Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Ulun Danu Beratan, Wonderfully Sacred Temple on The Lake

5.30 am still dark, tripod really helpful.
The morning was still cold and foggy, I went with friends from Denpasar at half past four in the morning, because it intends to get sunrise moment. Armed with a camera and tripod we ride through the darkness of  Denpasar city to get to Desa Candi Kuning, Baturiti, Tabanan. The distance to Ulun Danu Beratan is about 50km from Denpasar, it takes about one and a half hours to get there. This area is famous for the cool air, enough to make you a little shiver. But anyway we don't care about the cold is important not to lose a sunrise moment.

5:20 am we reached the destination and immediately parked our bike near the entrance ticket booth, ticket guards fast asleep without any bother and we just walked straight towards the lake area Ulun Danu Beratan. The situation was still dark, the sun still hiding behind the hills, we prepare the tools and start shooting. A few moments later the sun began to emerge. But, unfortunately thick fog cover. We were disappointed but had not decided to go, I still took some pictures even not as expected.


Grace by the Sun.
Fisherman on Goldie Lake.
The Sun get high.

Update status? or Check in?
Ulun Danu Beratan is very popular, many tourists from abroad visit here. There's even a photographer who came all the way from America to make shooting advertising here. As I said this temple is photogenic. But the temple a sacred place for the Hindus used to worship, there are still certain rules if it wants to enter this area like to use parchment, or shawl, and for women who are menstruating are strictly forbidden to enter the area in the temple.

Reflection
Nice cloud and blue sky.
'Man Powered' boat, are rented by local people will take you a cruise on the lake.
My watch is shown 8.30 am, the sun was rising high and we decided to pack up and go back. On the way to the parking lot, we were met by guards who fell asleep when we were arrive. "Naur Karcis Dumun Gus ..." (Please Pay the tickets first son) said the father was. Well, finally we paid Rp.15.000 for two people and we immediately went back to Denpasar.

The Temple area.
*** Photos & Text by Haryadi Wijaya ***

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