A royal temple belonging to the Mengwi dynasty, Taman Ayun is one of my personal favourites and is off the main tourist circuit. It is not always mentioned in all the guidebooks. Located in Mengwi village, the entire temple looks picturesque set inside a pond with courtyards and landscaped gardens around. The temple is built in a typical Balinese style and transports you to a different world. Right at the entrance, I saw a sculpture of Barong of the popular Barong dance which is a fight between the good and bad spirits. Barong is the king of the good spirits according to Balinese mythology. And while you are here, a visit to one of the local markets is highly recommended.