Bali may be best known for its stunning coastlines and beachfront resorts, but in 2026 and beyond, more and more tourists are looking for off-path destinations to retreat and switch off.
As Bali’s coastal resorts become busier and busier, here at The Bali Sun, we are looking to the island’s lakesides for a sense of tranquility and aquatic beauty.
Bali’s lakeside areas are slowly becoming more dominant features on travel itineraries. From Lake Batur to Lake Beratan, the island’s inland bodies of water are hugely culturally and spiritually important for local people.
For most tourists visiting Bali in 2026, vacations feature one or two stop-offs. This will almost certainly include a coastal hotspot, a cultural hotspot, and increasingly, tourists are adding lakeside or jungle stays to their vacation plans.
So we thought it was high time to rank Bali’s lakes so that The Bali Sun readers can make an informed choice about their next Bali stay.
Lake Batur is perhaps Bali’s most famous lake, coming in a natural first place. Sitting at the foot of Mount Batur, a visit to Lake Batur is one of the highlights of any trip to Kintamani.
Over the last three years, Kintamani has really blossomed into a destination in its own right. Kintamani has been an official tourist destination for decades, but until recently, it was largely seen as the gateway to Mount Batur, with tourists only really stopping by for breakfast and coffee after their sunrise summit of the peak.
Lake Batur is home to dozens of lakeside glamping spots that offer guests lake and volcano views as well as easy access to some of Bali’s best coffee roasters just a stone’s throw away in Kintamani town.
Top picks for stays close to Lake Batur include the world-famous Toya Devyasa Resort, which has its own volcanic hot springs for guests to enjoy throughout their stay.
Unmissable lakeside glamping includes D’Tepi Dananu Glamping, which offers luxury waterside huts for as little as USD 15 per night.
Inapt Retreat Boutique Cabins are ideal for tourists looking for a real lakeside retreat, with many of the tiny home-style cabins offering private pools that overlook the sacred caldera lake.
Lake Beratan is one of the most famous bodies of water in all of Indonesia and comes in a fair second place in our rankings. Ulun Danu Beratan is the temple that appears to be floating on the lake and has even been commemorated on Indonesian Rupiah banknotes.
The Bedugul Highlands are the perfect escape for tourists seeking culture, nature, and crowd-free vacation days in Bali. This area is popular for its cooler air and lush vegetation.
Of course, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is the highlight of any visit to the Central Highlands, but there is plenty enough happening here to fill a week of vacation days.
The Bali Botanical Garden and Blooms Garden are not to be missed, nor are the locally owned and operated agrotourism projects where tourists can pick their own produce, including, surprisingly, strawberries!
Lake Beratan is so quiet that it makes Lake Batur look busy! Navalia Villa Bedugul is a gorgeous option for budget-conscious travelers with traditional wooden bungalows available for as little as USD 20 per night, even in the high season.
Butterfly Bali Glamping is a local favorite with plenty of different glamping and wooden cottage options available. Waterside accommodation in Lake Beratan is a little more on the rustic side, so for those on the lookout for a more established luxury stay close to the lake, here at The Bali Sun, we recommend checking out Handara Golf & Resort Bali.
Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan are also known as the Twin Lakes, and we’re placing them in joint third. Sitting in the north of Bali, these hold deep spiritual significance for local people and are seldom explored by the average tourist.
For travelers seeking an off-path camping destination, this is the place to come. Anyone looking for a serious retreat will find themselves right at home. Many tourists add a trip to the Twin Lakes onto an exploration of Munduk or even a day trip from Lovina Beach.
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.