Tirtagangga Water Palace: reviews and practical tips

Visiting Tirtagangga Water Palace

Tirtagangga Water Palace sits in the region of Karangasem, in eastern Bali in Indonesia. It was originally built as a royal retreat. The king of Karangasem, one of the nine kingdoms of Bali at the time, had the complex constructed in 1946 for himself and his family. Unfortunately, the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 destroyed a large part of the grounds. The palace was rebuilt in the early 2000s and opened to the public.

A Water Palace to See in Bali

Tirta Gangga means "water of the Ganges" in Balinese, referencing the Ganges River, the ultimate sacred river of Hinduism. The site features fountains, reflecting pools, and swimming areas set within lush vegetation. The centerpiece of Tirta Gangga is its eleven-tiered fountain located in the middle of the grounds, which span approximately 1.5 hectares. Stepping stones form small pathways across the surrounding pools, allowing visitors to walk right over the water.

The pools are striking and harbor iconic species of Bali like koi fish, water lilies, and lotus flowers. Numerous statues depicting Balinese figures line the pathways, telling the stories of the Mahabharata, the sacred epic of India. 

Swimming at Tirta Gangga

To fully experience the site, you can actually go for a swim at Tirta Gangga. Two natural pools that survived the eruption of Mount Agung have been renovated and opened to the public for swimming, though keep in mind the water is quite cool.

Beyond the gates, the surrounding countryside is scenic and ideal for leisurely walks through the terraced rice paddies that define the island.