Tirtaganga water palace in Amlapura. Tirtaganga

Each of the palaces you mentioned is unique in its own way, and it would be wrong to say that any of them are better or worse. If you do not like large crowds of tourists, then it is better to go to the Tirta Ganga temple, since not all travelers know about it and all the temple attractions can be seen without unnecessary crowds. The palace is located in Karangasem district, eight kilometers from the ancient city of Amlapura. Its name literally translates as “holy water from the Ganges,” but many tourists leave without really understanding what this river has to do with it.

The architectural ensemble of this palace is a real architectural labyrinth, consisting of bridges, fountains, pools, alleys, paths, various figures, statues of demons.

The total area of ​​the water gardens is 1.2 hectares. On the lower level there is a fish pool, a fountain, and several sculptures; on the middle level there are baths located in a holy spring, and on the upper level there is the Raja's residence with four guest bungalows and a number of domestic buildings. Some tourists are delighted with what they see and decide to stay overnight to fully enjoy all this beauty.

In fact, if you look closely at this complex, you can see that it is thought out to the smallest detail. Water from a natural source is collected in a large reservoir and then divided into two parts. The first part is used as drinking water for the neighboring city of Amlapura, while the second reaches the uppermost basin through an underground pipe. Excess water flows into a swimming pool located one level below, and from there into rice fields and small fish ponds. The lower level here is called the world of demons, the middle – the world of people, and the upper – the world of gods.

As a result of the eruption of Mount Agung, which occurred in 1963, the complex was slightly damaged, but over time it was completely restored and nothing reminds of that incident. The beautiful nature surrounded by the complex deserves special attention (the rice terraces look the most beautiful). Anyone can swim in the local baths for an additional fee, and many tourists do not deny themselves such pleasure, especially since there are many legends around these baths. One of them says that one who bathes in the sacred waters of Tirta Ganga during the full moon will gain eternal youth and beauty. How true this legend is is unknown, but there are plenty of people who want to test it for themselves.

Also, if you are lucky, you can witness various religious rites and ceremonies in which water from the source is mandatory. You can visit this place daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the entrance ticket costs about three dollars (swimming in the sacred spring costs extra).

Tirtaganga Water Palace (Taman Tirta Gang ga) is an architectural complex built in Bali by the last king of the Karangasem district. It is located in the eastern part of the island, near the city of Amlapur (70 kilometers from Denpasar).

On this page you will find a detailed description of the Tir Taganga Palace, as well as learn how to get to it and what to see nearby. In addition, I will give some useful tips for visiting this attraction.

The palace complex was built in 1942-19 46 by the ruler of Karangasem province, his name was Anak Agung Anglur ah Ketut. This is a rare case in history when a politician of this level personally took a direct part in the construction of his residence. Raja Ketut was known for his passion for architecture. There is a legend that the Raja was inspired to build the complex by a trip to France, to Versailles. It is unlikely that the palace on the water has anything in common with Versailles, but the first thing that catches your eye here is the abundance of details that you want to look at.

The name of the palace consists of two words: Tirta - which can be translated as “sacred water” - and Gang ga, which corresponds to the name of the sacred Ganges river in India. But the water palace has nothing in common with India. The fact is that the Ganges is closely connected with the Hindu religion. According to legends, this river used to flow in the heavens, but was then brought down to earth with the help of the god Shiva. Thus, the name of the palace can be translated as “the sacred waters of the Ganges River.”

By the way, you can also find another name - Tirtagangg a Water Palace. It was invented later - to make it easier for English-speaking tourists to navigate.

The Water Palace is an architectural ensemble with elements of Balinese and Chinese design. Tirtaganga looks like a bizarre labyrinth of ponds, fountains, bridges and alleys with dozens of statues of animals and demons, traditional for the local culture. The entire composition of the palace is framed in a lush green garden.

Description of the palace territory

Despite the garden's relatively small area (1.2 hectares) and its very young age for a historical landmark, Tir Taganga has the feeling of an ancient city or abandoned civilization. The reason for this is the special climate, due to which all buildings are covered with noble moss in a short time.

