Lake Tamblingan, Sacred mountain lake in Buleleng, Indonesia.
Lake Tamblingan sits within a volcanic crater at roughly 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) elevation and is ringed by thick forest. The water body contains two distinct basins with archaeological remains and temples positioned along its shores.
Copper inscriptions from the 10th century document early settlements in this location. The site later became integral to the spiritual and social landscape of Bali's highland communities.
Temples dot the shoreline and remain active places where locals gather for prayer and ceremonies. The spiritual character of the site shapes how people experience and move through the landscape.
Visit on days with dry weather, as forest paths can become slippery with moisture. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water if you plan to hike down to the water's edge.
Water levels rise and fall with the seasons, occasionally submerging ancient temples on the shoreline. This shifting landscape reveals how nature and spiritual practice are interwoven at this location.
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