Holy Water
This is a fabulous Water Palace situated in the eastern part of Bali of Amlapura, the main town of the Karangasem Regency, which was previously the seat of the most powerful Rajadom of Bali, with the power of its kings extending to the island of Lombok. Its name comes from Tirta (holy water) and Gangga (from the Ganges). The royal family managed to retain both title and certain powers under Dutch occupation, and so the palace, Puri Kanginan, has a fascinating mixture of designs from Europe, China and Bali in both its architectural design and layout. There is even a main building with a verandah called the ‘Bale London’ that has furniture bearing the motif of the Royal Crest of England.

The late King, Anak Aging Anglurah Ketut, built architectural ‘follies’, among them the extravagant Water Palace at Ujung, and a royal pleasure park named Tirtagangga in 1947, where natural springs gushing forth from animal statues and fountains feed a series of beautiful pools. Locals flock here at sunset to bathe in the cool shade of the pools. The Tirta Ayu restaurant in the grounds of the palace is the perfect place to take in a drink and the amazing scenery.

Rice Terraces
The view of the surrounding countryside is blessed with some of the most amazing rice terraces, and the local accommodation within walking distance may persuade you to stay overnight. The mornings are stunning and inspire many a walk, photograph or even paint on paper. The visual stimulus is breathtaking. This is real Bali at its best.
The cooler temperatures of Tirtagangga make it a popular destination during the hotter months and enhance the charms of the Water Palace’s features.

Open daily from 7am – 6pm. There is an admission fee with various additional charges for the pools. Found 6 km north on the road to Abang – 20 minutes drive from Candi Dasa, 85km from Denpasar.

Popularity: 7% [?]