Taman Ayun Temple was our 1st stop on our 3rd day in Bali. It is one of the 6 royal temples in Bali, specifically belonging to the Mengwi Royalty. Built in the 17th century in the Mengwi village, it has gained its place as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 1937, the Royal Temple underwent a significant restoration. Subsequent restoration projects were carried out in 1949, 1972 & the last in 1976. It is open from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on a daily basis and “Taman Ayun” simply means “Garden Temple in the Water.” As usual, our tour agent dropped us at the entrance & told us to wait for him while he park the van. There’s a pathway that leads to the Royal Temple’s entrance from the adjacent street. You can see water on your left & right while walking down the modern day bridge. In short, it looked like a moat. When you arrive at the gate, be prepared to pay a fee of IDR50,000 for admittance. Those who were not modestly dressed were given a sarong to put on. We saw a huge hall to the right of the entrance. According to our tour guide, it was used for communal gatherings & later cockfighting activities. To the left of the entrance was a water fountain. We saw a monitor lizard walking away from it & a resident cat at the ticket booth on our way out. As we walked further, we saw traditional Bali architecture with multi-tiered thatched roof shrines. The shrines were all in a large compound & surrounded by a narrow water canal or pond. Furthermore, each shrine was taller than the previous. Moreover, the Royal Temple’s garden landscape included ponds filled with lotuses. Both gardens & ponds surrounding the Royal Temple provide a calming atmosphere to those visiting. It gave us an idea of how the Mengwi Royals lived their lives back then. There was also an open area where 2 Barongs & 2 Rangdas were displayed. Taman Ayun Temple is less busy than others. The architecture & the foresight of the Royals certainly helped in making the temple into one of the most beautiful in Bali.

Definitely one of the must-see sights. Not so crowded when I was there this time. No 'guides' following you around everywhere (unless you request one) so free to wander. The other bug plus is no sellers trying to sell you everything from fridge magnets to sarongs at rip off prices. There is a short film explaining the temple's history, and some artworks to see also. All in all good value for the irp 30,000.- (half of the entrance for the rip off Pura Besakih). Highly recommended.

I visited this ancient complex which is not in everyday use with an American friend last Novemeber. There are very pleasant park surrounds and chance to get up close to look at the ceremonial figures of The Barong and Rangda who represent the archetypal forces of light and darkness..these genuine hand made creatures have several dancers animating them when used in traditional dances which can be seen in many places in Bali. Here we met a lovely group of women all in pink from Java and a group of local teenage school children who courteously asked us if they could practice their English by interviewing us about our work our families and what god we believed in! I have enjoyed this kind of interchange in Java in the past but not so often in Bali these days so that was fun. A little shop by the entrance sells cool drinks icecream etc.