The palace territory consists of three levels, each of which represents different worlds:

1. The lower level is Bhur; this is the world of demons.
   There is even a garden built here for them. It is surrounded by a large pond, across which there is a bridge decorated with sculptures of demons. There is also a whole system of ponds and fountains in which fish swim. The first level also houses a water tower.
2. Middle level - Bwah. It symbolizes the world of people. There are baths here; According to legend, they were built on a holy spring. For a fee (10,000 rupees) you can swim in them.
3. The top level is Svakh, that is, the world of the gods, and at the same time the residence of the rajah. Here is a place for meditation, surrounded by three gods (Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma), as well as demons led by Rangda.

There are many statues throughout the garden. They symbolize the gods and demons from the Hindu epic - Ramayana. The centerpiece of the garden is the Nava Sanga fountain on the lower level. Its name can be translated as “divine guardian.” The fountain consists of 10 tiers and symbolizes the supreme god (Sang Hyang Vidi), surrounded by statues of Balinese deities.

The complex consists of a complex water supply system. Pipes laid underground are used to circulate water. Initially, the water comes here from a spring and is collected in a large reservoir on the lower level. Then it is divided into two parts: the first supplies the city of Amlapura through special channels, and the second goes into the highest pool from the mouth of the statue of the demon Rakshasa in the form of a boar. According to Hindu legends, this cannibal demon was created by Brahma to protect the water.

It is believed that the palace was built on the site of a holy spring flowing at the foot of a Banyan tree. This place is called E mbukan, which can be translated as spring. The source still exists today. Next to it is a small temple, to which the Balinese bring offerings daily.

Local residents are very sensitive to water - after all, there are only a few fresh springs on the island. It would seem that building a water palace is very wasteful. However, the water here is used more than rationally: its excess flows into swimming pools at the middle level, and from there, in turn, into small ponds with fish. But that's not all: the fish need to change the water regularly, so from here it leaks into the surrounding rice fields.

By the way, the fish in the local ponds are unusual - these are golden Koi carps brought here from Japan. Their sizes can reach 90 centimeters. At first glance, they look like huge goldfish. Interestingly, the cost of each such carp can reach $20,000.

On the central reservoir there is a path made of individual stone slabs, along which tourists like to walk. The depth of the reservoir in some places exceeds one meter. Opposite the path there is a stone cow with water flowing from its mouth.

Local women have a belief: if you walk along the stones of the water path in a certain order, you can find health, longevity and the most desired thing - beauty. There is another legend that whoever takes a dip in the sacred waters of Tir Tagang on the full moon is granted eternal youth. It is quite difficult to verify this, at least because the water palace is closed to visitors at night.

Tirtaganga is more popular with locals than tourists, but even busy groups of holidaymakers do not disturb the peaceful atmosphere, here you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Until now, the waters of Tir Tagang are considered holy, so Balinese-style colorful and exotic religious rituals are not uncommon here.

Looking at the moss-covered stone buildings, you might think that this palace is centuries old. In fact, this is not so: not only was it built a little more than a century ago, in addition, during its short history, Tir Taganga experienced serious restoration - after it suffered from the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. This year it was destroyed a huge number of houses and temples. The restoration of the water palace began immediately after the eruption, but soon the financial situation in Bali deteriorated greatly, and the reconstruction was completely completed only at the end of the 20th century.

How to get to the palace

Tirtaganga is located quite far from the tourist centers - 8 km from the city of Amlapur. From the southern resorts it will take about 60-90 km to get there.

From public transport, Perama buses go to the palace. Tickets must be booked at least one day in advance and cost around 200,000 rupees. But, since tourists do not often travel to the Amlapur region, there are no daily flights, and the specific cost must be clarified with company representatives.

But it is better to go to the palace by taxi or rented transport. The journey takes about 2 hours. Since the road from all southern resorts passes through Denpasar, I will give you a detailed route just from Denpasar.

So, here is the best travel option from the resort area.

