Lake Buyan is a highland lake in Buleleng, North Bali, set within the forested landscape of the Buyan–Tamblingan area. It is one of Bali's northern mountain lakes and is known for cool air, green hills, quiet water, camping surroundings, and viewpoints along the road through Bedugul and Munduk. The lake offers a more nature-focused experience than the developed visitor areas around Lake Beratan.
Lake Buyan forms part of a broader protected and ecologically important landscape that includes Lake Tamblingan and surrounding forest. Government environmental information identifies the area as the Buyan–Tamblingan Nature Tourism Park and notes that it spans parts of Buleleng and Tabanan. The lake is therefore not just a scenic backdrop; its forest and water system need careful treatment.
What to see and do
Roadside viewpoints provide broad views across the lake and the forested hills. At the water level, conditions and access can vary, so follow local signs and management guidance rather than assuming every shore section is open. Camping or walking may be available in designated areas, but confirm current permissions, facilities, fire rules, and waste arrangements before setting up.
Lake Buyan — gallery image 1
The twin-lake landscape is often appreciated from elevated viewpoints, where Buyan and Tamblingan can be seen in the same wider panorama. Trails through forest may be muddy, slippery, or difficult to follow. Do not enter unmarked paths alone, and do not claim that a particular trail or connection is open without current local confirmation. Bird and wildlife sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
Weather and safety
Buyan is a cool, wet highland destination. Bring a warm layer, rain protection, sturdy footwear, drinking water, and a torch if camping. Mist can reduce visibility quickly, especially near viewpoints and forest roads. Lake Buyan — gallery image 2Keep away from steep edges, unstable ground, and the water when conditions are rough. Children should remain close to an adult.
Do not swim, fish, light fires, or launch watercraft unless the current local rules explicitly allow it. Ask local managers about safe areas and restrictions. Keep food secured, do not feed wildlife, and take rubbish out of the forest. If you camp, leave no trace and use only approved facilities. Weather and conservation priorities can change access.
Planning a north Bali route
Lake Buyan is in the highlands of Buleleng and is reached by winding mountain roads. A driver is uLake Buyan — gallery image 3seful for visitors unfamiliar with the area, but allow extra time for traffic and rain. Lake Beratan and Pura Ulun Danu Beratan are separate Bedugul destinations, while Gedong Kirtya Library offers a cultural stop in Singaraja. Do not compress all of them into an unrealistic schedule.
Check current trail, camping, parking, and nature-area arrangements before travelling. Avoid relying on old online information about fees, facilities, or access. Respect nearby communities and agricultural land, and ask before photographing local activity. The quiet quality of Lake Buyan depends on visitors keeping the landscape clean and undisturbed.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Lake Buyan?
Lake Buyan is in the highlands of Buleleng Regency, North Bali, within the wider Buyan–Tamblingan landscape.
What is Lake Buyan known for?
It is known for cool mountain scenery, forested hills, camping surroundings, and its relationship with the neighbouring Lake Tamblingan.
Can visitors swim in the lake?
Do not assume swimming is permitted or safe. Follow current local management rules and stay out of the water when conditions or signs indicate a restriction.
Is camping allowed?
Camping depends on designated areas and current permissions. Confirm facilities, fire rules, waste arrangements, and weather conditions before setting up.
What should I bring?
Bring a warm layer, rain protection, sturdy shoes, water, sun protection, and a torch if staying after dark.
Can I hike between Buyan and Tamblingan?
Trails and access can change. Use only currently permitted routes, check locally, and consider a guide for forest terrain.
Lake Buyan is best enjoyed as a protected highland landscape rather than a crowded attraction. Prepare for changing weather, follow local rules, and help keep its forest and water clean.
Reviews reflect our overall Bali tour service quality.
5.0
from 24 Google reviews
RussiaKudo90
Google Review
5
I’m happy to leave this review because I know Made personally, and I can honestly say he’s one of the best guides and kindest people you’ll meet in Bali.
What makes him special isn’t just his deep knowledge of the island – though that alone is impressive. He knows all the hidden gems, the best times to visit popular spots, and always has interesting stories behind every temple and rice terrace. But more than that, he genuinely cares about the people he’s with. He doesn't treat it like a job; he treats it like he's showing his own friends around his home.
