Tirta Gangga is a stunning water palace in Bali, Indonesia, that will take your breath away with its beauty and charm. Built by a king in the 1940s, this royal complex features pools, fountains, gardens, and sculptures that reflect the rich culture and religion of Bali.
Whether you want to swim in the crystal-clear water, feed the colorful fish, explore the lush greenery, or take amazing photos, Tirta Gangga is a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves nature and history. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Tirta Gangga, including how to reach, when to go, and what to do there. Read on and get ready to be enchanted by this magical water palace.
Things to Do at Tirta Gangga Water Palace
There are plenty of things to do at Tirta Gangga Water Palace that will make your visit memorable and enjoyable. Here are some of the highlights:
Swimming in the pools and fountains:
One of the main attractions of Tirta Gangga is the opportunity to swim in the refreshing water of the pools and fountains. The water is sourced from a natural spring and is believed to have healing properties. You can choose from three pools, each with different depths and sizes. The largest pool, called Abang, is the most popular and has a stunning view of the rice terraces and the mountains. The second pool, called Kediri, is smaller and quieter, and has a fountain with a dragon statue. The third pool, called Karangasem, is the shallowest and has a fountain with a lotus flower. The entrance fee for swimming is 20,000 IDR (about 1.4 USD) per person, and you can rent a locker and a towel for an extra fee.
Feeding the fish and admiring the aquatic life:
Another fun activity at Tirta Gangga is feeding the fish and admiring the aquatic life. The water palace is home to hundreds of fish, mostly koi and goldfish, that swim around the pools and fountains. You can buy fish food for 5,000 IDR (about 0.4 USD) per bag and watch the fish swarm to your hand. You can also see other aquatic creatures, such as turtles, frogs, and eels, in the water. Feeding the fish is not only entertaining, but also considered a good deed, as the fish are sacred to the Balinese people.
Exploring the gardens and the sculptures:
Tirta Gangga is not only a water palace, but also a beautiful garden that showcases the natural beauty of Bali. You can explore the garden and admire the variety of plants, flowers, and trees that grow there. You can also see the sculptures and statues that decorate the garden, such as the mythical creatures, the Hindu gods, and the royal family. The sculptures and statues are made of stone, wood, or metal, and have intricate details and designs. The garden is well-maintained and clean, and you can walk along the pathways and bridges that connect the different areas of the water palace.
Taking photos and selfies with the scenic views:
Tirta Gangga is a paradise for photographers and selfie lovers, as it offers many scenic views and photo opportunities. You can capture the stunning scenery of the water palace, such as the pools, fountains, gardens, and sculptures, as well as the surrounding landscape, such as the rice terraces, the mountains, and the sky. You can also pose with the fish, the statues, or the water features, and create some amazing shots. Tirta Gangga is especially beautiful in the morning and the evening, when the light is soft and the colors are vibrant. You can also use some props, such as umbrellas, hats, or flowers, to add some flair to your photos.
Learning about the culture and the religion of Bali:
Tirta Gangga is not only a tourist attraction, but also a cultural and religious site that reflects the history and the beliefs of Bali. You can learn about the origin, the construction, and the restoration of the water palace, as well as its significance to the Balinese people. You can also learn about the Hindu rituals and ceremonies that take place at the water palace, such as the purification, the offerings, and the prayers. You can also witness the local people performing their daily activities, such as farming, fishing, or cooking, and get a glimpse of their lifestyle and culture.
How to Reach Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is located in the village of Ababi, in the district of Karangasem, in the eastern part of Bali. It is about 83 kilometers (51 miles) from Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, and about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Amlapura, the main town of Karangasem. There are several ways to get to the water palace from different parts of Bali, such as:
By car:
The most convenient and comfortable way to get to Tirta Gangga is by car, as you can enjoy the scenic drive and stop at other attractions along the way. You can either rent a car and drive yourself, or hire a driver-guide and let them take care of the navigation and the parking. The cost of renting a car ranges from 200,000 to 400,000 IDR (about 14 to 28 USD) per day, depending on the type and the condition of the car. The cost of hiring a driver-guide ranges from 500,000 to 800,000 IDR (about 35 to 56 USD) per day, depending on the distance and the duration of the trip. The benefit of hiring a driver-guide is that they can also provide you with information and tips about the water palace and other places of interest. The drive from Denpasar to Tirta Gangga takes about 2.5 hours, and the best route to follow is the one that passes through Sanur, Klungkung, Sidemen, and Amlapura.
