Mount Lesung, - or Gunung Lesung - in North Bali is decorated with three lakes, which are: Lake Buyan , Lake Beratan and Lake Tamblingan, where nature has been kept almost untouched. All three lakes are the life-source for the surrounding communities.
Located by the village of Munduk in the sub-regency of Banjar in the regency of Bulelemg, Tamblingan is a relatively small
Mount Lesung, - or Gunung Lesung - in North Bali is decorated with three lakes, which are: Lake Buyan , Lake Beratan and Lake Tamblingan, where nature has been kept almost untouched. All three lakes are the life-source for the surrounding communities.
Located by the village of Munduk in the sub-regency of Banjar in the regency of Bulelemg, Tamblingan is a relatively small lake covering a surface of only around 1.5 square kilometers with a depth of 90 meters. The name Tamblingan is derived from the word tamba meaning medicine or medicinal, and elingang meaning spiritual.
Legend goes that between the 10th to the 14th century the residents of four villages surrounding the lake, namely the villages of Munduk, Gobleg, Gesing, and Umejero were tasked to guard over the sanctity of the lake.
But one day suddenly all four villages were stricken by an infectious disease. Hereupon, a holy priest went down to the lake to fetch water. He prayed at the lake and through his spiritual powers the sick in the four villages were cured, cleansed by the lake's healing waters.
From that time on, people built many temples on and surrouding Lake Tamblingan. These are Pura Endek, Pura Dalem Tamblingan, Pura Sang Hyang Kawuh, Pura Ulun Danu, Pura Pengukiran, Pura Gubug, Pura Embang, Pura Batulepang, Pura Pengukusan, Pura Naga Loka, and Pura Tirta Mengening. While two other temples, the Pura Tukang Timbang and Pura Embang are built of ancient stones, believed to originate from the pre-Hindu era even prior to the 10th century. The many temples together with the lake now form a beautiful landscape that emits its own fascinating aura.
As Lake Tamblingan lies 1,000 meters above sea level, the climate here is cool. The early morning mist that hangs over the waters, strangely enhances its mystical appeal. According to folklore, centuries ago the area was once inhabited by a people who lived peacefully under a well ordered government,and a well organized welfare and cultural system.
By Lake Tamblingan near lake Buyan along the south-north highway that links the cities of Depasar with Singaraja, live a host of monkeys. These multiply so fast, that they are often called the teeming monkeys of the jungle.
