Table of Content:
General and history
Taman Tirta Gangga is one of many water palaces on the island of Bali. The name Taman Tirta Gangga translates as ‘Sacred Water of the Ganges’.
In 1947, the Water Palace was built under the direction of the last Karangasem raja named Anak Agung Anglurah. When the palace was destroyed in 1963 due to a volcanic eruption and again in 1979 due to an earthquake, it was rebuilt true to the original in the following years.
The special feature of the water palace Taman Tirta Gangga is that it originates from a sacred spring.
Description
The entrance to the 1.2 hejtar water palace Taman Tirta Gangga is the Candi Bentar, a split gate. If you go down the subsequent staircase of stones, you will see several large pools of water.
On the lowest of the three levels, the first thing you see on the right side is a water basin surrounded by stone statues. These symbolize Indian epic. Visitors can cross the pools via stone slabs that float on the water. However, here you should pay attention to the fact that the stone slat path on the water basin is a maze. In the basin next to it there is a fountain. This has the shape of a meru and is surrounded by other stone sculptures.
The water of the sacred spring, on the other hand, comes out from the upper level under Indian fig tree. This water flows to both the ponds and the swimming pools for visitors. The rest is taken as drinking water for the village of Amlapura and for religious ceremonies.
The bathing pools are separated by fences from the landscaped ponds of the water palace. There is both a shallow pool for non-swimmers and a deep pool. The latter, incidentally, is surrounded by four figures that can spit water.
This is what you should have done at the sights!
- For a little rest, stop at the palace restaurant or have a picnic near the swimming pool, which can be found at the back of the lowest level of the Water Palace.
- Many locals and Hindu believers like to bathe in the water palace swimming pool just mentioned, as according to their beliefs, the holy water purifies both their soul and spirit.
- Near the water palace Taman Tirta Gangga is the water palace Taman Ujung. Because of the many water basins, pavilions and bridges, many tourists make a detour to this palace afterwards.
For whom is the sight suitable?
Besides tourists from all over the world, who like to take photos on the unique complex, many locals also come to the water palace Taman Tirta Gangga, because of its religious significance. Also popular is the Water Palace for photo shoots of wedding couples.
Info and tips
Taman Tirta Gangga opens its doors every day from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. It is best to visit in the early evening or directly in the morning, otherwise it can quickly become crowded, as many local school groups visit this historic and religious place.
Conclusion
The water palace Taman Tirta Gangga is highly recommended as an excursion destination during a vacation on the island of Bali. The diversity of the plant arouses the interest of many visitors and locals. Whether swimming pool or created ponds for ornament, walkways or lawns, koi or carp, palm island or fountain, water features or statues – this water palace is truly unique.
Where is the place of interest?
The water palace Taman Tirta Gangga is located far east on Bali. About six kilometers away is the small town of Amlapura, which was formerly Karangasem.
From the towns of Candi Dasa and Padang Bai it is a 30 and 40 minute drive respectively. If you want to go there from Denpasar or Kuta, one way takes about two hours, so you should make a day trip out of the visit to the Water Palace.
Address of the Water Palace
The address of the water palace is: Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat, Ababi, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia.
