Into The Heart Of Bali: Tirta Gangga Water Palace Unveiled

Nestled amongst the serene emerald rice terraces and swaying coconut palms of East Bali, embrace yourself on a journey back in time to discover the treasures of Tirta Gangga, a place of serene beauty and spiritual significance. The Tirta Gangga Water Palace is famed for its elaborate water gardens, finely carved stone statues, and serene pools. This draws individuals from various walks of life to visit daily, eager to catch a glimpse of this captivating bygone era.

What is Tirta Gangga?

The Tirta Gangga Water Palace holds a significant place in Balinese history and culture, intertwining legend with historical narratives. Constructed in 1946 during the reign of the Karangasem royal family, it served as a retreat and recreational haven for Balinese monarchs.

Named after the revered Ganges River, “Tirta Gangga” signifies its connection to Hindu mythology’s sacred waters. Local lore suggests that the springs within Tirta Gangga originate from the holy Ganges in India, believed to possess purifying and healing qualities.

Today, Tirta Gangga stands as a testament to Bali’s reverence for its heritage and natural splendour. Its serene atmosphere beckons travellers to delve into its rich history and embrace the tranquillity of this cherished site.

Where is Tirta Gangga?

Tirta Gangga, a former royal palace, rests in the eastern region of Bali, Indonesia. Positioned merely 10km from the renowned Lempuyang Temple, it lies approximately 70km northeast of Denpasar, Bali’s capital city.

The driving time to Tirta Gangga can vary depending on traffic conditions and your location. If you’re travelling from Ubud, you can expect the journey to take around 1:45 hours, or around 2 hours if you’re travelling from Kuta. Click here to get directions to Tirta Gangga.

As this attraction is quite a distance away from most lodging options, we suggest enhancing your journey by pairing it with a visit to a nearby attraction like the Lempuyang Temple, Ubud market, or the scenic Tegalalang rice fields to maximize your overall experience.

Considering extra time for your travel is crucial, particularly if you’re on the road during peak traffic hours or if you encounter road closures or alternate routes. Bali’s streets can become heavily congested, especially when tourist seasons are at their peak, so it’s wise to carefully schedule your journey.

How do I get to Tirta Gangga?

There are plenty of ways to get to Tirta Gangga in Bali, Indonesia. Depending on where you are commuting from, the distance and time may vary. Among the popular modes of transport are:-

1. Using a Ride-Sharing Service

• Make sure to download apps such as Grab and Gojek as these 2 are the most popular ride-sharing service in Bali, Indonesia.

2. By Private Transportation

• If you’re staying at a hotel or villa in Bali, you can arrange for private transportation through your accommodation. Many hotels offer shuttle services or can help you hire a private car and driver for the day.
• Generally, the duration of the car rental is for 10 – 11 hours, inclusive of petrol and an English speaking driver. By taking this option, you can customise your own itinerary without the hassle of driving to places. Prices for the private car rental starts from 650k Rupiah.

3. Joining a Tour

• Many tour operators in Bali offer day tours that include a visit to Tirta Gangga as part of their itinerary. This can be a convenient option if you prefer to have transportation and a guide arranged for you.
• During our trip to Bali, Indonesia, we joined a private tour which handled all our transportation needs. We’d highly recommend this option, especially if you are travelling in larger groups, so that you can relax and leave all the itinerary planning to the tour operator.

4. By Renting a Scooter or Car

• Another option is to rent a scooter or car, which is cheaper option and gives you more flexibility in your schedule. However, please note that Bali traffic can be chaotic, so driving may be challenging for some travellers.

5. By Public Bus or Shuttle

• While Bali does have public transportation options, it might not be the most convenient way to reach your destination, as public transport routes are limited, and schedules can be irregular. The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a private car and driver (both of these can be booked online).

When is the best time to visit Tirta Gangga?

You can visit Tirta Gangga all year round, depending on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the experience you seek. Generally, the best season to visit Bali, Indonesia is during the dry season (April to October) where you can expect much more sunnier days and minimal rainfall.

What time is Tirta Gangga open?

Tirta Gangga welcomes visitors from 6am – 7pm, providing plenty of opportunity to appreciate its tranquil environment and stunning gardens. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds later in the day. After our visit to Lempuyang Temple, we promptly made our way to Tirta Gangga, where we were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves among the first guests to explore the water palace.

How much is the entrance fees to visit Tirta Gangga?

It is important to note that the entrance fees for Tirta Gangga may change each year based on its popularity among tourists, with ticket prices often rising over time. Currently the prices are:-

Foreign Adults:

• IDR 70,000

Local Adults:

• IDR 35,000

Foreign Child (5-12 years):

• IDR 35,000

Local Child (5-12 years):

• IDR 25,000

*Children aged 5 and under enjoy complimentary entry.

For access to the swimming pools within Taman Tirtagangga, the ticket prices are as follows:

Top Swimming Pool:

• IDR 20,000

Bottom Swimming Pool:

• IDR 10,000

Children’s Swimming Pool:

• IDR 5,000

If you’re interested in the Jukung ride, the ticket costs IDR 20,000, for three rounds. Additionally, Tirta Gangga offers the picturesque setting for prewedding photoshoots. However, there’s a fee of IDR 500,000 for this activity.

What’s in store for you to at Tirta Gangga?

Get ready to be amazed as soon as you step into Tirta Gangga, a stunning water palace showcasing the beauty of Balinese culture at every turn. Lose yourself in the lush gardens, with their gorgeous flowers and peaceful fountains surrounding pathways lined with traditional Balinese buildings. In this calm atmosphere, you’ll find ponds filled with vibrant koi fish, just waiting for you to stop and admire them. Spend your day feeding the fish – it’s a simple, but totally enjoyable experience for everyone, young and old alike.

For those seeking refreshment, the swimming pools beckon with their crystal-clear waters, providing the perfect respite from the tropical heat. As you swim, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Bali’s iconic rice terraces and majestic mountains, creating a sense of tranquillity that lingers long after you’ve left the water.

When hunger strikes, indulge your taste buds at one of the charming cafés nestled within Tirta Gangga. Here, you can sample authentic Balinese cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients, adding a culinary dimension to your visit. Whether you’re savouring traditional dishes or sipping on a cool beverage, the cafés offer a delightful opportunity to replenish your energy amidst the palace’s enchanting surroundings.

In essence, Tirta Gangga promises a day of exploration, relaxation, and culinary delights, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of Bali’s cultural treasures.

Useful tips

• Obviously don’t forget your camera!
• Bring cash as they may not accept cards here.
• Carry along a hat, shades and sunscreen as it can get pretty hot.
• Wear a comfortable pair of shoes as you’ll be exploring landscaped gardens with uneven pathways.
• Arrive early in the morning to avoid larger crowds later in the day.
• If you intend to feed the exquisite koi fish at Tirta Gangga, you can acquire fish food from the premises.

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