Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a carefully curated water garden that provides a cooling place to explore on a hot day in Bali. It may not be centuries old, but this mid-century construction by a Balinese monarch offers a beautiful window into preserving the island’s culture and design heritage. As well as being very photogenic, there’s also the chance to dip in the palace’s refreshing pools.
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A Guide to the Tirta Gangga Water Palace in Bali
History and features of Tirta Gangga Water Palace in Bali
Named after the River Ganges, which is sacred in Hinduism, Tirta Gangga Water Palace began life as a royal palace for the Karangasem Kingdom. The kingdom came into being in 1661 as one of the separate polities that emerged following the break-up of the Kingdom of Bali towards the end of the 17th century.
Back then, its land corresponded to the present-day Karangasem Regency and a portion of Lombok. During the drawn-out conquering of Bali by the Dutch, the Karangasem dynasty offered fierce resistance until its defeat in 1894.
It was one of this kingdom’s later rulers, I Gusti Bagus Djelantik, who would go on to build Tirta Gangga Water Palace. Born in 1887, he became an instrument of Dutch rule when he ascended to the Karangasem throne in 1908. Briefly independent in 1945, Kerangasem then joined the state of East Indonesia, eventually becoming part of Bali in the Republic of Indonesia in 1950.
As a ruler, instead of battling against the colonists, Djelantik worked with the invading forces to help his people. This resulted in infrastructure such as roads and water supply to the people of Karangasem.
Throughout his reign, the monarch relied on Hindu poetry and manuscripts for meditative practice, learning about human values. These meditations manifested themselves physically when he came to plan the Tirta Gangga Water Palace and the Pura Agung Karangasem.
The architecture of the water palace, which was completed in 1946, drew from influences of traditional Balinese palaces and temples. Djelantik utilized the skills of local craftspeople to build the water garden in the manner of the famous Balinese aesthetics of the past.
Today the cultural heritage of the island can be clearly seen at Tirta Gangga Water Palace, although sadly, much of it was destroyed during the devastating eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 (it was later rebuilt).
Set across 1.2 hectares, the water palace — which is actually more of a garden than a palace as such — is a carefully sculpted artificial landscape set out across three different portions. Here you’ll find large ponds dotted with stepping stones and planted with water lilies, intricate sculptures, and layers of well-tended gardens creating a lush, manicured backdrop.
Interested in visiting the Tirta Gangga Water Palace on a guided tour? I recommend the following:
Bali: Full-Day Instagram Highlights Tour
Bali: Besakih Temple & Lempuyang Temple Gates of Heaven Tour
What to see and do at Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Lower gardens
The first level of Tirta Gangga Water Palace is home to two large ponds of water, which are the first things you’ll see as you enter the complex. Octagonal stepping stones are arranged geometrically across the water’s surface, which is also scattered with Hindu guardian deities wielding maces.
At the center of each pond is a pagoda-esque fountain, rising from the water like a lotus. Visitors can walk over the stepping stones and peer into the clear, shallow water to see the koi carp swimming around.
Middle gardens
The middle level is the location of pools that you can swim in, though many people choose to just dip their feet into the cool water instead. The pools, created in a traditional Balinese style (like those of Pura Tirta Empul), have different levels themselves, allowing visitors to immerse themselves as they see fit.
Upper gardens
The final section of Tirta Gangga Water Palace is the location of more beautiful water gardens, as well as the king’s old country retreat. This building now houses a restaurant, where you can eat with splendidly refreshing views of the gardens themselves. Make sure to look out for the bridges here, which lead over the ponds and are decorated with naga — mythological serpents sacred to Hinduism.
Practical information for visiting Tirta Gangga Water Palace in Bali
What to wear in the Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Since Tirta Gangga Water Palace is not actually a temple, dressing in a modest way (as is the case at Hindu sites across Bali) is not required. However, it’s probably still not a good idea to dress in overly revealing clothing.
Another thing to consider is protecting yourself from the heat. The gardens here are mainly out in the open, plus the sun will reflect off the water, so you’ll want to wear things to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. Something loose-fitting and long would be ok here; a sunhat and some sunglasses might also be a good idea.
However, you may also want to bring along your swimming costume, as it’s possible to swim in the large pool located at the middle level of the gardens.
Where is Tirta Gangga Water Palace (and how to get there)
You’ll find this storied, aesthetically pleasing garden in Ababi, Karangasem Regency, which is located in East Bali. It’s quite far from the main towns of Denpasar, Seminyak, and Ubud; it’s around two hours from this part of Bali to Tirta Gangga.
The closest large town to Tirta Gangga is the beach resort of Amed. From here, it’s just a half an hour’s drive. However, no matter where you’re located, if you want to go then you just need to make sure you have enough time to get there and back.
Hiring a driver for the day is the best idea, allowing you to stop off where you want along the way or perhaps booking yourself onto a tour that takes in the sights of eastern Bali. Whatever you do, don’t count on public transport.
Interested in visiting the Tirta Gangga Water Palace on a guided tour? I recommend the following:
Bali: Full-Day Instagram Highlights Tour
Bali: Besakih Temple & Lempuyang Temple Gates of Heaven Tour
Opening times of the Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
Entrance Fees for the Tirta Gangga Water Palace
The entrance fee for Tirta Gangga Water Palace is 50,000 RP for adults and 15,000 RP for children (aged 5 to 11). If you want to use the swimming pool, it’s 10,000 RP per person; there’s also the option to take a traditional jukung boat ride (20,000 per person).