I’ve seen how he goes out of his way to make sure everything runs smoothly, how he checks in on comfort and safety, and how he handles any little issue with a smile. He's reliable, patient, and incredibly warm-hearted. If you're looking for someone who will not only show you beautiful places but also make you feel welcome and looked after – Made is your guy.
I truly hope this comment helps him, because he absolutely deserves more recognition. Thank you, Made, for being the amazing person and guide that you are! 🙏🇮🇩
A month ago
Leah Davidson
Google Review
5
The Best Tour Guide in Bali!
We honestly couldn’t recommend Made enough! From start to finish, he was absolutely fantastic and went above and beyond to make our trip around Bali so special.
Before we even arrived, Made’s communication was amazing. He helped us plan our whole trip, gave us fantastic advice and recommendations, and really took the time to understand what we wanted to see and do. He made everything so easy and stress-free for us.
Throughout our trip, Made looked after us incredibly well. He picked us up, took us to all the different places we wanted to visit, and even showed us some amazing places we probably wouldn’t have found ourselves. His knowledge of Bali is incredible — he knew so much about every place we visited and was always happy to explain things and answer our questions.
What really stood out to us was how kind, caring and genuine Made was. He didn’t just feel like a tour guide; we genuinely felt like we were being looked after by a friend. He always made sure we were comfortable, safe and enjoying ourselves, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble.
Everyone in his team was also absolutely fantastic. They were friendly, professional and made us feel so welcome throughout our trip.
Made played such a huge part in making our Bali holiday so memorable. If you’re looking for someone who is reliable, knowledgeable, kind and genuinely cares about giving you the best possible experience, we would 100% recommend him.
Thank you so much, Made, for looking after us and helping us have such an amazing time in Bali. We’ll definitely be recommending you to anyone visiting Bali — and hopefully we’ll see you again one day! ❤️🇮🇩
A month ago
Max Maxvik
Google Review
5
Excellent, the driver is responsible, punctual, drives well, knows a lot of places to relax, the sights of Bali, speaks Russian, English and Chinese well.
A month ago
Софья Меркулова
Google Review
5
Очень советую Мади в качестве гида. Он организовывал нам тур на Нусу Пениду, у него много друзей, который организуют вам все что угодно за очень выгодную плату. Мади очень дружелюбный и улыбчивый человек, он знает русский язык, поэтому с ним можно разговаривать и узнавать многое про Бали. Я его всем советую в первую очередь, он может показать вам весь остров и организовать туры на другие соседние острова и вулканы. Спасибо ему большое, нам очень понравилось с ним проводить время. Советуем вам выбрать именно его за его труд, старания и доброжелательность
Мади, спасибо тебе ❤️
7 months ago
GEDE BMTHAMV
Google Review
5
Thanks a lot
8 months ago
Валерия Келейникова
Google Review
5
Thank you for a great day in Ubud, Madi 🙏🏻 We really enjoyed our cozy and interesting trip)
A year ago
Р М
Google Review
5
No written review.
A year ago
Bakhtiyar Azagov
Google Review
5
Thank you for hospitality! We enjoy our travel in Bali with you
Excatly Mr Burteh! He is best tour guide and driver in Bali. Mr Murteh is local, thats why he has to much information about Bali
Perfect
A year ago
Elena Toroshniak
Google Review
5
Нам повезло, что знакомы с Маде. Это самый добрый и искренний человек на Бали
A year ago
Vit Mit
Google Review
5
Путешествие на Бали – это всегда погружение в мир красоты, духовности и уникальной культуры. Но по-настоящему раскрыть душу острова, прочувствовать его магию можно только с опытным и увлеченным проводником. Нам в этом невероятно повезло – мы встретили Маде!
Маде – не просто гид, он настоящий хранитель традиций и наследник балийской культуры. Он открыл нам не только знаменитые достопримечательности, но и тайные уголки острова, поделился своими знаниями о древних обычаях и верованиях. Благодаря Маде мы смогли:
* Почувствовать энергетику священных храмов: Маде рассказал нам об истории и значении каждого храма, помог правильно провести церемонии и почувствовать связь с духовным миром Бали.
