Taman Ayu Temple Bali: A Majestic Floating Palace
Taman Ayu Temple, also known as Pura Taman Ayun, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Mengwi District, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia. It is a royal temple of the Mengwi Kingdom, which was built in the 17th century. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, which combines elements of Balinese, Javanese, and Chinese design.
Taman Ayu Temple is also known as the "Floating Palace" because it is surrounded by a moat. The moat is filled with lotus flowers, which add to the temple's beauty and serenity. The temple complex is divided into two main parts: the outer courtyard and the inner courtyard.
The outer courtyard
The outer courtyard is a large open space that is used for ceremonies and festivals. In the center of the outer courtyard is a large pond, which is used for bathing and purification rituals. There are also a number of pavilions in the outer courtyard, which are used for meetings and gatherings.
The inner courtyard
The inner courtyard is where the main temple buildings are located. The main temple building is the Meru, which is a nine-tiered pagoda that is dedicated to the Hindu trinity Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. There are also a number of other temple buildings in the inner courtyard, which are dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses.
Visiting Taman Ayu Temple
Taman Ayu Temple is open to the public from 7am to 5pm daily. There is a small entrance fee to visit the temple. Visitors are required to dress respectfully when visiting the temple, which means covering their shoulders and knees.
There are a number of things to do when visiting Taman Ayu Temple. Visitors can explore the temple complex, admire the architecture, and take photos. Visitors can also participate in temple ceremonies and festivals, which are held throughout the year.
Things to do at Taman Ayu Temple
Explore the temple complex
Take your time to explore the temple complex and admire the beautiful architecture. Be sure to visit the Meru, the main temple building, and the other temple buildings in the inner courtyard.
Take photos
Taman Ayu Temple is a beautiful place to take photos. Be sure to capture the lotus pond, the moat, and the temple buildings.
Participate in a temple ceremony
If you are lucky enough to visit Taman Ayu Temple during a ceremony, be sure to participate. Temple ceremonies are a great way to learn about Balinese culture and religion.
Visit the other attractions in the area
There are a number of other attractions in the area around Taman Ayu Temple, including the Taman Saraswati Temple, the Mengwi Royal Palace, and the Sangeh Monkey Forest.
Tips for visiting Taman Ayu Temple
Dress respectfully
Taman Ayu Temple is a sacred place, so it is important to dress respectfully when visiting. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
Wear sunscreen and a hat
The sun can be very strong in Bali, even on cloudy days. Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Bring a camera
You won't want to miss out on the opportunity to take photos of this beautiful temple.
Check the calendar for temple ceremonies
If you are interested in participating in a temple ceremony, be sure to check the calendar in advance to find out when the next ceremony is scheduled.
Tips for visiting Taman Ayu Temple
Here are a few tips for visiting Taman Ayu Temple:
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The best time to visit Taman Ayu Temple is during the dry season (April to October). The weather is more predictable and the temple grounds are less crowded during this time.
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Taman Ayu Temple is a sacred place, so it is important to dress respectfully when visiting. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
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Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The sun can be very strong in Bali, even on cloudy days.
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Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the temple complex.
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If you are interested in participating in a temple ceremony, be sure to check the calendar in advance to find out when the next ceremony is scheduled.
Taman Ayu Temple is a must-see for any visitor to Bali. It is a beautiful and serene place that offers a glimpse into the rich culture and history of Bali.
Additional information
In addition to the main temple complex, there are a number of other things to see and do in the area around Taman Ayu Temple. These include:
- The Taman Saraswati Temple: This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of knowledge and music. It is known for its beautiful lotus pond and its intricate stone carvings.
- The Mengwi Royal Palace: This palace was once the home of the Mengwi royal family. It is now a museum that houses a collection of artifacts from the Mengwi Kingdom.
- The Sangeh Monkey Forest: This forest is home to a troop of over 700 monkeys. Visitors can walk through the forest and see the monkeys up close.
Conclusion
Taman Ayu Temple is a must-see for any visitor to Bali. It is a beautiful and fascinating place to learn about Balinese culture and religion.