Planning a trip to Bali? Don’t miss visiting the magnificent water palaces! This guide will tell you everything you need to know about visiting one of Bali’s top water palaces: Tirta Gangga Water Palace.
The Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a perfect spot for a day trip destination during your stay in Bali or a peaceful getaway to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. In this guide, I’ll share all you need to know about visiting the Tirta Gangga Water Palace including how to get there, what to expect, and other tips to make the most of your adventure.
Here’s everything you need to know about Tirta Gangga Water Palace!
About Tirta Gangga Water Palace
The Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a stunning landmark located on the East side of Bali. What was once a royal palace, has been restored into a magnificent open water sanctuary and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Not only can you gaze at the breathtaking surrounding region and the palace itself, but dive deep into Balinese and Hindu culture as well.
The water palace consists of 3 different complexes, each with impressive private ponds, gardens, pools, and statues or carvings. It is separated into different levels as well; the first level of the palace has 2 large ponds on each side of an elevated fountain. The entire complex is so beautifully intricate!
The second complex, and also the biggest complex, is the original section of the King’s country house. This is where accommodation options and a restaurant is located.
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History of the Tirta Gangga Water Palace
The Tirta Gangga Water Palace in Bali was originally built in 1948 by King Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem Agung of Karangaem.
The royal palace turned garden, is based on the beliefs of Balinese Hinduism, where waters from the river Ganges are considered sacred and powerful. The name of the water palace, “Tirta Gangga” translates to mean ‘water from the Ganges.’ For hundreds of years, the water from the river Gangga has been treasured for irrigation and agricultural purposes, in addition to recreation, and economic and religious activity. The temple is a representation of a tradition of pilgrimage and a holy water site in Tirta Gangga.
In 1963, an eruption by Mount Agung almost destroyed the entire palace but (luckily!) failed to do so. Nowadays, the water palace is famous for its bathing pools and Patirthan Temple.
How to Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace
The Tirta Gangga Water Palace is located on the Eastern side of Bali. Compared to popular hotspots in Bali, the palace is about 2 hours away from Ubud and 2.5 hours away from Canggu. Unless you are making a day trip of your visit, most travelers choose to stay in the nearby beach town of Ahmed, as the water palace is only a 30-minute drive away.
To get to this water palace, visitors have 2 different options. The first option is to rent a motorbike for a day and make the drive yourself. Renting scooters in Bali is very common and affordable and is the most popular mode of transportation. Also, the palace itself has free parking.
However, if you aren’t comfortable being in control on a bike, visitors also have the option to go privately. Mini-buses and private drivers are always available throughout the island of Bali. Most transport can typically be arranged a day in advance, if not the same morning. This choice will often be a little more expensive, but with less responsibility.
What to Expect at Tirta Gangga Water Palace
The Tirta Gangga Water Palace is open every day from 8am to 5pm with an entry fee of 50,000 IDR for adults and 15,000 IDR for children under the age of 12. It is a great place to go spend a morning or afternoon relaxing and cooling off from the heat. Depending on what you are planning to do, expect to spend an hour or so exploring the grounds, sightseeing, and of course feeding the koi fish
The design of the complex is a maze of water streams, pools, and fountains situated in the middle of flourishing gardens, statues, and other Balinese artifacts, and a magnificent mixture of Balinese and Chinese architectural design.
The most famous aspect of the water palace (which has become even more attractive thanks to social media!), is the Bali stepping stones. The stepping stones lead around an 11-tier fountain, making it the perfect spot for the best photo opts worthy for Instagram!
In, addition to the water palace and gardens themselves, Tirta Gangga also has accommodation facilities and a restaurant, The Tirta Ayu Hotel, and Restaurant. The scenery and region surrounding the water palace are famous for its many rice terraces, as well as breathtaking natural views.
Tips for Visiting Tirta Gangga Water Palace
If it is your first time visiting the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, keep these tips in mind to make the most out of your visit!
Visit the Palace Early: This water palace in Bali is a very popular sightseeing spot for tourists. To get the best experience possible, try to get there in the morning or early afternoon hours to avoid larger crowds.
Stay at the The Tirta Ayu Hotel: If you really want the water palace to yourself, consider staying at the on-site hotel where you’ll have access to the grounds before and after regular visiting hours. Sounds like such an incredible experience!
Use Caution on the Stepping Stones: The iconic stepping stones through the koi pond can get crowded and there’s only one way in and one way out so it’s possible to have multiple people on a stepping stone. Just something to be aware of (I hadn’t realized this would be an issue until it started getting busy!). So make sure to use caution so you don’t fall in… or get there early so you don’t have to battle the crowds.
Buy Fish Food at the Entry: Fish food is available at the entrance of the water palace. It is best to get it in the beginning so you aren’t having to backtrack through a lot of people. You can buy fish food at the entrance for 5,000 IDR.
Be Respectful with Clothing: Be advised that the water palace respects the Balinese Hindu religion and culture. Please be respectful and wear appropriate clothing when visiting the palace. Avoid wearing revealing pieces and be sure to have your legs and shoulders covered. There are often vendors selling traditional sarongs nearby the entrance, in case you forget!
Come Prepared: If you are visiting the water palace on an extremely hot day, there are swimming and dipping opportunities available in certain locations of the palace. This costs an extra 10,000 IDR; be sure to bring an appropriate swimsuit and towel.
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