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).

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tirta Gangga Restaurant

Tirta Gangga Tours