Tirta Gangga Water Palace
East Bali's Serene Water Palace and Recreational Garden
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a renowned tourist destination located in the eastern part of Bali, serving as a prominent stop on both the Bali East Tour and Bali Lempuyang Tour itineraries. Built in 1948 by King Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, this beautiful recreational garden is a unique blend of Balinese and Chinese architectural styles. The name 'Tirta Gangga' is derived from 'Tirta,' meaning blessed water, and 'Gangga,' referring to the holy Ganges River in India, reflecting the spiritual significance of its natural spring. The expansive 1.2-hectare complex features three distinct areas, including two large lotus ponds with fountains, a middle section with swimming pools, and an upper complex that once housed the king's country home, now offering a restaurant and rentable bungalows. The palace is adorned with numerous small statues depicting characters from Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, strategically placed to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Visitors are captivated by the serene ponds filled with beautiful koi fish, making it a highly sought-after location for 'Instagrammable' photos. The spring water, revered as holy by the local community, is regularly used for religious ceremonies and also supplies drinking water to the town of Amlapura. Nestled near a natural spring under a huge banyan tree at the foot of a hill, with a village temple atop, Tirta Gangga offers fantastic views and a relatively cool climate, promising a worthwhile and unforgettable experience.
What's Included
- Public toilets (donations appreciated)
- Multiple restaurants offering Indonesian cuisine
- Shops selling drinks and souvenirs
- Spacious parking area
- Special bathing pool
- Bungalow units available for rent (within the former king's home complex)
Notes
- Highly popular for 'Instagrammable' photos, especially with the koi fish.
- It is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and take photos freely.
- The journey to Tirta Gangga offers picturesque countryside views and local activities.
- Located in Ababi Village, Abang Sub-district, Karangasem Regency, East Bali.
- Approximately 2 hours drive from Denpasar or Kuta, and 1 hour 30 minutes from Ubud.
- The water from the natural spring is considered sacred and is used for local religious ceremonies.
- The former King, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, personally participated in the construction and design of the water gardens.