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Taman Ayun Temple

ENTRANCE TICKET

The current entrance ticket prices for Taman Ayun Temple are as follow:

  • Foreign Adult Visitor: IDR 30.000
  • Foreign Child Visitor: IDR 15.000
  • Domestic Adult Visitor: IDR 15.000
  • Domestic Child Visitor: IDR 10.000

The ticket price can be changed at any time, please check again if necessary.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

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, including Taman Ayun Temple, is during the dry season (April to October). During this time, you can expect sunnier days and minimal rainfall, which can enhance your overall experience. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) might be ideal as the weather is still pleasant but with fewer tourists.

Taman Ayun Temple operates daily from 08.00 a.m to 6:15 pm. As this attraction typically experiences fewer crowds and provides a tranquil atmosphere compared to other places in Bali, you have the flexibility to visit at your convenience.

HOW TO GET TO TAMAN AYUN TEMPLE

“To reach Taman Ayun Temple, it’s conveniently located on the main road in a strategic area between Denpasar and Singaraja. It’s approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Denpasar, Kuta, or Seminyak, and just a 45-minute drive or 17 kilometers away from Ubud. Since public transportation options to the temple are limited, we kindly suggest considering renting a scooter or car with a driver. This will not only provide flexibility but also enable you to embark on a tour of Northern Bali, where you can uncover some of the region’s finest hidden gems.

This temple is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. The temple courtyards are beautifully arranged and surrounded by fish ponds.

If you are touring the northern Bali area from the city of Denpasar, it would be wonderful to visit this temple as it is situated along one route.

TEMPLE COMPLEX

The temple complex is divided into four different courtyards, with one being higher than the others.

The first courtyard, knownas Jaba, can only be access8ed by crossing the only bridge over the pond and through the gate. Upon entering, there is a small  monument guarding the entrance, with a spacious building (wantilan) on the right side where cockfighting ceremonies are often held during ceremonies. In this courtyard, there is also a small fountain monument directing water towards the nine cardinal directions.

Moving towards the next courtyard, on the right side of the road, there is a small temple complex called Pura Luhuring Purnama. The third area, or the second courtyard, is positioned higher than the first courtyard. To enter this courtyard, visitors must pass through the second gate. Upon entering, attention is drawn to a building called Bale Pengubengan adorned with reliefs depicting the Dewata Nawa Sanga(Nine gods guarding the cardinal directions).

To the east of this courtyard, there is a small temple called Pura Dalem Bekak, while in the northwest corner, there is a towering Balai Kulkul. The fourth area, or the last courtyard, is the highest and most sacred. The central gate will be opened during ceremonies, serving as the entrance and exit for statues and other ceremonial equipment.

Meanwhile, the gates on the left and right are used for everyday activities in the temple. In this courtyard, there are several towering meru structures of various sizes and shapes. The three courtyards of this temple symbolize the three levels of cosmology: the bottom level representing the earthly realm of humans, the higher level where the gods reside, and the highest-level symbolizing Heaven, the abode of the almighty.

As recounted in the ancient tale of Adhiparwa, the entire temple complex symbolizes Mount Mahameru floating in the midst of the ocean of milk. Henk Schulte Nordholt wrote in his book “Negara Mengwi” that Taman Ayun was renovated in 1750. The architect responsible was noted as Hobin Ho. This temple complex was featured in the television program “Around the World in 80 Gardens.

The cool and forested Aling-Aling Waterfall is reachable down rice field paths near Singaraja in North Bali. You’ll pass a collection of smaller weirs as you descend about 100 steps before finding your prize view. The 35-metre falls greets you with cool mist and rushing sounds. From a rocky peak, the water splits into 2 streams, with the one on the right being the larger. The plunge pool at the bottom is about 4 metres deep, so it’s relatively safe to jump into and have a swim around. Take extra caution of the slippery and jagged rocks, though.

HISTORY

Taman Ayun, meaning “Garden Temple in the Water,” offers a wealth of peaceful landscapes, intricate architecture, and rich history.

Yet, its importance goes beyond aesthetics. The detailed carvings and peaceful gardens reflect deep-rooted Balinese traditions, adding cultural significance that has led to its prestigious recognition on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

The construction of Pura Taman Ayun began in the 17th century, specifically in 1632, and was completed in 1634 by King I Gusti Agung Putu of the Mengwi Kingdom, which was also known by other names such as “Mangapura,” “Mangarajia,” and “Kawiyapura.” During the construction of Pura Taman Ayun, the king

was assisted by an architect of Chinese descent from Banyuwangi named Ing Khang Ghoew, also known as I Kaco, who was a colleague of the Mengwi King.

Pura Taman Ayun served as the family temple for the Mengwi Kingdom. Initially, the temple was established because the existing temples at that time were too far for the Mengwi community to reach. Therefore, the King erected a place of worship with several structures representing (symbolizing) the nine main temples in Bali, such as Pura Besakih, Pura Ulundanu, Pura Batur, Pura Uluwatu, Pura Batukaru, and other main temples found on the island.

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