We then left the coast to return to the hotel, stopping at the very picturesque Lake Bratan. This lake is inside a volcano crater, making it highly revered. The very attractive Pura Ulun Danu Bratan sits in the lake, making one of the most popular photos from Bali. It was built in 1633 chiefly on a little peninsula jutting out into the lake, but also on tiny islands floating on the lake. In addition to being beautiful, it's also one of Bali's nine directional temples. These are the most important temples, charged with keeping mother nature under control and located in particularly strategic locations.

We got back to the hotel and went into town for dinner at Aris Warung, probably the nicest restaurant in Ubud. It was quite elegant, sort of a colonial-Balinese mix designwise. Service was excellent, as we were the only customers, and as an added bonus, we sat on the second floor balcony and could see the Balinese dancing taking place at the palace compound across the street. Saved the $2 admission fee...ka-ching! (14-14-16)