1. Leave the city towards highway Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bag us Mantra (to the east).
2. Follow this road for about 40 km to the town of Candidasa. Before entering you will see a stone gate with the inscription Obyek Wisata Candidasa.
3. After passing the gate, move on and do not turn off the main road. After 3 km, a winding highway begins, along which you will arrive at the village of Bugbug (Desa Bug bug). You need to drive through it.
4. Continue for approximately 500 meters until you see a road sign indicating the direction to the village of Bungaya (Desa Bungaya). At the intersection, turn left. If you drive straight, you will have to make a big detour through Amlapura (Amlap ura).
5. After the turn, go straight for another 2.5 km. The path will pass through the villages of Adat and Asak (Desa Adat and Desa Asak).
6. Drive to the intersection with Jl. Salak, and on it turn right. After 2 kilometers you will reach Amlapura.
7. Drive to the intersection with Jl. KH Samanhudi, turn right on it, and after 170 meters turn left onto Jl. Nenas.
8. After 1.5 km turn right onto Jl. Veteran. It's a wide highway and you'll notice it right away.
9. Follow the road straight for about 1.2 km until you reach a T-junction. Turn left on it and drive forward.
10. After 500 meters the main road goes to the right. Continue moving along it without turning anywhere - and after 3 kilometers you will find yourself in place.
11. There is parking 100 meters from the entrance to the palace. There is a prominent sign next to it – Taman Wisata Tirta Gangg a Parkir. You can park here or drive to the entrance to the complex - there are also parking spaces there.

Tirtaganga Water Palace (Taman Tirta Gangga) on the map

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What to see nearby

The eastern part of Bali is not the most popular area among tourists. But still, there is somewhere to go here.

• Taman Ujung
  This is the second water palace in Bali and is almost 10 times larger than Tirtaganga. It was built by the same Anak Agung Anglurakh Ketut, but Ujung was designed for business meetings of the rajah. If you plan to visit both palaces, you need to plan your trip for the whole day.
• Amlapur city
  It is one of the oldest cities on the island and the former capital of the Karangasem kingdom, founded in the 17th century. During the Dutch colonization, the residents of Amlapura did not resist the invaders, which allowed them to preserve the architectural appearance of the city. Walking along the local streets, you will see not only buildings in the traditional Balinese style, but also European buildings from the colonial era.
• Rice terraces
  Tirtaganga is the only large source of fresh water in this region. Therefore, there are rice fields all around it. Unlike the famous Jatiluwi or Tegallalang terraces, these look much more modest and do not attract such a huge number of tourists. But it is much quieter here and you can watch the peasants at work.

What can you see in Bali if you want to plunge into the unusual mystical atmosphere of this magical island?

Strange question: when did you get to Paradise? - everything is like in a fairy tale, especially if you come here during the rainy season: lush vegetation, bright tropical flowers and juicy fruits, rushing waterfalls and terraces of rice fields under a clear mirror of water...

On a note!We deliberately went to Bali during the rainy season and were right, we flew from Thailand, I’ll tell you why.

• Firstly, Thanks to New Year's discounts on Air Asia flights, a flight from Bangkok to Bali cost ridiculous money (thanks to Asian low-cost airlines!). But the flight turned out to be only 4 hours, so it is beneficial to combine these two countries, this way you will save on a tedious and expensive flight from Europe to Asia.
• Secondly, from January 10, prices for hotels in Bali (even very steep ones) fall by 50-70%, which is not unimportant for the very expensive Island of the Gods.
• Third, tropical downpour is not continuous rain! We were lucky, the weather did not interfere with our travel and contemplation of the beauty of the paradise island. The rain sounded softly and delicately in the rice field in front of the hotel only at night. It only pleasantly lulled us to sleep after a day full of impressions, and in the morning the bright sun and clear sky again called us on the road... and so on for the entire 16 days of the journey.

You can talk about Bali for a very long time, it’s not for nothing that it’s calledthe kingdom of spirits and demons, the island of the Gods and thousands of temples.

The two words that come to my mind when I think about Bali are mysticism and creativity, these concepts are inextricably linked here.

How can it be? Go and understand! The multifaceted Bali is especially impressive for people who are creative and love harmony: the island gently captivates you with its magnificent nature, the elegance of its architecture and the amazing creativity of local craftsmen.

