, photography and peaceful surroundings
- What to see: Lake Yeh Malet, surrounding landscapes and traditional village life
- Things to do: Photography, sightseeing and exploring the surrounding area
- Entry fee: Varies by local attractions and activities
- Timings: Best visited during daylight hours
- Best time to visit: April to October
- How to reach: Best accessed by private car or taxi from other parts of Bali
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Nearby attractions: Karangasem villages and other East Bali attractions
Best Time to Visit Bali Lakes
- The dry season is the most comfortable time to explore Bali's lakes. Skies stay clear, and travel conditions are smooth across all routes.
- If you are deciding the best time to visit Bali lakes, April to October is ideal for clear skies and smooth travel conditions. These months give better views, brighter sunlight, and easier day trips.
- November to March brings frequent rain and heavier cloud cover. Lakes look misty and quiet, but travel can sometimes be unpredictable.
- Morning hours are always best for lake visits and photography. Light is soft, water is calm, and reflections look much sharper.
Tip: Morning hours are usually best for photography due to calm weather and soft light.
Best Things to Do at Bali’s Lakes
Each Bali lake offers different experiences depending on its location and surroundings:
- Scenic photography
- Sunrise trekking (Lake Batur)
- Canoeing (Lake Tamblingan)
- Nature walks and forest exploration
Note: Activities vary by location and local regulations.
Important Tips for Visiting Lakes in Bali
- Swimming is restricted in many Bali lakes, especially near temples and protected zones.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in highland regions
- Some lakes require local guides for trekking or canoeing
- Always respect local customs and religious zones
- Transport is usually required (scooter, taxi, or private car)
Travel Tips for a Smooth Lake Trip in Bali
- Start early to avoid fog and crowds
- Carry light warm clothing (especially Bedugul & Munduk)
- Combine lake visits with nearby attractions (rice terraces and waterfalls)
- Check local conditions before visiting Yeh Malet or remote areas
Final Thoughts: Is Visiting Bali Lakes Worth It?
Lakes in Bali reveal a completely different side of the island that most beach-focused travellers never experience. From volcanic views in Kintamani to temple reflections in Bedugul and forest lakes in North Bali, each spot offers a distinct experience. These lakes are best explored region-wise to save travel time and cover nearby attractions efficiently. Planning this way helps you save travel time and enjoy more. This approach helps you experience Bali’s highlands in a more structured and rewarding way without rushing between locations.
FAQs
1. What are the best lakes to visit in Bali?
A: The best lakes to visit in Bali include Lake Batur, Lake Beratan, Lake Buyan, Lake Tamblingan and Lake Yeh Malet. Each offers a different experience, from volcano views and temples to forests, canoeing and peaceful landscapes.
2. Which is the most beautiful lake in Bali?
A: Lake Beratan is known for its scenic mountain setting and the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. Lake Batur, Buyan and Tamblingan also offer beautiful volcanic, forest and highland views.
3. What are the Twin Lakes in Bali?
A: The Twin Lakes in Bali are Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. Located near Munduk in North Bali, they are surrounded by dense forests, misty hills and scenic viewpoints.
4. What is Lake Beratan in Bali famous for?
A: Lake Beratan is famous for its highland scenery and the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple near its shore. It is also popular for boating, photography and sightseeing.
5. Why is Lake Tamblingan worth visiting?
A: Lake Tamblingan is worth visiting for its peaceful atmosphere, rainforest surroundings, traditional temples and scenic mountain landscape. It is also a popular spot for canoeing and nature exploration.
6. What can you do at Lake Tamblingan?
A: Visitors can go canoeing, explore forest trails, take photographs, visit traditional temples and enjoy the surrounding rainforest and mountain views.
7. What is Lake Buyan known for?
A: Lake Buyan is known for its peaceful setting, forested hills, scenic viewpoints and panoramic views. It is a good choice for photography, nature walks and a quieter experience.
8. What is the difference between Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan?
A: Lake Buyan is best known for viewpoints, forests and mountain scenery, while Lake Tamblingan is known for canoeing, trekking, rainforest surroundings and traditional temples.
9. Which lake in Bali is best for photography?
A: Lake Batur, Lake Beratan, Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan are all suitable for photography. Early mornings offer soft light, calmer water and clearer reflections.
10. Can you go kayaking at Lake Tamblingan?
A: Lake Tamblingan is known for canoeing in traditional wooden boats. Activities can vary by local operator and conditions, so it is best to check locally before visiting.
11. Can you visit multiple lakes in Bali in one day?
A: Yes. Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan can be explored together as they are close to each other. Other lakes can also be combined with nearby attractions based on your route.
12. What is the best time to visit the lakes in Bali?
A: April to October is generally the best time to visit the lakes in Bali for clearer skies and easier travel conditions. Morning is ideal for photography and sightseeing.
13. How do you get to the lakes in Bali from Ubud?
A: The lakes are best reached by private car, taxi or scooter. Lake Batur is around 40 minutes from Ubud, while Lake Beratan takes about 1.5–1.75 hours by car.
14. Which lakes in Bali are best for boating or canoeing?
A: Lake Beratan is suitable for boating, while Lake Tamblingan is known for canoeing in traditional wooden boats. Activities may vary based on local conditions and regulations.