By bike:
Another option to get to Tirta Gangga is by bike, which is suitable for adventurous and experienced riders who want to explore the countryside and the villages of Bali. You can either rent a bike and ride yourself, or join a bike tour and follow a guide. The cost of renting a bike ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 IDR (about 3.5 to 7 USD) per day, depending on the type and the condition of the bike. The cost of joining a bike tour ranges from 300,000 to 500,000 IDR (about 21 to 35 USD) per person, depending on the itinerary and the inclusions of the tour. The benefit of joining a bike tour is that they can also provide you with safety equipment, snacks, drinks, and lunch. The ride from Denpasar to Tirta Gangga takes about 4 hours, and the best route to follow is the one that passes through Gianyar, Bangli, Rendang, and Selat.
By bus:
The cheapest way to get to Tirta Gangga is by bus, which is suitable for budget and solo travelers who don’t mind the long and crowded journey. You can either take a direct bus or a combination of buses to get to the water palace. The cost of taking a bus ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 IDR (about 0.7 to 3.5 USD) per person, depending on the distance and the type of the bus. The drawback of taking a bus is that they are often slow, unreliable, and uncomfortable, and you may have to deal with traffic, delays, and scams. The bus from Denpasar to Tirta Gangga takes about 3.5 hours, and the best route to follow is the one that passes through Kusamba, Candidasa, and Amlapura.
Best Time to Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace
The best time to visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace depends on several factors, such as the weather, the crowd, and the events. Here are some tips to help you decide when to go:
Weather:
The weather in Bali is tropical and humid, with two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season lasts from April to September, and the wet season lasts from October to March. The dry season is generally the best time to visit Tirta Gangga, as the weather is sunny and pleasant, and the water is clear and clean. The wet season is not recommended, as the weather is rainy and cloudy, and the water is murky and dirty. However, the wet season also has its advantages, such as lower prices, fewer tourists, and greener scenery. The average temperature in Bali ranges from 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), and the average rainfall ranges from 50 to 300 mm (2 to 12 inches) per month.
Crowd:
The crowd in Bali varies according to the season, the month, and the day. The peak season in Bali lasts from July to August, and from December to January, when the island is crowded with domestic and international tourists, especially during the school holidays and the festive seasons. The low season in Bali lasts from February to June, and from September to November, when the island is less crowded and more peaceful. The best time to avoid crowds at Tirta Gangga is during the low season, or during the weekdays, or during the early morning or the late afternoon. The worst time to encounter crowds at Tirta Gangga is during the peak season, or during the weekends, or during the midday or the evening.
Events That Take Place at or Near Tirta Gangga
The events in Bali are influenced by the Balinese calendar, which is based on the lunar cycles and the Hindu festivals. Some of the events that take place at or near Tirta Gangga are:
Galungan and Kuningan:
These are the most important festivals in Bali, which celebrate the victory of good over evil. Galungan is the day when the ancestral spirits visit the earth, and Kuningan is the day when they return to heaven. During these festivals, the Balinese people decorate their homes and temples with bamboo poles, coconut leaves, and flowers, and make offerings and prayers to their ancestors and gods. Tirta Gangga is one of the temples that hosts these ceremonies, and you can witness the rituals and the processions that take place there. Galungan and Kuningan occur every 210 days, and the next ones are on February 15 and February 25, 2023, respectively.
Nyepi:
This is the Balinese New Year, which is also known as the Day of Silence. On this day, the Balinese people observe a day of fasting, meditation, and self-reflection, and abstain from any activity that disturbs the harmony and the balance of nature. This means that there is no electricity, no fire, no noise, no travel, and no entertainment on the island. Tirta Gangga is one of the places that observes Nyepi, and you can experience the silence and the serenity that surrounds the water palace. Nyepi occurs on the first day of the lunar month of Saka, and the next one is on March 22, 2023.
