Taman Ayun is one of the most interesting tourist attractions on the island of Bali. If you like a peaceful, relaxed, and historical atmosphere, this place is a must-add to your visit list when vacationing in Bali. Taman Ayun itself means ‘Beautiful Garden’, and it truly matches the atmosphere you will feel here.
Location and How to Get to Taman Ayun
The location of Taman Ayun is quite strategic, situated in the village of Mengwi, Badung Regency. From the center of Denpasar, the distance is about 18 km and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes. If you are coming from Kuta or Seminyak, the journey here takes about 40 minutes by vehicle. To get to Taman Ayun, you can rent a private vehicle like a motorcycle or car, or you can also use online transportation services. The access to this place is good, and the roads are smooth, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
History of Taman Ayun
Taman Ayun was founded in 1634 by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu. Initially, this place was created to honor the spirits of ancestors and the gods. The King of Mengwi built this garden as a place of worship as well as a recreational area for the royal family. What’s interesting about Taman Ayun is how it is surrounded by a wide moat, making it look as if it’s floating on water. This gives a peaceful and beautiful impression when you first arrive at the location.
The Architectural Uniqueness of Taman Ayun
The architecture of Taman Ayun is truly unique and full of Balinese cultural characteristics. You will see a magnificent traditional Balinese gate (Candi Bentar) when you first enter the garden area. After passing through the gate, you will be greeted by a beautiful, green, and well-maintained garden. The main part of Taman Ayun is the temple complex surrounded by a large water moat. This moat gives the impression that the temple is in the middle of a lake, and of course, this is a favorite spot for taking Instagrammable photos. Inside the temple complex, there are several meru, or multi-tiered roof towers, that soar high into the sky. The number of roofs on these meru varies, and each symbolizes a certain level in the Hindu faith in Bali. There is a meru with 11 tiers of roofs, which symbolizes the highest reverence to the gods.
Activities You Can Do at Taman Ayun
Besides taking pictures, at Taman Ayun you can also do several interesting activities such as:
- Take a Leisurely Stroll You can enjoy the shady garden atmosphere with its green trees while taking a leisurely walk around the temple area. Enjoy the fresh air, far from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Learn About History and Culture For those of you interested in Balinese culture, Taman Ayun can be a fun place to learn. There is a lot of information you can get from tour guides or information boards available around the garden.
- Take Photos with a Beautiful Background For photography lovers or those who just want to update their social media, Taman Ayun offers many cool photo spots that should not be missed. From the entrance gate to the moat around the temple, everything can be a great photo background.
- Relax in the Garden If you don’t want to do much, you can just sit and relax while enjoying the beautiful view of the moat and the temple. This is the perfect place to unwind while having a relaxed chat with family or friends.
Entrance Ticket Prices and Operating Hours
The entrance ticket price for Taman Ayun is very affordable, around IDR 20,000 for domestic tourists and IDR 50,000 for foreign tourists. Taman Ayun’s operating hours are from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM WITA. You also don’t need to worry about facilities, as there is a spacious parking area, clean toilets, and several food and drink stalls that you can visit when you feel hungry or thirsty.
Best Time to Visit Taman Ayun
If you want to enjoy the cool and comfortable atmosphere of Taman Ayun, the best time to visit is in the morning between 08:00 AM and 10:00 AM or in the afternoon between 04:00 PM and 06:00 PM. During these hours, the weather is not too hot and the atmosphere is much cooler. For those of you who want to witness a religious ceremony, it’s a good idea to check the event calendar which is usually available on the official Taman Ayun website or ask the management directly.
Tips for Visiting Taman Ayun
To make your vacation more fun and comfortable, here are some tips you can follow:
- Wear polite attire as Taman Ayun is a sacred place of worship.
- Bring your own drinking water to stay hydrated while exploring the garden.
- Don’t forget to bring a camera or a smartphone with a full battery to capture the beautiful moments.
- If possible, come on a weekday to avoid the tourist crowds.
Nearby Tourist Destinations from Taman Ayun
After you’ve finished exploring Taman Ayun, you can also continue your journey to several interesting tourist spots around Mengwi, such as:
- Alas Kedaton: a small forest with tame monkeys and an ancient temple.
- Jatiluwih Rice Terrace: terraced rice fields that are very famous for their spectacular views.
- Tanah Lot: a temple by the sea with an extraordinary sunset view.
These three places can be reached with a journey that is not too far from Taman Ayun.
Conclusion
Taman Ayun not only offers architectural and natural beauty but can also be a place to learn more about the culture and history of Bali. Its calm and peaceful atmosphere makes anyone feel at home staying here for a long time. So, if you are on vacation in Bali, don’t miss Taman Ayun! Happy holidays!.
