Tirta Gangga Water Park or Tira Gangga Water Palace
Enjoying the Beauty of a Charming Water Park in East Bali
One of the Famous Destinations in East Bali
Tirta Gangga is a stunning water park, built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem as a recreational area and a stopover for the royal family. It was severely damaged by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 but was renovated and reopened in 1970.
When visiting Tirta Gangga, you will be greeted by the beauty of ponds inhabited by koi fish and statues inspired by the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics. The beauty of the architecture and the clear spring water flowing through the area make it one of the most Instagrammable tourist attractions in East Bali. Tirta Gangga is often included in the list of Karangasem Interesting Places to Visit because of its appeal as a unique photo spot with cute koi fish.
This tourist attraction not only offers natural beauty, but also has an important historical value for the Hindu community in Bali. Its strategic location, on the main route to Lempuyang or Amed, makes it a must-visit destination for both foreign and domestic tourists.
A Brief History Worth Knowing
The name Tirta Gangga comes from two words: Tirta which means holy water and Gangga which refers to the Ganges River in India. According to the story, the King of Karangasem received a revelation from Dewi Gangga while meditating under a lychee tree. The revelation stated that the spring at this location is directly connected to the Ganges River in India.
Tirta Gangga’s main distinctive feature is its unique architecture that combines ancient Hindu-Balinese style and Chinese cultural elements. Clear natural water flows into a 10-meter-high water tower as well as large pools decorated with beautifully carved walls. Tirta Gangga is a symbol of Bali’s ancient cultural heritage, a water garden that combines artistic beauty and spiritual values.
However, in 1963, the eruption of Mount Agung almost destroyed the entire area. Nonetheless, Tirta Gangga has been successfully restored and is now one of the most beloved tourist destinations in East Bali.
Location and Route to Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is located in Karangasem Regency, precisely on Tirta Gangga Highway, Ababi, Abang District, East Bali. This location can be accessed easily from various regions in Bali.
From Denpasar:
- The journey to Tirta Gangga takes about 2 hours with a distance of about 70 km. The fastest route is via Ngurah Rai Bypass Road, heading towards Goa Lawah Highway, then straight to Candidasa Highway.
- After reaching Candidasa Highway, turn slightly left onto Bugbug Highway. The journey then continues by following the winding road:
- Turn left at the Karangasem Health Center T-junction onto Salak Street.
- From Salak Street, turn right onto KH Samanhudi Street, then left onto Nenas Street.
- Next, turn right onto Veteran Street, then left onto Padang Kerta Street, and finally onto Abang-Amlapura Street. Tirta Gangga is located on the left side of the road.
For travelers coming from other parts of Bali, there are various alternative routes, or you can use navigation apps such as Google Maps to make your trip easier.
Uniqueness or Excellence displayed by Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Tirta Gangga Water Palace has many attractions that attract tourists. Here are some of its advantages:
- Warrior Statues at the Main Gate: Tourists will be greeted by a row of warrior statues lined up neatly at the main gate, creating an atmosphere like a royal guest of honor.
- 10 Meter High Water Tower: This stepped tower resembling a temple roof is used for traditional ceremonies because the water is considered sacred. Touching the water gives a fresh, soothing impression.
- Clear Pool with Walkway: The clear water pool features a walkway of neatly arranged hard rocks, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique experience of walking on water.
- Swimming Pools for All Ages: There are swimming pools with different depth levels, separate for children and adults. The water is known to be refreshing and comes from a natural spring.
- Surrounded by Terraced Rice Fields: The location is in the middle of a typical Balinese terraced rice field area, creating an enchanting and calming green scenery.
- Three Tiers of Buildings: The first level is a spring under a banyan tree, the second level is a swimming pool, and the third level is an ornamental pond with a fountain and cute fish.
- Bridge with Dragon Statue: The two bridges in the center area are adorned with dragon statues and Balinese carvings, creating an exotic impression that transports visitors to a royal era.
- Ponds Full of Ornamental Fish: Almost all ponds are filled with colorful ornamental fish such as yellow, orange, and yellowish red, adding to the beauty and uniqueness of the park atmosphere.
Activities to Do when Visiting Tirta Gangga
Bali Touristic summarizes some exciting activities that you can do while admiring the beauty of Tirta Gangga to make your vacation more memorable:
- Swimming in the Royal Pool: Tirta Gangga’s main pool is ideal for swimming and splashing around. The clear, cool water straight from the mountains is refreshing, especially when Bali’s weather is hot.
- Explore the Surrounding Area by Boat: Renting a small boat to explore Tirta Gangga provides interesting experiences, such as exploring the small rivers in the surrounding area, which makes your vacation more memorable.
- Relax and Enjoy the Beauty of Nature: Sitting under shady trees and enjoying the beautiful rice fields will make you feel calm. The fresh mountain air will give you a special moment of relaxation.
- Hunt for Instagramable Photo Spots: The artistic buildings and gardens at Tirta Gangga are perfect for taking selfies. The water tower with stone carvings, the ornamental fish pond with walkways, and the natural beauty of the surroundings are some of the most popular spots.
Information About Facilities, Opening Hours, and Ticket Prices
- Facilities: Tirta Gangga has complete facilities, ranging from a large parking area, bathrooms, changing rooms, various eateries with local dishes, souvenir shops, a place to relax, to a swimming pool.
- Operating Hours: Tirta Gangga is open every day from 07:30 – 18:30 WITA. However, on certain days such as Hindu religious holidays or national holidays, operating hours may change or even be closed.
- Ticket Price: Ticket prices for entry and activities at Tirta Gangga are quite affordable. Here are the latest prices as of 2024 (prices are subject to change at the manager’s discretion):
- Adult Domestic Entrance Ticket: Rp35,000/person
- Children Domestic Entrance Ticket: IDR25,000/person
- Adult Foreign Admission: Rp70.000/person
- Children’s Admission (5-12 years old): Rp35,000/person
- Jukung/Boat Rental: Rp20,000/person
- Swimming Pool Admission: Rp10,000/person
Closing
If you are traveling to East Bali, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Tirta Gangga Water Castle. To get the best photos without the crowds, we recommend coming in the morning. This place is often visited by domestic and foreign tourists, and is very crowded during holidays. Enjoy the beauty of the garden with its large koi pond!
