When you think of Bali, images of luxury hotels, waterfalls, trendy cafes, and lush green rice fields may come to mind. However, you probably wouldn’t expect an abandoned theme park engulfed by the jungle. Located just north of Sanur, in the south of Bali, lies Taman Festival. This theme park closed its doors over 20 years ago and has since been left untouched. Nowadays, the park is an eerie site with derelict buildings adorned with street art. You’ll witness nature reclaiming the park, while graffiti artists have left their mark. What sets this place apart is its solitude; locals believe it’s cursed, and it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists. During our visit to Taman Festival, we encountered only a handful of people.
The Story of Taman Festival Bali
Taman Festival opened in 1997, boasting Bali’s largest swimming pool, a 3D theatre, and a laser show costing over 5 million dollars. Overall, constructing the theme park cost approximately 100 million dollars. However, it proved to be an unsuccessful venture. On Friday the 13th of March, the laser show was struck by lightning, leading locals to believe the park was cursed. Coupled with Indonesia’s economic crisis, visitor numbers dwindled. The owner faced financial difficulties, and after a major legal battle over land usage, Taman Festival closed its doors for good. Since then, nature has reclaimed the site, and travellers and locals alike share tales of demons, crocodiles, and giant bats rumoured to inhabit the area. Now, it’s a fascinating place to explore for those seeking adventure!
Tip: Exercise caution when exploring Taman Festival, as some buildings are on the verge of collapse. There may be holes in the ground, and sections of the roof could collapse if bumped into. Therefore, be extra careful!
Visiting Taman Festival?
From Bali airport, it’s about a 30-minute drive to Taman Festival. If you’re staying near the airport on your last night, this could be a worthwhile stop. You can also visit if you’re heading to Nusa Lembongan by boat, as the park is located just north of Sanur, where the boats depart. Here is the exact location. At the entrance, you’ll find some individuals requesting 20,000 IDR (€1.20) per person. While this isn’t an official fee, it’s advisable to pay this small amount to avoid any hassle.
What to Bring?
There are a few essential items to remember when visiting Taman Festival:
- Mosquito repellent: Mosquitoes are abundant in some areas.
- Water: You’ll likely spend about two hours in the park.
- Small change: 20,000 IDR per person for entrance.
- Camera: This place is a haven for photography enthusiasts.
- Shoes: Broken glass is scattered on the ground.
