The Pura Taman Ayun complex was built in the 16th century as the mother temple of the Mengwi Kingdom. Situated on what appears as an island, the Pura Taman Ayun temple complex is surrounded by large moats on three sides. Entrance to the temple is over a bridge and passing through a stone and brick candi bentar. As you enter, look to the left for the square pond with a nine jet water fountain covered in moss – four jets represent the cardinal points, another four the sub-cardinal points, and the central one represents the Dewa Nawa Sanga (the nine Hindu god guardians of the compass).

On the grounds you’ll find a large wantilan (pavilion) setup for ritualistic cockfighting that takes place inside. As you explore further North, there are several large meru including an 11-tier meru dedicated to Dewi Sri (Rice goddess).

 
Outside the temple complex, there’s a pavilion on the West side of the moat that is the storage place for a large number of Hindu ogoh ogoh statues that are used for ceremonies – definitely worth a look inside.