Taman Ayun Temple (Mengwi)

Taman Ayun is a royal water-garden temple at Mengwi in Badung regency, about 18 km northwest of Denpasar. It was built in the 17th century as the family temple of the Mengwi dynasty and is part of the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Bali Province. The drive from Denpasar takes 40 to 60 minutes via Jl. Raya Mengwi, so it suits a Grab car, a hired driver or a scooter. The complex is surrounded by a moat and divided into several courtyards, with the outer garden open to visitors. Tiered meru shrines, in odd numbers of roofs from three to eleven, rise above the inner compound, which only worshippers may enter. Lawns, fish ponds and a raised walkway along the outer wall give good views of the temple roofs. A small museum on site has displays on Balinese ceremonies and the Mengwi kingdom. The visit usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, so it combines well with other stops. A common plan leaves Denpasar around 9:00, reaches Taman Ayun when the gardens are cool and quiet, and continues to Jatiluwih rice terraces or the Ulun Danu Beratan temple, or heads to Tanah Lot for sunset. Lunch is available at warungs and restaurants around Mengwi, including food stalls near the entrance. The temple can be visited year-round, though the dry season from April to October gives the best conditions, and wet-season showers can make paths slippery. Sarongs and sashes are available at the entrance for temple dress. As the temple is easy and compact, it is rated easy and is suitable for most ages. Ceremonies sometimes close parts of the complex, which also makes it a good place to see Balinese religious life.