Just imagine the constant creative excitement from the fact that there is beauty on every corner and harmony in every flower, and the door to an ordinary house is the gate to Paradise, where around the corner there are figures of mystical creatures, while the days are filled with holidays and beautiful ceremonies.

Here, stone houses, gates and statues are covered with soft green moss within a few months, giving the impression that they belong to a great ancient heritage.

And OPP!!!...The trap slams shut and you are forever in the magical captivity of this wonderful place. But don't be upset, it's a pleasant captivity!

Made a particularly strong impression on me water palaces and temples of Bali.

Let's take a journey through them together? OK! then a little history...

Both water palaces are located in the east of the island and were built by the same person - Anak Agung Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, who is also the last king (raja) of Karangasem. An architect and teacher by training, he built a lot of interesting structures, wrote many philosophical and religious books, hymns and poems in Indonesian and Balinese.

The first on our way from Sanur city (where we stopped at the beginning of our trip) was Taman Ujung water palace.

Water Palace Udjung

Taman Ujung Water Palace(if in full, then Puri Taman Soekasada Ujung Karangsem Water Palace) is considered one of the most beautiful buildings created on the island of Bali. The King of Karangasem began its construction in 1919. The palace was built in a mixed Balinese-European style in just two years with the help of Dutch architects and local workers.

It is interesting that the palace itself was founded on a very original place: there used to be a moat with water to punish sorcerers accused of practicing black magic (mysticism, mysticism!)

In 1921, the Taman Udjung Water Palace was opened and received the official name "Soekasada Udjung", which translated means "Ujung Water Palace". The 1963 eruption of Mount Agung and the 1976 earthquake practically destroyed this man-made miracle. Taman Ujung was abandoned for a long time, but fortunately, from 2001 to 2003, with financial assistance from the World Bank, the wonderful palace and water park were completely restored and now appear to visitors in almost their original form and splendor.

Beauty starts right from the entrance.

Sometimes Taman Ujung is called “Balinese Peterhof”. Why? This comparison is probably suggested by the regular park with gazebos, a royal palace, manicured lawns, statues and asphalt paths.

Divine scent of plumeria (Plumeria) soars in the air and immerses you in a fairy tale! Plumeria or Frangipani as it is called in Bali is a sweet and fragrant symbol of Asia, named after the Italian nobleman who created a perfume using this amazing plant. The flowers of this tree combine the aroma of citrus fruits with the smell of gardenias, jasmine and spices...

True, there are no fountains in the park, but there are large artificial lakes. They are connected by a system of bridges, and in the center of the architectural composition is the Summer Royal Palace. Modest and tasteful!

The surface of the water and lotus flowers... It’s impossible to take your eyes off!

Gazebos, numerous bridges, ponds and paths invite you to stroll along them...

The king's summer palace has been restored. It's small, but very cute!

This is the royal bedroom. Very modest, right?

These two bridges connect the Summer Palace with the park.

The park is multi-tiered, the views from the highest point are truly mesmerizing, and from the gazebo at the very top there is an additional bonus - a view of the ocean.

View of the Water Palace, park and mountains.

• Where is it located and ticket prices: The Taman Udjung Water Palace is located in the east of Bali, a few kilometers from the city of Amplapur. There is an entrance fee, ticket price is IDR 20,000 per adult. Parking for a bike/car is also paid.
• Time: The complex is open until 6 pm. The territory of the water palace is small and 1-1.5 hours is enough to see all the sights.
• ON A NOTE! About transport: we hired a car with a driver for the whole day right at the hotel. This is convenient, because there is simply no public transport in Bali and it is useless to rely on buses or minibuses. We developed our own tourist route and visited everything that was interesting to us in a day. Renting a car or bike is also possible.

Having admired the lakes, bridges and canals of Taman Ujung, we jumped into an air-conditioned car (oh happiness at +35!) and drove on.

The picturesque road wound through emerald terraces of rice fields and local villages. The tropical landscapes were mesmerizing in their unreality.

On the way we stopped for a snack at a small restaurant in traditional Balinese style with a very beautiful view of the rice fields.

