The Royal Baths of Tirtagangga in Bali
The Royal Baths of Tirtagangga located between Candidasa and Amed (30 minutes drive from Amed).
A few kilometers from Amlapura, east of Bali, stands the water palace of Tirtagangga. A famous seaside resort located in the Karangasem district, in the village of Ababi, it is one of the most beautiful sites on the Island of the Gods. Ideal for a moment of relaxation and tranquility, visitors will appreciate its natural environment. We recommend this place to all lovers of calm and serenity!
Story
Tirtagangga Water Palace was built in 1947 by the last King of Karangasem Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut. At that time, the site was a private resort only dedicated to the latter and his family. Hit by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963, the site and the water palace were rebuilt again.
In the past, it was customary for each Balinese kingdom to have its own palace supported by an outdoor water or natural facility. It could be a pond, a swimming pool, a park or a resort. The royal baths of Tirtagangga were therefore annexed to the royal palace of the kingdom of Karangasem.
Read also: Must Visit Places in Bali | What to do List
Discover the water palace of Tirtagangga
The royal baths of Tirtagangga extend over 12,000 m² and are divided into three sections. The site includes the Lotus Pond and Fountain, the Royal Pool and the King’s Palace. ”
“Tirta” in Indonesian means “holy water” and “gangga” means “Ganges”. The name of the place therefore refers to the famous river in India, a sacred source for Hinduism. It is therefore a place of great importance to Balinese Hindus.
The Tirtagangga Water Garden combines Chinese and Balinese gardening techniques. An eleven-storey fountain dominates the entire site and illustrates this mixture of styles well. This is the centerpiece of the site. In addition to this fountain, several basins exhibit various Balinese and exotic sculptures. Stone slabs in the center of some pools, which can give the impression of walking on water.
The afternoon is the best time to visit the palace. In particular, you can swim for free in the royal swimming pool and enjoy a moment of freshness in water that comes directly from Mount Agung. We therefore invite you to bring your swimsuit to visit the site. If you prefer to stay dry, you can always come and observe the giant Koi fish in the ponds.
How to get there?
It takes about two hours by road from Denpasar to get to the Royal Baths of Tirtagangga. So meet at the big main bus station near Denpasar International Airport in Ngurah Rai. Buses to Tirtagangga follow the route through Sanur, Manggis, Candidasa and Amlapura.
Schedules and prices
The Tirtagangga Aquatic Palace remains open 24 hours a day. Note, however, that the ticket office is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission fees are IDR 3,100 for locals and IDR 20,000 per person for foreigners. In addition, if you want to bring your camera, you will have to advance IDR 1000. (Prices may changed without prior notice).
Sources: Villa Carissa Seminyak, PinterPandai, Wanderers & Warriors
Photo credit (main picture): Author: S A B R I N A B A L I (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
