Tirtagangga Palace Entrance Fee & Attraction

The east side of Bali may not be as rife as the south part in the past. But in the last 5 years, travelers have discovered the raw beauty, of the exquisite vista of the Karangasem region. Nature and heritage spots are scattered around 800 km. And Tirtagangga Palace is one of the top destinations not to be missed.

Tirtagangga Water Palace formerly is a royal palace. It’s the legacy of Karangasem King, the ruler of the region. Ubud has Ubud palace, and so does the Karangasem realm. The water palace features a fountain and archaic sculpture with a picturesque scenic panorama.

Tirta Gangga Palace Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to Tirtagangga Water Palace for international tourists now is Rp70,000. To swim in one of the spring pool waters, tourists will be charged another Rp10.000. Fish food for feeding the koi is available at Rp5.000-Rp10.000. While a boat ride will cost another Rp20.000 for 1 round.

See: Ujung Water Palace, Karangasem, Guide & Attraction.

Tirtagangga Palace Opening Hours

The water castle Tirta Gangga water palace is open every day except for Nyepi. Where the entire activities in Bali are stopping. The best time to visit Tirtagangga Water Palace is early in the morning to avoid the photo queue in the fish pond.

See: The Guide To Lempuyang Temple, Gate of Heaven.

Tirtagangga Palace Age

It takes 2 years to finish building the water palace. Endowed by clement air, stupendous panorama, and surrounded by hills. It’s the main reason why he built the water palace in the exact spot. The king involves in every detail from designing to taking part in digging the construction site.

He often spotted wet his knee in the water and dig the dirty mud helping the laborer. Although the site is not old historically. The people in Karangasem take pride in it. And it marks a great accomplishment too, achieved by the king at the age of 61. Now, the palace age is 73 years, and begun to get more recognition from travelers all around the world.

See: Guide And All About Visiting Besakih Temple.

Water Palace Restoration Work

Tirtagangga Palace suffers a lot of damage from the eruption occurs from February to September 1963. The earthquake hits and ruins almost the entire part. The palace was in the worst shape when the King returns. All vegetation vanishes due to the effect of hot lava and ash during the catastrophe.

For some time during the eruption, the Tirtagangga palace has left abandoned. While the people in the village with the King’s family evacuate to a safer place. Fleeing from the mountain catastrophe. The building was left empty. While the furniture and stuff inside the palace are being sold.

The restoration work takes longer than the king expected. It start in 1979, 16 years after the earthquake. The first restoration job is the garden. And just like in the beginning, the King is involved. With the help of the local government, and visitors’ contributions some spots are being rehabbed. Then in 1999, the king’s son transform Tirtagangga Palace into the present shape.

Tirtagangga Palace Spots

The palace is just the right destination for all kinds of travelers. Either solo, couple, or travelers with young kids. It has a serene royal temple, tier fountain, koi ponds, and a swimming pool. Pair with a gorgeous set-out garden and tranquil atmosphere. Spare at least 2 hours to get the best experience in Tirtagangga Palace.

Feeding The Fish

The immense pond with thousand of Koi fish is something unique travelers may not get in other tourist spots in Bali. The star of the show of course is the giant koi fish. They filled the small and huge pond in the palace area. There are stepping stones for tourists to get to the center of the big pond.

And the large pond is usually the most packed one of all spots. Besides the swimming pool. The center of the pond is the best angle to get visually appealing photos. Not just that, the koi pond is the best hanging spot since all visitors are allowed to feed the fish. Don’t worry visitors who wish to feed the koi could buy fish food for Rp5.000 on the spot.

Tirtagangga Spring Water

The water filling the entire area of Tirtagangga water palace is considered holy water. The spring water is coming from the highest mountain not far from the palace. The sacred Mount Agung. It’s mainly used for the uttermost purpose in the city. First, it is used as the source of drinking water for the whole Amlapura town.

Second, for religious purposes like cleansing rituals and ceremonies in the temples. And that’s not it. Besides filling the swimming pool and ponds in the palace. The spring water is watering the rice field surrounding the area too.

Dipping in Tirtagangga Palace Pool

Aside from the beautiful statues, fountain, and lush green garden. Guests could enjoy dipping and swimming in the cool fresh water outdoors. There is 2 swimming pool on the spot. One with a 2.5-meter depth. The water in the pool is extremely cold. However, to swim, visitors would have to pay another Rp20,000.

Meditation

Tirtagangga Palace is a perfect contemplation place. It’s just the right spot for people’s looking for a brief serenity. The meditation spot is located at the corner and uphill. There are 2 beautiful dragon statues. The protector of the meditation area will encounter negative energy. And protect guests from a demon spirit.

Restaurant With A View

Serves a spectacular view facing the water garden from the hill. The palace visitors could enjoy fine cuisine at Tirta Ayu restaurant. Located in the palace area, the restaurant offers a menu from appetizers to desserts.

For a fast bite, there’s a food corner near the koi pond zone. Serving fast cooks like burgers, hot dogs, and beverages. Prices range from Rp15.000 to Rp60.000 for a snack and burger. There is another food spot too around Tirta Ganga Palace. From a modest warung to a small restaurant with a paddy field view.

Facilities

The water palace is equipped with adequate facilities. Restaurants, accommodation, and clean toilets are available on the premises. There are 2 parking spaces on the spot. The parking fee is Rp2.000 for a motorcycle and Rp5.000 for a car. Just outside the gate, there are several stalls that sell fruits, cold beverages, and fish food.

See: Indonesia SIM Card, Price, Provider & Coverage.

How To Get To Tirtagangga Palace

For tourists departing from Kuta, Seminyak, the distance to Tirtagangga water palace is about 80 km. Luckily now a public bus heading to Tirta Ganga Palace is available. Currently, there is only 1 Damri bus from Bali Airport departing to the Karangasem region. Where Candidasa Beach, Tirtagangga Palace, Besakih Temple, Gate of Heaven (Lempuyang temple), and Amed Beach are located.

And the best part is the ticket is cheap Rp35.000 for a one-way trip. The bus is convenient with air conditioning and it stops at the tourist’s destination. The bus route: Ngurah Rai Airport – Halte Pendungan 2 – Halte Matahari Terbit Sanur – Lebih Beach – Yeh Malet – Padangbai – Candidasa – Amed. Update: Damri bus to Karangasem temporarily not operating.

The other option is to rent a private car with a driver that would cost Rp600,000 to Rp800,000 for a 10-hour tour. The car could fit up to 5 people. And besides Tirtagangga palace, tourists could go to Lempuyang temple, the gate of heaven that is located not too far.

See: Guide To Amed Beach & Water Sports Activities.

Address & Location

Tirtagangga palace reside in Jl Abang Amlapura, Ababi, Abang, Karangasem regency, Bali 80852.