A delicious lunch, fresh mango juice and beauty all around, what else do you need for happiness?!

Tirta Gangga Water Palace)

We didn't drive long, and here we are at the palace. What to say? The spectacle is impressive!

But first, a little history...

Although in appearance Tirta Ganga Water Palace It looks like a historical monument, but the park and palace are not that ancient at all. The complex was built in 1942 by the same king with the long name Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut, who built Taman Ujung. It’s not that the first royal residence was not to their liking, it’s just that kings have hobbies (I wrote about it earlier), and in addition to his passion for architecture and art, the king was also a traveler - “our comrade”!

After his next voyage to France and contemplation of the magnificent Versailles there, the king decided to build something similar on his native soil. So, let's look at the Asian interpretation of the creation of the famous Andre Le Nôtre... In my opinion, nothing in common, but also very impressive!

The king did not choose the place by chance - the wonderful landscapes of the island and the holy water from the source made this palace truly unique. In addition, the king had a noble goal: he decided to create a recreational facility for his people so that there would always be water in the fields to grow rice, because this is the bread for the Balinese!

The king personally participated in the design and construction of the palace complex. In 1963, as a result of the eruption of Mount Agung, the complex was slightly damaged, but fortunately, it was completely restored.

Tirta Ganga is translated from Sanskrit as “sacred water of the Ganges River.” By the way, the water from the Tirta Ganga source is considered sacred and is used in ceremonies and various religious rituals.

The architectural ensemble of the water palace is an amazing labyrinth of pools, fountains, bridges and lakes.

All these water features are located in a beautiful green garden with many paths and alleys and are decorated not only with elegant statues, but also with figures of demons (well, they love mysticism in Bali!)

Oleanders, bougainvilleas, hibiscus, palm trees of various types and other tropical plants create the impression of a Garden of Eden.

The area of ​​the water gardens is approximately 1.2 hectares and consists of three levels: lower- pools with fish, fountain and sculptures, average with several baths in a holy spring and upper with the Raja's residence, local temple and 4 guest bungalows. You can stay at Tirta Ayu Homestay & Restaurant bungalows. The hotel is run by the descendants of Raja Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut..

The entire water system of the palace complex is thought out to the smallest detail. The water flowing from the spring is collected in a large reservoir, in which it is divided into two parts. The first part is used as drinking water for the town of Amlapura, while the second part goes into an underground pipe that opens into the uppermost pool through the mouth of the statue of the Demon Raxas in the form of a boar.

Excess water flows into the swimming pool below, from there into small fish ponds and then into the rice fields.

Let's walk through all the levels and enjoy the beautiful views and original architectural forms.

Lower level - “World of Demons and Spirits”

The first complex on the lower level is just a system of lakes with numerous fountains.

The central fountain with a circle of Hindu gods, symbolizing the one god.

The demon Rakshasa in the form of a boar-fountain guards the sacred water in the pond.

The most unusual path, and not a path at all, is a sequence of pebbles in a pond in which fat golden carp swim. You can feed them.

Cascades of fountains on the side alley emphasize the composition and unite the cascade of lakes into a single architectural ensemble.

The second, middle level symbolizes the “World of People”.

There are baths and swimming pools here. Locals love to splash around in them , after all, according to legend, everyone who bathes in the holy water of Tirta Ganga during the full moon will gain eternal youth and beauty. So you can join and refresh yourself, the baths are open to everyone for a fee.

Finally, the third, topmost level is the “World of the Gods”.

There is a local temple here where peace and tranquility reigns.

You can climb even higher up the mountain and look down at all this man-made splendor. Believe me, the view of the Raja's palace and the water garden from here is simply mesmerizing.

Naturally created water sources on the island of Bali are considered holy, because water gives life, rice and fish.

• Where is the location and ticket prices? The Tirta Ganga Water Palace is located in the middle of rice fields, around the Rejasa natural springs, about 7 km north of the city of Amlapura. The price of an adult ticket to the Tirta Ganga Water Palace is IDR 10,000. If you want to swim in a pool with holy water, you need to pay another 10,000.
• Time The complex is open until 6 pm. Allow at least an hour to visit, and more if there are baths.
• ON A NOTE! A visit to the two water palaces can be combined with the Pura Besakih temple complex.

