Taman Ayun is a major temple and landmark in the village of Mengwi, 17 km northwest of Denpasar. The temple complex is well-known for its magnificent traditional architectural features spread throughout its courtyards and enclosures. The temple also has expansive gardens with beautiful lotus-filled fish ponds. The name Taman Ayun translates to ‘beautiful garden’. This palatial complex is a great place to marvel not only at early Balinese architecture but also to imagine how Balinese royals lived their life behind palace walls back in the days. There are vast pools, for instance, where palace maids would sail about in small canoes.