Taken on their own, the mile-long Lake Tamblingan and the thick rainforests surrounding it are stunninTaken on their own, the mile-long Lake Tamblingan and the thick rainforests surrounding it are stunning enough. But this area in the highlands of Bali offers something else: A collection of historic temples that add another layer of sublime beauty to the scene. There are roughly 18 Balinese Hindu temples, known as puras , set around the lake—our image shows Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan. These temples were built in the 10th century and are great cultural treasures. Because they and the pristine wilderness here are so prized, the Balinese government has restricted commercial development of the area. Lake Tamblingan isn't the only lake in the area—two others also sit in the ancient volcanic caldera at the base of Mount Lesung: Lake Buyan and Lake Bratan, the latter home to the well-known (and much photographed ) temple, Ulun Danu Bratan ... See more See less