Pura Besakih— a magnificent temple complex at the foot of the Agung volcano and the main religious building of the island of Bali, the so-called “Mother of Temples”.

This majestic and sacred place for the Balinese definitely deserves special attention!

ON A NOTE! Keep in mind that Pura Besakih is also a tourist crossing, so the “local mafia” has introduced fees for unwise single tourists. Our driver immediately warned us about the “safety rules” in this place, but even knowing the local peculiarities, it was difficult for us to fight off the annoying “local guides” and crowds of beggars on the way to this holy place.

This was the only small “fly in the ointment” in the huge “barrel of honey” called the island of Bali!

Next, our path lay in the wonderful city of Ubud - the center of art and creativity in Bali.

Ubud and its surroundings are the place for which I went to Bali. It would seem like a small town in the center of the island, but it is very different from the noisy and party-oriented southern part of Bali: the towns of Kuta and Seminyak - a paradise for surfers.

Here are some beach photos from Sanur, a favorite holiday destination for Australians and Europeans.

• ON A NOTE! If you are going to Bali because of the heavenly beaches and ocean, then I want to disappoint you... Of course, there is an ocean here, but two beach options are available: a beautiful ocean, but high waves (Kuta and Seminyak) or a calm, but shallow ocean and a very dirty beach after strong low tides (Sanur). There are, of course, also coral reefs and clean beaches in the Amed area, but they are a bit far away and the tourist infrastructure there leaves much to be desired. But don't worry, the magical Island of the Gods makes up for it with magnificent nature, history and a magical atmosphere!

But let's return to Ubud...

Ubud - The city is so unique that many people fall in love with it at first sight, and some stay forever. It is considered the cultural capital of Bali and there is a historical explanation for this.

The island of Bali, unlike all of Indonesia, where Islam reigns, is the only stronghold of Hinduism and Buddhism in the region. Thanks to the resettlement of the Majapahit royal dynasty here, the island began to actively develop. It was to Ubud that creative people and intellectuals persecuted by Islam from Java and other Indonesian islands flocked. And at the beginning of the 20th century, the royal family also actively supported Western artists and artists who moved to Bali. And so it happened that art and creativity became an integral part of Ubud.

What is the “trick” of Ubud?

Most likely, in the symbiosis “Art - Creativity - Crafts”.

To feel the special atmosphere of the city, one day is definitely not enough. We lived in Ubud for a week and believe me, we didn’t have time to see a lot!

To immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere, you need to leisurely stroll through numerous art galleries and art cafes, and look into the shops of local artisans. You will be amazed by the beauty of handicrafts: wood and stone carvings, batik, paintings, ceramics, filigree items made of silver and copper.

Be sure to check out the local art galleries and art museums in Ubud: Puri Lukisan, Neka museum, Antonio Blanco museum, ArtZoo gallery. There are magnificent works of local and foreign artists on display here.

• ON A NOTE! If you need souvenirs from Bali, then you can find everything you want in the art shops and workshops of Ubud and its surroundings. But don’t forget to bargain: usually the price can be reduced by one and a half to two times if you bargain for a long time, persistently and, most importantly, with a twinkle. The Balinese are people with a good sense of humor and will appreciate cheerful bargaining!

And there is no need to talk about the architecture of the city.

Temples and palaces in typical Balinese style are on every corner here and amaze with the beauty of their lines. What can I say, Look into any hotel and a window into Eden will open before your eyes!

The streets of Ubud are a separate issue, but be careful in the center the sidewalks are narrow and there are too many tourists on them. Yes, and you have to watch your step all the time so as not to step on another offering to the gods…

Central Ubud is not the quietest place!

Tourists and locals come here in droves, but bear with the crowds, walk along the central street of Jalan Raya Ubud and be sure to check out another magnificent Royal Palace and temple complex on the water...

Water Palace Puri Saren Agung andtemple complex of the goddess Pura Saraswati.