* Погрузиться в атмосферу балийской деревни: мы побывали в гостях у местных жителей, познакомились с их бытом, попробовали традиционные блюда и даже приняли участие в мастер-классах по ремеслам.
* Насладиться природными красотами: Маде показал нам живописные рисовые террасы, вулканы, водопады и секретные пляжи, где можно было отдохнуть от шума и суеты.
Но самое главное – Маде подарил нам незабываемые эмоции, искреннее общение и теплоту. Он отвечал на все наши вопросы, учитывал наши пожелания и создавал атмосферу настоящего приключения.
Мы безгранично благодарны Маде за это удивительное путешествие! Он помог нам открыть для себя настоящий Бали – остров Богов, красоты и гармонии. Если вы планируете поездку на Бали, обязательно обратитесь к Маде – он сделает ваше путешествие незабываемым!
A year ago
Галина Бардымова
Google Review
5
Мадэ очень классный, дружелюбный и общительный, интересно рассказывает)
Ждет когда нужно, в общем, очень приятный) рекомендую
Можно обо всем договориться) если будет дождь, он сопровождает с зонтиком)
A year ago
Инна Звездина
Google Review
5
Спасибо большое, мы объехали за один день все прекрасные пляжи 😍
Остались очень довольны и будем рекомендовать друзьям 🙏🏻✨
A year ago
ЖАННА
Google Review
5
Хотим от всего сердца поблагодарить нашего гида Маде. Наше путешествие по Бали было незабываемо! Благодаря вам мы познакомились с этой чудесной страной! Нас не только возили по районам, но и рассказывали историю Бали❤️ мы чувствовали себя в полной безопасности и полную заботу о нас. Благодарим и до встречи вновь на Бали🫶🏻
A year ago
Карина Ревазян
Google Review
5
Veryyyy good
A year ago
Влад Хайбулин
Google Review
5
No written review.
A year ago
細野佳代子
Google Review
5
No written review.
A year ago
Alex Alex
Google Review
5
Очень рекомендую этого русскоговорящего балийца! 👍 Экскурсии с ним - это просто супер! 🤩 Он не только рассказывает интересные факты об острове и показывает самые красивые места, но и делится местными фишками, о которых не прочитаешь в путеводителях. 😉 Он очень внимательный и отзывчивый, с ним легко и приятно общаться.
2 years ago
Евгений Ширшин
Google Review
5
Маде добряк!) очень внимательный, и профессиональный гид! Уже много лет дружим с ним! Провез по всем уголкам прекрасного Бали! Хорошо говорит на русском и английском языках! Аккуратно водит машину! Очень адекватные цены на экскурсии!! Знает все вкусные и красивые места! Поможет со всеми вопросами на Бали, такие как аренда скутера, или аренда жилья! Встретит и проводит в аэропорт, если вы с ребенком то у Маде прекрасные дочки которые с удовольствием побуду няней!))
Всем рекомендую это агенство!!
2 years ago
Сергей Милых
Google Review
5
No written review.
2 years ago
Denise
Google Review
5
Made did an amazing job as a guide!
Comfortable pick-up & drop-off, safe driving, very friendly & helpful, explained a lot while driving & visiting the spots. He knows a lot and is happy to answer any questions! He also brought local fruits for testing! Amazing day, thank you so much! 🙏🏼🫶🏼🧡
2 years ago
Stijn Heerze
Google Review
5
Really nice and kind guide. Knows a lot about Bali. Also a very good driver.
2 years ago
Juliette Bos
Google Review
5
Very nice driver, good communication and good service. Perfect!
2 years ago
Nengah Negare
Google Review
5
This company is the best, good driver and pofesional guide, i am very enjoy visiting Bali island 👍👍👍
2 years ago
Ni Kadek Kardiasih
Google Review
5
Sakuraba give me best service treveling in bali. Thakyou very much for guide bali sakuraba
2 years ago
Visit Lake Buyan with a Trusted Bali Guide
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and any special requests — we'll plan a seamless private tour that includes Lake Buyan and more of Bali's best.