Tirta Gangga: the water palace of Karangasem
Ponds, fountains and stepping stones over fish-filled water, built by the last king of Karangasem.
- Area
- East
- Start from
- Amed
- Distance
- about 30 minutes from Amed
- Time needed
- half a day
- Best season
- All year
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Transport
- Car or scooter
- Tickets & rules
- Entry ticket
Why go
Tirta Gangga is a royal water garden in East Bali, with ponds full of koi, an eleven-tiered fountain, statues of mythical creatures and stepping stones that let you walk across the water.
It's beautiful in the morning, when the light is soft and the garden is calm. The surrounding countryside of rice terraces and hills is lovely for walking.
It's a perfect stop between Lempuyang, Amed and Sidemen.
The story
The garden was built in the mid-twentieth century by the last king of Karangasem, who designed several water palaces in the region, mixing Balinese, Chinese and European influences.
In 1963, the eruption of Mount Agung damaged the palace, and it was later restored.
Tirta Gangga means 'water of the Ganges', a reference to the sacred river of India, from which, in Balinese tradition, holy water ultimately derives its meaning.
Getting there
Drive from Amed or Sidemen; the palace is on the main road in the village of Ababi.
A suggested plan
- 08:00Visit the gardens early.
- 09:30Walk into the rice terraces behind the palace with a local guide.
- 12:00Lunch at a warung overlooking the paddies.
Where to stay
Small guesthouses in Tirta Gangga village, or Amed.
Good to know
- The holy spring water here is used for ceremonies; there are bathing pools in some parts.
- Go early on weekends.
- Stepping stones can be slippery; watch kids.
- Don't feed the fish anything other than the food sold on site.