Water Palace Puri Saren Agung- one of the most famous attractions of the city. It was built according to the design of the architect Lempad. Since construction at the beginning of the 19th century. and until the mid-1940s, this palace was the residence of the ruler, and some royal descendants live there to this day.

Part of the complex is closed to visitors and is private property; some buildings have been converted into hotels and restaurants.

The palace complex is decorated with well-kept gardens, gilded wooden sculptures and figures of demons, which are designed to ward off evil spirits (how could we live without them!). It also hosts performances by Balinese dancers to traditional gamelan music.

Next to the palace in a magnificent water garden is temple complex of goddess Pura Saraswati. Pura Saraswati is translated as “flowing river”, so the temple in her honor is located in the middle of a pond with blooming lotuses. The temple and the Water Garden were built at the end of the 19th century. The spectacle is truly magnificent!

Monkey Forest.

Monkey Forest - The place is famous and very original. It’s worth going there during the day - the forest is always cool and twilight, and at +35 this won’t hurt at all!

ON A NOTE! Be careful with monkeys and if you do not plan to get to know the “funny little animals” closely, refrain from bringing food or drinks with you. Do not buy bananas from local traders, the monkeys will still take them away, and they may scratch or bite you!

What else can you do in Ubud?

I recommend relaxing, quietly traveling around the area and immersing yourself in the atmosphere of “real Bali”: see wonderful temples and rice terraces, look into the workshops of local craftsmen, or do yoga and meditation, because many come specifically for this.

And this is not at all strange, because in the Middle Ages Ubud was a medical and healing center Majapahit Empire. The city's name is said to come from the Balinese word for medicine. That is why there are so many alternative medicine centers in Ubud and “advanced” people from all over the world flock here for retreats, ashrams, and yoga seminars.

There are many interesting places within 15-20 minutes from Ubud, for example, elephant cave Goa Gajah and very ancient and beautiful Gunung Kawi Temple surrounded by cascades Tegallantang Rice Terraces.

• ON A NOTE! Ubud is located 40 kilometers from the tourist south of Bali, and therefore from the airport. Taking into account the narrow roads and obligatory traffic jams, it will take about an hour and a half to get to Ubud. You can get there by yourself by car or scooter. By taxi the journey will cost approximately 200,000 rupees ($20) one way (per car). We ordered a taxi directly from the hotel - it was cheaper. Public transport, as I wrote above, is practically non-existent in Bali, although in tourist shops in Kuta and Seminyak you can buy bus (minibus) tickets to Ubud and they are inexpensive (about $5).

And finally …

Having visited Bali at least once, it is no longer possible to forget this wonderful island: its beautiful, green rice terraces and jungles, gloomy volcanoes, on the tops of which gods and silvery lakes live, stunningly beautiful waterfalls, a lush ocean with multi-story waves, and magical temples that guarded by spirits and demons.

Bali is truly a magical island, where the worlds of people and spirits are very close to each other. You can open one door, enter another world, and then return back. Here mysticism and magic are in the air, and art and creativity bind it all together into a single union!

Once you get here and immerse yourself in these sensations, you will not be able to forget the brightness of the colors and fabulous images, which means the “magic magnet” of the paradise island will always attract you.

Aren't you afraid? Then welcome to the fairy tale!

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Smiles to you and bright discoveries!

*The article uses personal materials and photos of the author, as well as some photos from free sources on the Internet.

In Karangasem district, Bali province. The name literally translates as “holy water from the Ganges.” Strictly speaking, it refers to the water palace built in 1946 by the King of Karangasem, although today it is used to refer to the area, which includes not only the palace, but also the surrounding picturesque rural areas.

The palace is surrounded by greenery, there are statues, pools, and fountains everywhere. King Karangasema, inspired by the beauty of these places, decided to build a palace and irrigation facilities to supply water to the rice fields. He received his architectural training in the Netherlands, so he was personally involved in the design and construction process.

The eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 severely damaged buildings, and ash and lava destroyed almost all vegetation. Much of what was built was destroyed, and vandals plundered valuables. In 1966, the king died without restoring the palace. Restoration work began in 1979, became large-scale in 1990 and continues to this day.

