Taman Sari

Taman Sari is also referred to as the Water Castle. It was believed that at one time there were gardens, pools, lakes, pavilions and meditation halls here. Taman, as per my guide, means garden and sari refers to beautiful. However, all that is left of this beautiful site is just a bathing complex with a tower at a distance. There is a fusion of European and Asian architecture and it is believed that the tower was built by a Dutch architect for the local king who used to look at the beautiful women while they were bathing. Much of Taman Sari complex is in ruins today except for this central bathing complex. Walking around, you wonder how beautiful it would have looked centuries ago.