Taman Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga, "holy water of the Ganges," was built in 1948 by the same rajah as the Taman Ujung with more opulence and certainly more success. It is believed that after a tour of the Palace of Versailles, near Paris, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik was so inspired by the architecture and fountains that he decided to build a second water palace. He wanted this water palace to be greater and more ornate than Taman Ujung. Sadly both water palaces were damaged by the 1963 eruption of Gunung Agung. But you can still enjoy the swimming pools and ornamental ponds where the last rajah bathed. The cool spring waters make it a pleasant place to linger for a few hours -- though never on a Sunday, when it fills with local Balinese coming to relax or to flirt with their intendeds.
The area surrounding Tirta Gangga has acres of emerald sawah (rice) glittering on perfectly formed terraces making for some great trekking. If you are staying locally, ask your hotel or villa to hook you up with a local guide. Otherwise, ask the ticket office at Tirta Gangga if they can find you a guide. Expect to pay about Rp100,000 for a 4-hour trek for two people.
Tirta Gangga, "holy water of the Ganges," was built in 1948 by the same rajah as the Taman Ujung with more opulence and certainly more success. It is believed that after a tour of the Palace of Versailles, near Paris, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik was so inspired by the architecture and fountains that he decided to build a second water palace. He wanted this water palace to be greater and more ornate than Taman Ujung. Sadly both water palaces were damaged by the 1963 eruption of Gunung Agung. But you can still enjoy the swimming pools and ornamental ponds where the last rajah bathed. The cool spring waters make it a pleasant place to linger for a few hours -- though never on a Sunday, when it fills with local Balinese coming to relax or to flirt with their intendeds.
The area surrounding Tirta Gangga has acres of emerald sawah (rice) glittering on perfectly formed terraces making for some great trekking. If you are staying locally, ask your hotel or villa to hook you up with a local guide. Otherwise, ask the ticket office at Tirta Gangga if they can find you a guide. Expect to pay about Rp100,000 for a 4-hour trek for two people.
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