The Tirtaganga sculptural ensemble contains the foundations of the worldview in Hinduism: it lies on three levels, the lower one is the world of demons, the middle one is the world of people, the upper one is the world of gods. The middle world was symbolized by statues of people at the fountain in the central part of the complex, the lower world was symbolized by a labyrinth with sculptures of animals and spirits, and the highest single god was the fountain itself.

For a fee you can swim in the pool with holy water.

How to get to Tirtaganga Palace in Bali

Tirtaganga Water Palace near Amlapura is 8 km via Jl. Abang - Amlapura. From Besakih Temple - 30 km. From the southern resorts of Bali you will have to travel at least 70 km: for such a trip it will be more convenient and profitable to rent a car.

Video: Taman Tirta Gangga

Pond in Tirtaganga on Google Maps panoramas

The small but amazingly beautiful Tirtagangga Water Palace and the adjacent park are definitely worth a visit for anyone planning a trip to Bali. In this place, you can miraculously combine a serene rest in the shade of trees near the water with an acquaintance with the basics of the religious beliefs of the Balinese.

The Tirtaganga Water Palace was built during the reign of the last Raja of Karangasem Anak Agung Angluraha Ketut in 1946-48. The complex covers an area of ​​about 1.2 hectares, in different parts of which there are several extremely attractive swimming pools and artificial ponds.

A little history

The idea of ​​​​building a new country house and park took possession of the Raj after his visit to Europe and a visit to the Versailles Palace and Park. Upon returning to Bali, he took an active part in the development of the project andin the subsequent embodiment of the unusual idea of ​​Tirtaganga.

During its short history, the water palace suffered several times from the violence of the elements. In 1963, during an eruption, part of the park was burned by a lava flow, and in 1979, the Raja's palace was destroyed by an earthquake. After these shocks, the complex was restored during the reconstruction of 2002-2003.

The palace and park ensemble is located on three levels, each of which symbolizes one of the worlds of Balinese mythology: the refuge of demons, the world of people and the sphere of the gods. This is an amazing labyrinth of alleys and paths winding between lakes, fountains and ponds, along which graceful figures of gods and frightening demons are placed.

All the fountains and reservoirs of the garden and park ensemble are fed by a spring that comes to the surface at the roots of the mighty banyan tree. For more than 300 years, its water has been considered holy and is used in all kinds of religious ceremonies during holidays. According to legend, this is part of the flow of the sacred Indian river Ganges, which explains the name of this picturesque place. Translated from Balinese, “tirtaganga” means the divine moisture of the Ganges River.

Nether world "Bhur"

One of the most interesting places in the lower part of the park where you can take impressive photos is the water labyrinth. It consists of individual octagonal stone slabs protruding slightly above the water level in the pond. You should not walk along it any way you like, but only in a strictly defined order, after which you can find the desired health and many benefits of the material world. In the same reservoir, several dozen stone figures of guardian demons armed with clubs are installed on low pedestals.

The symbol of Tirtaganga is the water tower located on the first level of the park. This ten-meter structure with 11 tiers symbolizes Mount Meru, sacred to Hindus. It is crowned with a stone lotus from which a stream of water flows. Pleasant wind-blown mist brings welcome coolness on a hot sunny day. The central fountain is surrounded by numerous figures of Hindu gods.

From the tower, through a pipeline system, water flows to the upper level and pours into the pool through the mouth of the demon Rakshasa, who has taken the form of a boar. This creature was specially created by Brahma to conserve water, so its “presence” here is simply necessary. Subsequently, all the water from the pools, ponds and fountains is used to supply water to the city of Amlapura and irrigate nearby rice fields.

Earthly world "Bwah"

At the middle level of the park there are two large rectangular ponds. Park visitors can swim freely in one of these ponds after paying a small fee. Its bottom has variable depth, so it is convenient for both adults and small children to enter the water.

Opposite banks of the Big Pond with an area of ​​100 m 2 in the southern part of the complex, two light decorative bridges, decorated with intricate figures and dragons, connect. Swimming in it is prohibited, as it is used for breeding golden carp.