| Tirta Gangga
in Amlapura
The Water Palace Pleasure Park
One of the selection of top sightseeing destination
in Bali by Hello Bali.
Holly Water
This is a fabolous Water Palace situated in the eastern
part of Bali of Amlapura, the main town of the Karangasem
Regency, which was previously the seat of the most powerful
Rajadom of Bali, with the power of its kings extending
to the island of Lombok. Its name comes from Tirta (holy
water) and Gangga (from the Ganges). The royal family
managed to retain both title and certain powers under
Dutch occupation, and so the palace, Puri Kanginan,
has a fascinating mixture of designs from Europe, China,
and Bali in both its archhitectural design and layout.
There is even a main building with a verandah called
the 'Bale London' that has furniture bearing a motif
of the Royal Crest of England.
The late King, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut, built architectural
'follies', among them the extravagant Water Palace at
Ujung, and a royal pleasure park named Tirtagangga in
1947, where natural spring gushing forth from animal
statues and fountains feed an series of beautiful pools.
Local flock here at sunset bathe in the cool shade of
the pools. The Tirtha Ayu restaurant in the grounds
of the palace is the perfect place to take in a drink
and the amazing scenery.
Rice Terraces
The view of the surrounding countryside is blessed
with some of the most amazing rice terraces, and the
local accommodation within walking distance may persuade
you to stay overnight. The mornings are stunning and
inspire many a walk, photograph, or even paint on paper.
The visual stimulus is breathtaking. This is real Bali
at its best.
The coller temperature of Tirtagangga make it a popular
destination during the hotter months and enhance the
charm of the Water Palace's features.
Open daily from 7am - 6pm.
There is an admission fee with various additional charges
for the pools. Found 6km north of the road to Abang
- 20 minutes drive from Candi Dasa, 85km from Denpasar.
Freely taken from HelloBali vol. 11 No. 3 March 2006 |