Tumpek Uduh:
This is a festival that honors the plants and the trees, and asks for their blessings and protection. On this day, the Balinese people dress up the plants and the trees with clothes, jewelry, and flowers, and make offerings and prayers to them. Tirta Gangga is one of the places that celebrates Tumpek Uduh, and you can see the garden and the sculptures adorned with colorful and festive decorations. Tumpek Uduh occurs every 210 days, and the next one is on April 8, 2023.
Tips for Visiting Tirta Gangga Water Palace
To make your visit to Tirta Gangga Water Palace more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some tips and information that you should know:
Entrance fee and opening hours:
The entrance fee for visiting Tirta Gangga is 40,000 IDR (about 2.8 USD) per person, and the entrance fee for swimming is 20,000 IDR (about 1.4 USD) per person. You can pay the fee at the ticket booth near the entrance gate. The opening hours of Tirta Gangga are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day of the week. You can spend as much time as you want at the water palace, but we recommend at least two hours to explore and enjoy the place.
Dress code and etiquette:
The dress code for visiting Tirta Gangga is casual and comfortable, but you should also respect the local culture and religion. You should wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing anything that is too revealing or offensive. You should also bring a sarong and a sash, which are required to enter the temple area. You can rent them for a small fee at the entrance gate, or buy them at the souvenir shops nearby.
You should also follow the etiquette and the rules of the water palace, such as:
Do not litter or damage the property
Do not feed or touch the animals without permission
Do not swim or bathe in the sacred pools or fountains
Do not disturb or interrupt the ceremonies or the prayers
Do not take photos or videos without consent
Facilities and amenities:
The facilities and amenities at Tirta Gangga are basic and limited, but sufficient for your needs. You can find the following facilities and amenities at or near the water palace:
Lockers and towels: You can rent a locker and a towel for 10,000 IDR (about 0.7 USD) each at the swimming area, where you can store your belongings and dry yourself after swimming.
Toilets and showers: You can use the toilets and showers for free at the swimming area, where you can freshen up and change your clothes after swimming.
Restaurants and cafes: You can find several restaurants and cafes near the entrance gate, where you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks, such as the local specialties, the seafood, the coffee, and the juice. The prices are reasonable and the service is friendly.
Souvenir shops and stalls: You can find several souvenir shops and stalls near the entrance gate, where you can buy some souvenirs and gifts, such as the handicrafts, the paintings, the jewelry, and the clothes. The quality is good and the bargaining is possible.
Safety precautions and potential risks:
The safety precautions and potential risks at Tirta Gangga are minimal and manageable, but you should still be aware and careful of them. You should take the following safety precautions and potential risks into account:
Sunburn and dehydration: The sun in Bali is strong and hot, and you may get sunburned or dehydrated if you are not careful. You should wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and drink plenty of water to protect yourself from the sun.
Insects and animals: The insects and animals in Bali are mostly harmless and friendly, but some of them may bite or sting you if you are not careful. You should wear insect repellent, and avoid touching or feeding the insects and animals without permission.
Traffic and accidents: The traffic in Bali is chaotic and unpredictable, and you may encounter accidents or delays if you are not careful. You should follow the traffic rules, wear a helmet, and drive safely and defensively.
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a wonderful attraction in Bali, Indonesia, that will enchant you with its beauty and charm. It is a place where you can enjoy the nature, the history, and the culture of Bali, and have a relaxing and memorable time. Whether you want to swim, feed the fish, explore the garden, take photos, or learn about the rituals, Tirta Gangga has something for everyone. If you are planning to visit Bali, don’t miss the chance to visit this magical water palace. You won’t regret it.
If you want to book a ticket, visit the website, or contact the water palace for more information, you can use the links and the details below. You can also check out our other guides and resources on Bali, such as the best tours, hotels, and restaurants near Tirta Gangga.
We hope you enjoyed this guide and found it useful. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
