The Ultimate Guide to Taman Ayun Temple: Everything You Need to Know

In the heart of Bali, where emerald-green rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see, lies a haven of tranquillity for those seeking respite from bustling tourist attractions. Located in Mengwi Village, Taman Ayun Temple/Pura Taman Ayun is a UNESCO-recognized royal temple boasting lush gardens, ornate carvings, and lotus-filled ponds.

Known as the “Garden Temple in the Water”, Taman Ayun captivates visitors with its timeless charm. Surrounded on three sides by water, the temple mirrors its name in a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.

What is Taman Ayun Temple?

Taman Ayun Temple is a Balinese Hindu temple located in Mengwi, Bali, Indonesia. The temple is renowned for its elegant architecture and expansive garden landscape. Built in the 17th century, the temple served as the main sanctuary of the Mengwi royal family and an essential site for religious ceremonies and rituals.

Taman Ayun Temple was dedicated to the worship of the deities and ancestors, reflected by its towering tiers and distinct multi-roofed pagodas, surrounded by a wide moat and lush greenery.

The name “Taman Ayun” translates to “Beautiful Garden”, reflecting the temple’s harmonious integration with its natural surroundings.

Where is Taman Ayun Temple?

Taman Ayun Temple is located in Mengwi Village, Badung Regency, in the island of Bali, Indonesia. It is about 17 km northwest of Denpasar, the capital city of Bali.

The driving time to Taman Ayun Temple can vary depending on traffic conditions and your location. If you’re travelling from Ubud, you can expect the journey to take around 35 minutes, or around 45 minutes if you’re coming from Kuta. Click here to get directions to Taman Ayun Temple.

As this charming destination is situated in close proximity to other points of interest, we recommend enriching your exploration by combining it with a trip to nearby attractions such as Tanah Lot Temple, the Ubud area, or the scenic Tegalalang rice fields to maximize your overall experience.

Considering extra time for your travel is crucial, particularly if you’re on the road during peak traffic hours or if you encounter road closures or alternate routes. Bali’s streets can become heavily congested, especially when tourist seasons are at their peak, so it’s wise to carefully schedule your journey.

How do I get to Taman Ayun Temple?

There are plenty of ways to get to Taman Ayun Temple in Bali, Indonesia. Depending on where you are commuting from, the distance and time may vary. Among the popular modes of transport are:-

1. Using a Ride-Sharing Service

• Make sure to download apps such as Grab and Gojek as these 2 are the most popular ride-sharing service in Bali, Indonesia.

2. By Private Transportation

• If you’re staying at a hotel or villa in Bali, you can arrange for private transportation through your accommodation. Many hotels offer shuttle services or can help you hire a private car and driver for the day.
• Generally, the duration of the car rental is for 10 – 11 hours, inclusive of petrol and an English speaking driver. By taking this option, you can customise your own itinerary without the hassle of driving to places. Prices for the private car rental starts from 650k Rupiah.

3. Joining a Tour

• Many tour operators in Bali offer day tours that include a visit to Taman Ayun Temple as part of their itinerary. This can be a convenient option if you prefer to have transportation and a guide arranged for you.
• During our trip to Bali, Indonesia, we joined a private tour which handled all our transportation needs. We’d highly recommend this option, especially if you are travelling in larger groups, so that you can relax and leave all the itinerary planning to the tour operator.

4. By Renting a Scooter or Car

• Another option is to rent a scooter or car, which is cheaper option and gives you more flexibility in your schedule. However, please note that Bali traffic can be chaotic, so driving may be challenging for some travellers.

5. By Public Bus or Shuttle

• While Bali does have public transportation options, it might not be the most convenient way to reach Taman Ayun Temple, as public transport routes are limited, and schedules can be irregular. The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a private car and driver (both of these can be booked online).

When is the best time to visit Taman Ayun Temple?

You can visit Taman Ayun Temple all year round, depending on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the experience you seek. Generally, the best season to visit Bali, Indonesia is during the dry season (April to October) where you can expect much more sunnier days and minimal rainfall.

What time is Taman Ayun Temple open?

Taman Ayun Temple operates daily from 8am – 6:15pm. Given that this attraction tends to be less crowded and offers a quieter atmosphere compared to other spots in Bali, you can choose to visit at your convenience.

How much is the entrance fees to visit Taman Ayun Temple?

It is important to note that these prices may vary annually due to the temple’s popularity among tourists, and it is common for ticket prices to increase over time. The current entrance fees for Taman Ayun Temple are as follows:

Adults (Indonesian): IDR 15,000
Children (Indonesian): IDR 10,000
Adults (Foreigner): IDR 30,000
Children (Foreigner): IDR 15,000

What to expect at Taman Ayun Temple?

As you approach the inner precinct of Taman Ayun Temple in Bali by crossing the bridge, your entrance is marked by the striking Balinese gates known as Candi Bentar. Upon entering Taman Ayun Temple, visitors are welcomed into a sacred space that holds historical and spiritual significance. Originally designed as a main site of worship for the Mengwi people, the temple served the purpose of providing a nearby place of reverence, eliminating the need for extensive travel to larger temples such as the Besakih “mother temple”, Batukaru Temple, or Batur Temple.

The temple complex is structured in four distinct divisions, each with its own unique features. The outer division, known as “Jaba”, is accessible through a single entrance and a walkway over ponds. Here, visitors encounter a small guardian shrine and a large “wantilan” hall for communal gatherings, accompanied by a tall fountain with spouts pointing in cardinal directions.

Within the inner confines near Candi Bentar, a garden contemplation pavilion named Bale Bengong awaits on the left, while on the right, a pavilion traditionally utilized for cockfighting stands. The journey to the second inner court is facilitated by following a stone path. Here, visitors encounter the captivating presence of Barong and a pavilion dedicated to gamelan music.

Access to the main court is restricted, but its magnificence can be admired from the exterior. From outside, you can marvel at the main sanctum, the Garuda shrine, and Meru towers surrounding a pool adorned with blooming lotus flowers—an altogether impressive sight.

After exploring the shrines and temples at Taman Ayun Temple, proceed to the cultural space. Here, you can watch a brief documentary about the temple’s history at the mini theatre and visit the fine art gallery before concluding your visit.

What Is The Dress Code For Taman Ayun Temple?

To ensure a respectful visit to Balinese temples, visitors must adhere to specific guidelines:

• Avoid taking photos directly in front of worshippers.
• Respect small offerings (canang sari) by refraining from stepping over or treading on them.
• Refrain from entering any temple if menstruating, as it is considered impure. The same restriction applies to individuals with running sores or bleeding wounds.
• Wearing a sarong to cover knees and ankles is essential, and it’s crucial to have shoulders and midriffs covered.
• In case you do not have the suitable attire, don’t fret as you can rent or purchase a sarong at the temple premises for a small fee.

Useful tips

• Obviously don’t forget your camera!
• Bring cash as they don’t accept cards here.
• Make sure to adhere to the dress code at Taman Ayun Temple, which entails wearing modest attire covering the shoulders and knees.
• Carry along a hat, shades and sunscreen as it can get pretty hot here.
• No drones allowed at Taman Ayun Temple.

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