Tirta Gangga is a former royal palace which is located in eastern Bali, Indonesia, about 5 kilometers from Karangasem , near Abang. It is notable for its water palace, owned by Karangasem Royal.
The Royal Water Garden Tirta Gangga is a favorite retreat in the Karangasem Regency, East Bali, built in 1946 during the reign of the last Karangasem Rajah, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem (1887 – 1966). Tirta Gangga saw a series of restorations after the destructive volcanic ash rains of the Mount Agung eruption in 1963.
The Bali Water Palace Temple
The splendid water gardens owned by the Karangasem royal family feature 1.2 hectares of pools. It also has ponds and fountains surrounded by carefully cut gardens adorned with steps, ornate statues and tropical gardens.Tirta Gangga is located in the village of Ababi, about 75 km east of Denpasar. The complex is a brilliant retreat in the eastern highlands, perched on the south-eastern slope of the island’s highest mountain, Mount Agung.
The Tirta Gangga complex was built at the same time as Taman Soekasada Ujung.another site located near the coast and 8.5 km south in Tumbu village. Tirta Gangga, like its sister royal bath complex, also consists of tropical gardens, children’s pools, fish ponds and fountains,
The interior of Tirta Gangga temple
Upon entering the site, the first thing you see is a pond in which rows of guard figures holding cudgels are neatly arranged. In addition, the polygonal steps that allow visitors to walk around the pond are orderly, allowing to see the old gold carp and relatively large ones up close in the clear, shallow ponds.
Behind the first pond is the central fountain, which has guard statues at its base. 10 m high this fountain has eleven levels with a lotus shape at its tip. The water jet splashes the stands to create a refreshing effect and a relaxing view.», ‘The springs are located on a higher ground to the right of the entrance to the site, under a large fig tree.
The water is considered sacred by the locals and is used during religious ceremonies, as well as a source of drinking water. On the lower level of the water fountain there are two clear pools, one of which serves as a public pool and visitors are welcome to swim here. Different floor depths allow all ages to enjoy the pools.
The large pond of the Water Palace
It is a 100 m2 pond on the south side of the complex is full of large golden carp and other large fish, swimming is prohibited. Two bridges connect the sides of the pond, which have statues of mythical Balinese dragons adorned on the sides. It is especially good to know about Tirta Gangga as it is a convenient stop along the tour itineraries to the eastern region of Bali. Its main entrance and large parking area are easily visible from the main road of Amlapura. The site is open to the public and a small entrance fee applies which is for maintenance.
What to eat inside the Water Palace
It is a favorite retreat and some weekends may seem a bit crowded . In addition to the many small warung stands outside the main site and around the parking area, Tirta Gangga also has accommodation facilities and a restaurant, as well as the Tirta Ayu Hotel & Restaurant, located just behind the main fountain.
Tirta Ayu offers a menu that features a combination of international dishes, through a variety of salads, vegetarian delights, delicious desserts and cakes, and a selection of wines, ice-cold beers and exotic cocktails, and guests can dine outdoors with overlooking the beautiful water gardens and fountains.