Taman Ayun Temple, Ulun Danu Temple, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, & Tanah Lot Temple - Bali

April 21 

Taman Ayun Temple was our first stop today. We drove into central Bali to the small town of Mengwi, long associated with the Balinese Royal Family. Mengwi is home to the superb temple complex at Taman Ayun which literally translates to beautiful garden. 

Taman Ayun Temple - entrance

small water monitor on shore

they used fresh flowers on their statues

Emon explaining the Barong costume on display

closeup of what the costume was made of

We drove further north to the district of Bedugul Regency renowned for its stunning beauty and three caldera lakes (Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan). The iconic Ulun Danu Temple was our next destination. This important Hindu Shivaite water temple is located on a small jut of land within the calm waters of Lake Beratan. When the water level is high, it gives the illusion that this 17th century temple is ‘floating’ on the lake. 

Ulun Danu Temple

lovely gardens

people dress up in period dress to pose in the gate

if we'd known lunch was going to be so bad we would have stopped for some

After a break for lunch at Mentari Restaurant. I think the 4 of us agreed it was the worst meal of the trip (so far). The restaurants at the Temple looked amazing and showed lovely bowls of strawberries. Not sure why we didn’t stop at one of those, but we assumed Emon had another place picked out. However, he instructed the driver to stop at the first place we came to. He said he didn’t know anything about the restaurant and if it didn’t look good we’d move on. Hard to tell by looking it was small but had adequate choices. Everything was lukewarm to cold. I was a bit afraid to eat very much of it in case it was “bad” and risk GI issues. There was a lovely black rice pudding that was very good. 

Mentari Restaurant

cold food

We returned south stopping to view the rice terraces at Jatiluwih. They are recognized by UNESCO; these seemingly endless rice paddies offer superb vistas in all directions. However, we hadn’t walked very far before it started to rain, and we turned to go back to the vehicle. (also didn’t make for great photos)  

Emon next to the sign

piggies going to market 

We ended our day at the Tanah Lot Temple which is situated on a rocky outcrop on Bali’s southwest coast.  Pura Tanah Lot is a sacred Hindu temple which has been transformed into one of the island’s most popular sunset destinations. We weren’t staying for sunset, but it was late and even though the rain had stopped it was cloudy & a bit dark. 

Tanah Lot Temple

There is a sacred cave located at the east side of big rock formation of the temple. The cave is habited by some holy sea snakes, which they are believed as incarnations of shawls of Dang Hyang Nirartha. Part of the area of the Temple Complex has been turned into a family/tourist area. Opportunities to dress in period costume and photos taken with a large snake, play area and more.

Emon looking back as he goes through the gates

We checked in at Amnaya Resort Nusa Dua where we will spend our last 2 nights. Nusa Dua is on the Southernmost point of the Bukit Peninsula. The Nusa Dua Complex is designed so you don’t need to leave and contend with the traffic or search for restaurants. There is even a Bali Collection Mall, and if it’s not walkable the hotels provide shuttles. We didn’t make the trip, but Tom & Cathy checked it out.

It sits on the Indian Ocean and due to the coral reef not far offshore the waters are calm and has nice beaches with extremely soft sand and a great walkway from one end to the other and is lined with 5* Resorts. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa - 5 Star Luxury at NUSA DUA BEACH (nusaduahotel.com)

musicians playing for guests

the mirror was covering an added wall to the bathroom

part of the lobby

We had dinner at one of the casual restaurants and Greg had the lamb wraps and I had chicken. His lamb was incredible.

Other than our room, it was a wonderful place to spend some time. We joked we had a 1* room in a 5* hotel. The A/C wasn’t wired right, and the only cold air blew by the entry door. The rest of the room got zero. It had a weird bathroom that had been reworked and looked like it was cobbled together. Dirty grout in the shower and a rain shower head that squirted in every direction but down. We couldn’t get our patio doors open. They were off track, and we couldn’t get them on track. The light switches weren’t wired right either since they didn’t work for what they were labeled for. The one for the bathroom had to be hit twice or it wouldn’t work. Not sure what the master switch was supposed to control. The water in the rooms (for brushing teeth and drinking) came in glass bottles that needed an opener.

We complained about the A/C the next day and they did fix that. The only reason it got a 2* review. I’m sure there were much nicer rooms, or they wouldn’t still be in business, but it was the room level Jason requested for us. The property is beautiful with several pools, several restaurants, beautifully landscaped and the public rooms were gorgeous. The food was extremely good in the 2 restaurants that we tried. Breakfast had a very large selection and is included.

Tomorrow, we visit Uluwatu Temple with Kecak Dance & Seafood Dinner on Jimbaran Bay.

For larger photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jMDoXCKj129qQbt79