Pura Taman Ayun, Bali | Entry Fee, Timings and Things to Do

Pura Taman Ayun, Bali Overview

Built in 1634 by the Raja of Mengwi dynasty to honour his noble ancestors, Pura Taman Ayun or the beautiful garden is an ancient temple in Mengwi, Bali. The ornamented gateway of the temple leads to a fountain spouting water through nine jets to represent the nine gods of Hinduism. The old-world charm and architectural marvel of this temple draw visitors here throughout the year.

Located in the Mengwi village and only 18km from Denpasar, the Pura Taman Ayun Temple complex is a standing testimony to the royal heritage and spiritual beliefs of Bali. Surrounded by a wide moat, the temple is also known as the Garden Temple due to its beautiful landscapes and fish and lotus ponds.

Things to Do at Pura Taman Ayun

The architectural expanse of the temple complex is worth checking out. The complex comprises of four main divisions. The first is the Jaba or outer division and can be reached over the walkway across the ponds. The outer courtyard is home to the Wantilan which is a large hall, as well as a fountain and a shrine.

The next inner court consists of the Pura Luhuring Purnama, a small temple complex. As one moves inwards, the different structures that are seen include the Bale Pengubengan that depicts 9 Hindu Gods, a small temple called Pura Dalem Bekak and its wooden tower the Bale Kulkul. You can climb up the tower to witness fantastic views of the temple complex.

The innermost complex is the most sacred and is called the Utama Mandal. It is opened only during religious festivals and ceremonies.

The vast gardens merit a stroll as the layered temple towers silhouette against the sky. The ponds and waterways were once used by royal maids to traverse the complex on canoes though entry into the pools is restricted now. The intricacy of layout and design and the tranquil atmosphere make the temple complex a definite visit for historical, architectural and spiritual enthusiasts.

The Bale Loji, an open area is a little away from the Bell Tower. This area was used by priests in erstwhile times to prepare for ceremonies. Today you can find artists painting their works here which are also often on sale.

To learn more about the Balinese culture you can also visit the Manusa Yadnya Museum that is across the road from the temple complex.

Best Time to Visit Pura Taman Ayun

The temple can be visited throughout the year. The visit timings are from 8 A.M to 6 P.M. One usually visits the temple as a stopover or en route other destinations in the northern and central Bali. Hence, if you travel during the peak travel season from July-August and December-January, which are holiday seasons, expect more crowds. If you are looking for cheaper rates and fewer crowds then travelling to Bali in the off-seasons, from April to June and September to November is a good idea.

Tips

Some useful tips to remember while visiting the temple include:

There is an entrance fee IDR 10000 for locals and IDR 20000 for foreign nationals.
Appropriate clothing is necessary while visiting the temple. The knees, ankles, midriff and shoulders should be covered. Wearing a sarong and sash is advised.
Do not step over or walk over the offerings made.
Do not take photos right in front of worshippers as this may disturb them.
Menstruating women are forbidden entry in the temple.
Remember that the temple is a spiritual centre for the locals and hence maintain behaviour and decorum accordingly.
The Pura Taman Ayun temple shares its anniversary with the Uluwatu Temple that falls on the 210 days of the Balinese Pawukon calendar. Many devotees make their way to the temple on this day.

Food and Restaurants

There are no eateries within the temple complex. However, east of the complex there is a market area where a number of food stalls or warungs are found. You can enjoy a simple lunch or snack in any of these.

How To Reach Pura Taman Ayun

The Pura Taman Ayan Temple is easily accessible and is located on the roadways connecting Denpasar and Singaraja.
It is about 18km from Denpasar, 24km from Kuta and 19km from Seminyak.
The temple is also close to the main tourist area of Ubud
It is only about a 45 minutes’ drive from Ubud.
There is no public transportation to the temple.
You can hire a car and driver from your place of stay or hire a scooter too.