Tirta Gangga Water Palace in Bali

Another spot made even more popular by social media, and one of the top traveler list in east Bali which always been a tourist destination to those visiting the island.

The east side of Bali may not be as hip as west part of the island. But still, the exquisiteness of vista in the eastern will grasp quintessence of every traveler in an instance.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace also known locally as Taman Tirta Gangga, is a former water palace of Karangasem empire which one of east Bali’s most famous sights.

Situated about 6 kilometres north of the town of Amlapura, which feature 1.2ha of pools, ponds and fountains surrounded by tropical gardens.

Breathtaking scenery with lush rice paddies back three levels of ornamental gardens with swimming pools, fountains, stone carvings, stepping stones, fish ponds, and airy pavilions.

tirta gangga

The Tirta Gangga literally means water from the Ganges (India's holy Ganges River) and it is a site of some reverance for the Hindu Balinese.

Strictly, the name refers to the water palace built here from the late 1940's to the 1950's by Gusti Gede Djelantik, heir to the former Kingdom of Karangasem.

The centrepiece of the palace is an eleven tiered fountain and there are many beautiful carvings and statues adorning the gardens.

So if you’re heading east of Bali and wish to visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace, here’s everything you need to know :

What to Expect at Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a popular side trip from the nearby coastal resort towns of Amed and Candidasa.

The water palace is the main draw card where the gardens, the huge koi fish and the spring fed swimming pools are worth the stop.

Tirta Gangga also convenient stopover along tour itineraries to Bali’s eastern region, as well as the trip to Lempuyang Temple (The Gateway to Heaven).

tirta gangga water palace

Entering the site, the first thing that comes into view is a pond where rows of guardian figures holding cudgels are neatly arranged.

Also, polygonal stepping stones which enable visitors to ‘tour’ the pond are set out in order.

This allows viewing the old and relatively large golden carp from up close in the clear and shallow ponds.

Behind the first pond is the central towering fountain, again featuring guardian statues at its base.

tirta gangga water palace

This 10m high fountain has eleven tiers with a shape of a lotus at its tip. The spouting water splashes down the tiers to make a cooling effect and a soothing sight.

The springs are located at a higher ground to the right of the entrance of the site, under a large banyan tree.

The water is considered holy by the locals and is used during religious ceremonies, as well as a source of potable water.

At the lower level of the water source are two clear pools. One of them serves as a public wading pool and visitors are welcome to swim here.

The pools have a design that harks back to the olden days, consisting of sandstone and natural materials. Different floor depths enable all ages to enjoy the pools.

tirta gangga water palace

The grand 100sqm pond at the southern side of the complex is filled with large golden carp and other large fish, and swimming is prohibited.

Two bridges connect the sides of the pond, which feature ornate mythical Balinese dragon statues at its sides.

You can feed the fish in the area and capture a memorable photo at Tirta Gangga to end your visit.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace Map & Location

Tirta Gangga is located in the village of Ababi, Karangasem regency, Bali, Indonesia, an approximate 75km east of Denpasar.

Just 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Amlapura, it’s also a short hop from the diving meccas of Amed and Tulamben, and a popular stop en route to Amed.

The complex is a cool retreat in the eastern highlands, perched on the south-eastern slope of the island’s highest mountain, Mount Agung.

Bali tours often pair Tirta Gangga palace with other relics of the Karangasem kingdom, such as Ujung Water Palace.

Here is an accurate position of Tirta Gangga Water Palace on the Google map

How to Get to Tirta Gangga Water Palace

The easiest way for tourists to reach Tirta Gangga Water Palace is on the Perama shuttle, which runs to and from the airport, Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, Amed, Tulamben, Padangbai, and Candidasa.

Self-driving is also possible, although as the journey from Kuta or Seminyak can take up to three hours, and 2 hours from Ubud.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace Entrance Fee

Visit to Tirta Gangga there’s an entry fee of 30,000 IDR per person. There is an additional cost of 10,000 IDR per person for swimming in the freshwater pool.

The ticket can be bought at the ticket counter which located just infront of entrance gate in parking area. When you pay you will receive a ‘Ticket’ as a receipt!

tirta gangga entrance fee

And the payment should be cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), so please prepare small cash before you come here.

You can feed the fish in the area and fish food 5,000 IDR per bag, then capture a memorable photo at Tirta Gangga to end your visit.

Best Time To Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Tirta Gangga is a popular visit, so to avoid the crowd we would recommend going and visit in the early mornings just before 10am

Or the later afternoons around 5pm just before it closes (6pm everyday). Normally, at that time of the day, it shouldn’t be crowded at all.

The garden is not that big so if you want to enjoy and take your time, I’d say you need approximately 30/40min.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace Opening Hours

Tirta Gangga is open for visitor seven days a week from 6am to 6pm, year-round, with the exception of Nyepi (the “Day of Silence” holiday).

Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali, Indonesia.

tirta gangga water palace

Nyepi, a public holiday in Indonesia, is a day of silence, fasting and meditation for the Balinese. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New Year's Day.

Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection, and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted.

The main restrictions are no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and, for some, no talking or eating at all.

Tirta Gangga History

Tirta Gangga Water Palace designed and constructed by Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, the last King of Karangasem, in 1948 and showcases a unique mix of Balinese and Chinese architecture.

The construction of the scenic palace is not happening with the King idea only. King Anak Agung Karangasem likewise involves designing, working together with his people constructing the palace.

tirta gangga water palace

He doesn’t mind engaging in digging the soil. Wetting his knee in the water and working in the dirty mud helping the laborer.

