If Kintamani is the fiery “Head of the Island,” then Bedugul is its cool, mist-shrouded “Lungs.” Located in the central highlands of Tabanan, Bedugul isn’t just a weekend getaway; it is the sacred garden of Bali.
To understand Bedugul the local way, you must understand the feeling of Adem—a word that means “cool,” but also “calm” and “peaceful.” While the coast is all about the sun and the salt, Bedugul is about the clouds that sit low on the water and the smell of wet earth.
The Floating Temple: Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
You have likely seen the famous temple that appears to float on the water. To the world, it’s a postcard. To the local Balinese, it is the Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, a temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Goddess of the Lake.
There is a deep local wisdom here regarding the “Circle of Water.” We believe the lakes of Bedugul (Beratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan) are the reservoirs of life. Without the ceremonies held at this floating temple, the irrigation for the rice paddies in the south would fail. When you see the locals dressed in white, carrying offerings to the water’s edge, they aren’t just performing a ritual—they are “paying the rent” to nature for the water that sustains the entire island.
The Three Sisters: The Lakes of Bedugul
Local lore treats the three lakes of the region as sisters.
- Lake Beratan: The most famous, the “social” sister, housing the great temple.
- Lake Buyan: The “quiet” sister, surrounded by coffee and clove plantations.
- Lake Tamblingan: The “spiritual” sister.
Lake Tamblingan is particularly special to the local heart. There are no motorized boats allowed there—only traditional dugout canoes called jukung. This is a local choice to preserve the Kesucian (purity) of the water. To row across Tamblingan in the morning mist is to feel like you’ve traveled back 500 years. It is a place of Sunyi—a deep, holy silence.
The Bounty of the “Highland Kitchen”
Bedugul is where Bali goes to eat. Because of the cool climate, this is the only place on the island where certain things grow well.
- The Strawberry Capital: In the local way, strawberries are the “gems of the mountain.” You will see children selling them by the roadside.
- Candi Kuning Market: This isn’t just a tourist stop; it’s a sensory explosion. This is where you find the Markisa (passion fruit), wild orchids, and the famous Bedugul Corn.
- Local Wisdom Tip: If you want to eat like a local, look for Sate Kelinci (rabbit satay). It is a highland specialty that you rarely find in the coastal regions.
The Botanical Heart: Kebun Raya Bali
The Bali Botanic Garden in Bedugul is more than just a park; it is a giant “Lontar” (ancient palm-leaf manuscript) made of living plants. Locally, we use this space to study Usada—the traditional Balinese art of herbal healing.
Many of the trees here are hundreds of years old. When locals visit, they don’t just walk; they sit on the grass and “recharge.” There is a belief that the giant trees of Bedugul act as antennas, pulling down the energy of the heavens into the soil.
Living the Bedugul Way: Ngadem
The local practice of Ngadem (seeking the cool) is why Bedugul is so beloved. When life in the city gets too “hot” (both literally and metaphorically), we head to the mountains.
In Bedugul, the pace of life slows down. The farmers don’t rush. The mist comes and goes as it pleases. This teaches us the local virtue of Sabarlah—to be patient. You cannot force the mist to clear, and you cannot force the flowers to bloom faster. You simply wait and appreciate the moment.
Respecting the Highlands
If you visit Bedugul, remember that the mountain is considered “higher” in the spiritual hierarchy than the sea (Kaja vs Kelod).
- Keep it Clean: The lakes are our drinking water. Never throw anything into the water.
- Observe the Silence: Especially at Lake Tamblingan, keep your voice low. The spirits of the forest are said to be shy but protective.
- Support the Farmers: Buy your fruit directly from the small stalls. The “local way” is to support the hands that tilled the soil.
Comparison of the Highland Spirits
| Feature | Kintamani | Bedugul |
| Element | Fire (Volcano) | Water (Lakes & Mist) |
| Energy | Powerful, Raw, Dramatic | Soft, Healing, Serene |
| Main Produce | Coffee & Oranges | Strawberries & Vegetables |
| Local Vibe | The “Strong Guardian” | The “Gentle Provider” |
Bedugul is the place where Bali goes to breathe and remember its roots in the earth. It is a reminder that while the fire of the volcano (Kintamani) gives us fertile ground, it is the gentle rain of the highlands (Bedugul) that brings that ground to life