Bali Cheapest Tours

Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple or Pura Taman Ayun is a magnificent family temple of Mengwi empire. This is one of the most visited temple in Bali, both local and foreign tourists.

It's located in Mengwi Village, Mengwi sub district, Badung regency and about 18 Km north side of Denpasar town. It is strategically located beside of major roadway between Denpasar to Singaraja.

Taman Ayun Temple is also one of six royal temples in Bali making it very important both spiritually and historically. The temple’s name Taman Ayun translates to the ‘Garden Temple in the Water’.

We’re going to dig deep to give you all information that you have to know before you visi Taman Ayun Temple sich as history, address, location, and much more. But feel free to jump to any section that interests you:

• History Taman Ayun Temple
• Taman Ayun Temple Complex & Features
• Taman Ayun Temple Entrance Fee
• How to Get to Taman Ayun Temple
• Taman Ayun Temple Opening Hours
• Taman Ayun Address & Map location
• Taman Ayun Temple Dress Code

Taman Ayun Temple is set on the land which is surrounded by the big fish pond and look like a drift on the water.

The temple complex boasts magnificent traditional architectural features throughout its courtyards and enclosures as well as expansive garden landscapes comprised of lotus and fish ponds.

Many visitors enjoy stopping off at the temple to wander around the grounds, and see the many architectural and historical highlights of this Balinese landmark.

It is a great place to marvel at the early and traditional Balinese architectural features that prevail on the island.

History Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple was built in the 17th century precisely started in 1632, and and finished in 1634, by the first king Tjokerda Sakti Blambangan.

This temple holds a very sophisticated architectural design compared to other temples in Bali. Chinese architectural inspirations, and underwent a significant restoration project in 1937.

And in 2012 UNESCO awarded Taman Ayun Temple as part of the world cultural tourism site.

Towering tiers from the temple shrines make up most of the profile of Pura Taman Ayun and are a gesture of the people of Mengwi’s reverence to their deified noble ancestors, for the temple complex is considered the royal family templ of Mengwi.

Taman Ayun Temple was to serve as a main site of worship among the Mengwi people who need not travel too far to the main large temples, the likes of the Besakih ‘mother temple’ in Karangasem, Batukaru Temple in Tabanan, or Batur Temple in Kintamani. It also served as a unifying symbol among the Mengwi royalty and the people.

Taman Ayun Temple Complex & Features

Pura Taman Ayun complex comprises four different divisions, one ranking higher than the other. The first is referred to as the ‘Jaba’ or outer division, accessible only through a single entrance and walkway over the ponds.

Inside, near the entrance is a small guardian shrine and on the right is a large ‘wantilan’ hall where the communal gatherings take place. A tall fountain with spouts jutting up and out to the cardinal directions can be seen in this area.

Onto the next court, a small temple compound by the name of Pura Luhuring Purnama can be seen. The second and third terraces are slightly higher than the first.

To enter, visitors must go through a second gate where a shelter called Bale Pengubengan greets them with ornamental features that depict the nine Hindu gods that guard the nine points of the compass, referred to as Dewata Nawa Sanga.

East of this court is a small temple called Pura Dalem Bekak, while in its western corner is an eight metre-high wooden bell tower known to locals as ‘Bale Kulkul’. A climb up will reveal two hanging rectangular wooden bells, plus a high and spectacular view of the whole complex.

The fourth and last court is considered the most sacred, thus ranks the highest. It is referred to as the Utama Mandala. The intricately ornate central gate is open only during ceremonies, as the entryway for consecrated heirlooms and other ceremonial paraphernalia.

Another gate at its east is for daily access. Several tiers of different outlines and sizes rise up into the temple’s skyline.

The temple’s three grounds denote the three cosmological levels known to Balinese Hinduism, namely the world of man, the realm of gods and deities, and the topmost divine level.

As recounted in the ancient texts of the ‘Adhiparwa’, the whole complex of the Taman Ayun Temple represents Mount Mahameru in the so-called ‘churning of the sea of milk’ or the cosmic formation of the world.

The name ‘Taman Ayun’ translates as ‘beautiful garden’. The vast encircling pools were once royal recreational places for the palace maids who would sail small canoes. Now the pools and ponds are fenced and visitors are denied entrance.

The temple shares the same anniversary day of the cliff-perched Uluwatu Temple on the island’s southern Bukit peninsula, which is celebrated on the 210-day Balinese Pawukon calendar system or on every ‘Kliwon Medangsia’ Tuesday.

The ‘piodalan’ temple anniversary celebrations see pilgrims flock to the temple complex, day and night.

North of the bell tower is a pavilion called Bale Loji. In old times, this was where priests and ceremonial attendants would make preparations and take a break.

Nowadays, artists can be seen here busy at their art-in-the-making. Paintings are also available here for purchase. Museum Manusa Yadnya is located just across the road from the temple site.

The museum showcases Balinese Hinduism rituals and human rites of passage, throughout their stages of life.

Taman Ayun Temple Entrance Fee

Visits to the Taman Ayun Temple are subject to an entrance fee of IDR 10,000 for domestic tourists and IDR 20,000 for foreigners.

Visitors must wear a sarong and a sash, as well as appropriate clothes common for temple visits.

And one of the important things that you should highly attention is women on their periods are forbidden entry.

How to Get to Taman Ayun Temple

To go get to Taman Ayun Temple is easily accessible and lies on the main road in strategically area beside of major roadway between Denpasar to Singaraja.

It's about 1,5 hours drive from Denpasar, Kuta, or Seminyak area. And 45 minutes drive or 17 km away from Ubud area

Is there no public transporation to Taman Ayun Temple, so we recommend you to rent a scoter or car with driver and taking a tour of Northern Bali to discover some of the best hidden gems!

Taman Ayun Temple Opening Hours

Taman Ayun Temple is open for public daily from 09.00 AM to 05:00 PM. Except Nyepi day in Bali.

Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali, Indonesia.

Nyepi, a public holiday in Indonesia, is a day of silence, fasting and meditation for the Balinese. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New Year's Day.

Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection, and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted.

The main restrictions are no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and, for some, no talking or eating at all.

The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali's usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes.

The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.

Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents and tourists are not exempt from the restrictions. Although they are free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day.

The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles responding to life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.

Taman Ayun Temple Address & Map Location

Taman Ayun Temple located in Jalan Ayodya. No 10. Mengwi village, Mengwi sub district, Badung regency, Bali, Indonesia

Here is an accurate position of Taman Ayun Temple on the Google map

Taman Ayun Temple Dress Code

We often receive questions from people asking questions like “What is the proper dress code when visiting a Taman Ayun Temple?

Visitors must ensure that they wear a sarong to cover knees and ankles. Also make sure that shoulders and midriffs are covered.

The Balinese are more than happy to welcome you to visit their temples, but you need to remember that temples are holy places, so there are some rules you need to be aware of before visiting a temple in Bali.

• Don’t take photos directly in front of worshippers.
• Don’t Step Over or Tread on Offerings - Small offerings called canang sari are often left on the ground.
• Don’t enter any temple if you’re menstruating. This may be galling to any woman, but you have a whole island’s culture against you on this one. Any woman on her period, or anyone (regardless of gender) with a running sore or bleeding wound for that matter, is considered impure and not to be allowed into any Balinese temple.
  

As long as you remember that the temple you are in is a space of reverence to the Balinese people, and treat it as such, your temple visit is sure to bring you the happiness and enlightenment you seek.