The passion to work with his people and involvement during the construction of the palace. Brings admiration to people not limited only his folks.

But also impress the worker knew him for a while. Tirta Gangga Water Palace construction begins in 1946 and finishes 2 years later.

The palace becomes the pride of Karangasem people. And also a great accomplishment achieved by the king at the age of 61.

A Palace that captures the King spirit. Both in preserve holiness and respecting his root culture.

Tirta Gangga remains to be a vessel where people and their king equalize life until now.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace Restorfation

The eruption occurs from February to September in 1963 ruins almost the greater part of Tirta Gangga. The Palace was not in good shape when the King return.

The entire vegetation vanishes due to the effect of lava and hot ash during the earthquake.

For some time during the eruption, Tirta Gangga palace has left abandoned. People from the village along with the King family have gone to the safer place.

Fleeing from the mountain catastrophe. The palace left empty with every property inside the palace being sold.

After the catastrophe past, evacuation ended. The king and his folk return just to discover the palace ruins. A restoration work of Tirta Gangga Water Palace took longer than the king expected.

At 1979, 16 years after the earthquake. The first restoration begins with the king ordered. The rehabilitation of the palace garden conducts and supervise with the king in charge.

By the help of the local government, and visitor contribution some spot is rehabilitated. Inexhaustible work series on Tirta Gangga restore the water garden.

In 1999, the king son involves and transform Tirta Gangga Water Palace into the present shape.

Things To Do in Tirta Gangga Water Palace

As a solo, couple traveler or coming with a pack of a family member. Tirtagangga Palace has a lot to offer.

Amidst the holiness of Tirta Gangga Water Palace, tier fountain and ponds. A gorgeous set-out garden and tranquil atmosphere.

tirta gangga water palace

Is a perfect pair to escape from the hustle bustle city, and here are the things that you can do :

Fish Pond

Immense pond with plentiful of Koi fish definitely the star of the pond. The visitors will be able to self-feed the fish. Make sure to buy some fish food or just bring a bread onward.

Natural Spring

The fresh water from Tirta Gangga Water Palace is perpetual as holy water. Water from the spring is used for an uttermost purpose in the city. As the source of drinking water for the whole town of Amlapura.

The water also used for the religious ceremony in the temples inside the palace. Flowing into the swimming pool, ponds and pouring the rice field in surrounding area.

Swimming Pool

Aside from beautiful sculpture, fountain, lush green garden. The guests can enjoy a dip and swim in the cool fresh water outdoors.

There is 2 swimming pool in Tirta Gangga Water Palace. One other is more popular with the locals.

Meditation

Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a perfect contemplation place. It’s a perfect place for the visitors looking for a brief serenity.

Right after the main gate visitor will be greeted by 2 beautiful dragons statue. The protector of the meditation area.

The dragons will encounter the negative energy and defend from the demon spirit.

Top 10 Best & Cheap Hotels in Tirta Gangga

Need a great hotel at a cheap rate in Tirta Gangga? Below are various hotels choices range from budget to luxury that are catered to leisure travellers, and rooms are clean and cosy, offering a quiet escape from the bustling scenes of the city.

  1. Tirtagangga Water Palace Villas
  2. Leging View
  3. Padoba Mimpi House
  4. Villa Gangga
  5. Bali Butterfly Villas
  6. Tirta Ayu Hotel and Restaurant
  7. Pondok Alam Bukit
  8. Kusuma Jaya On The Hill
  9. Puri Sawah Bungalows & Restaurant
  10. GumiBali Villa

Tirta Gangga Restaurant

There is a surprisingly good choice of eateries in Tirtagangga. Located around the entry to the Tirta Gangga and prices are lower than in most other tourist areas.

A dozen or so eateries are open throughout the day with fewer at night. They range from the traditional Indonesian warung to the exclusive up market restaurant located within the palace grounds.

tirta gangga restaurant

And Tirta Ayu Restaurant is a favorite lunch stop inside the palace. Which serving a spectacular view facing the water garden from the hill.

The visitors can enjoy a fine cuisine in Tirta Ayu Restaurant after exploring the palace. A selectable menu both local or western dish.

The restaurant is well known for their great hospitality. As well as the food standard and quality. Is why it becomes the favorite restaurant among visitor.

Tirta Gangga Tours

There are a number of area tours that include time both at Tirta Gangga Water Palace as well as other Karangasem sights like (The Gateway to Heaven), Cansdidasa beach, Kerta Gosa, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Ujung Water Palace and much more.

Below are some of the best and most pupular day tour which included some or most of those places in their itineraries;

East Bali Tour

#1. EAST BALI TOUR
Price: $ 55

This is one of the most popular day trip in Bali. Take you on journeys to experience and discover some of the highlights of Bali’s east region, which is stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich culture. As well as the uncrowded and lesser-traveled east hern coastline.

lempuyang temple

#2. BALI INSTAGRAMABLE TOUR
Price: $ 50

On top of snapping some Instagram-worthy pictures, you'll learn about the Balinese culture and history of Tirta Gangga Water Palace and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Snap some magical shots of the Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang Temple with the clouds and the majestic Mount Agung in the background.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tukad Cepung Waterfall, which has its own uniqueness that looks like water that falls from the sky because the sunlight coming from above the waterfall illuminates the water.

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KETUT ASTAWA
Co-Founder of Bali Cheapest Tours

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