TIRTA GANGGA WATER PALACE IN BALI: COMPLETE GUIDE 2024

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Tirta Gangga water palace is one of those places where the balance between architecture and nature blend in perfect harmony. The palace boasts a combination of lush gardens, perfect swimming pools, fish ponds with water plants and spiritual stone carvings.

Tirta Gangga is the perfect place to get in touch with the Balinese local culture and spirituality while enjoying a peaceful day swimming under the Indonesian sun.

During my 6 months stay in Padang Bai I used to visit Tirta Gangga very often to relax and swim in its stunning pools.

In this guide I will share with you all you need to know about visiting the Tirta Gangga water palace and share some of my photos with you to help you make the best of your visit.

ABOUT TIRTA GANGGA

Tirta Gangga is a former royal palace in Bali that was built in the 20^th century by the Karangasem royal family.

The palace is named after the sacred river Ganges in Hinduism that believes that the river Ganges and its waters are considered sacred.

Taman Tirta Gangga complex features majestic pools, exquisite statues and stunning gardens and ponds decorated with Lotus flowers.

The palace sacred waters and harmonious balance of art and nature are inviting to meditation and will connected you deeply with Bali’s cultural heritage.

MY EXPERIENCE AT TIRTA GANGGA

Tirta Gangga water palace, pools and gardens was one of my favorite places to visit when I live in Padang Bai. I spent 6 months living there sharing an place with other people who were staying for long term in Bali and we used to go there to spend the day swimming and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the palace and its gardens, while enjoying some deeps in the sacred pools.

Yes, swimming in the sacred pools is allowed for visitors and you can enjoy the great views and the Balinese Sun while cleansing yourself in the sacred pools.

TIRTA GANGGA LOCATION

Tirta Gangga is situated in the eastern part of Bali, Indonesia, specifically in the village of Ababi in the Karangasem regency. It’s approximately 11 kilometers north of the town of Amlapura, the regency’s capital.

Find here a pin with Taman Tirta Gangga location:

HOW TO GET TO TIRTA GANGGA

Tirta Gangga is located 2 hours driving from Ubud and around 3 hours from Canggu. You can always rent a scooter and drive from these places to the location. However this can be a pretty exhausting experience and I recommend you to stay in Amed or Padang Bai if you are going to visit this area, as the motorbike ride is much shorter and pleasant, around 30, 45 minutes.

I used to visit the palace with a scooter than I rented for a 6 months period and I used to go to visit everywhere around Bali. You can also rent a scooter per day and the price can be around 60,000 IDR per day, negotiable.

You can book your scooter for your Bali stay at Bali Scooter and Motorbike rental, motorbike will be delivered at the hotel where you will stay.

BOOK: Book your scooter for your Bali trip

You can also visit the temple by hiring a private car with driver which is quite popular for day trips around Bali.

BOOK: Book Bali private car with driver

Another option if you are spending a short time in the island of the Gods is to visit the temple on a organized tour so you do not need to spend time on organization and you can combine it with other visits to the nearby attractions.

Find in the next section a review of the best Tirta Gangga tours available.

BEST TIRTA GANGGA TOURS

BALI INSTAGRAM TOUR

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 4.8/ 5

Book it!

This tour will not only bring you to the Tirta Gangga water palace but to some other the other best known Bali spots in Instagram, including the Tengallalang rice terraces and Lempuyang, the famous gates of heaven.

My husband and I had a wonderful day trip with Dita. He was on time in the morning and was communicating with us very clearly. He drove very safely and always made us feel at ease. He never rushed us despite there being long queues at some of the attractions and allowed us to take as long as we needed and was respectful and courteous throughout. He is also very skilled at taking photos and we were amazed with some of the photos he took and his knowledge of the locations. I would highly recommend anyone taking this tour to specifically ask for Dita, as I can guarantee you will not be disappointed! A truly wonderful and worthwhile day out! Asmita

Asmita – United KingdomDecember 3, 2023 ( More reviews)

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“With expert guides to guide you into this experience and pick-up and drop-off in your hotel you will enjoy an unforgettable day in Bali most stunning spots.

BOOK: Bali Instagram highlights tour

EAST BALI TOUR: LEMPUYANG TEMPLE, TIRTA GANGGA, TAMAN UJUNG

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: New activity

Book it!

This your focused on East Bali will bring you to the best locations around in this area of the island of the Gods and will end up in the stunning Virgin beach where you can chill out and do some snorkeling.

BOOK: East Bali Tour

AMED: TIRTA GANGGA, JEMELUK BAY & VIRGIN BEACH DAY TRIP

Duration: 10 hours

Rating: 4,6/5

Enjoy an unforgettable day of sightseeing in East Bali. Visit the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, enjoy snorkeling at Jemuluk Bay, and relax on the white sands of Virgin Beach.

It was a fantastic experience! At Tirta Gangaa the guide took some photos of me and then gave me time to wander around on my own. We then went to Virgin Beach and it was fabulous! Then we went snorkeling and he basically taught me and facilitated me! He recommended me a warung where you can eat suckling pig, very good! It was fun because he told me so many curiosities about Balinese culture. Having these experiences is necessary to get to know the places better. Great Experience! thanks Yan ?

Juliana, October 22, 2023 ( More reviews)

This is a wonderful experience and you will not only have the chances to visit the stunning water palace but to also do some breathtaking snorkeling in Virging beach. Do not forget to bring your underwater camera.

BOOK: Tirta Gangga, Jemeluk, Bay and Virgin beach day trip

TIRTA GANGGA OPENING TIMES

Tirta Gangga opens daily from 8:00 until 17:00. Always remember to check if there are public holidays or special events with the local people to make sure that the palace is opened on the day of your visit.

TIRTA GANGGA ENTRANCE FEES

Entrance Fee – 30,000 IDR

Parking – Free

TIRTA GANGGA HISTORY

The Tirta Gangga water palace was originally buil in 1946t by the King of Karangasem, The palace is inspired in Balinese and Chinese architecture.

The water palace design revolves around the concept of capturing natural beauty while incorporating Hindu symbolism. The palace was devastated by a volcanic eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 and later restored.

The term “Tirta” is a Sanskrit term meaning water and “Gangga” refers to the most holy river in the Hindu tradition, the river Ganges. “Tirta Gangga” means in English the “holy water of the Ganges”. The temple was erected to honor the Balinese Hindu heritage.

The government regularly performs checks and renovation in order to preserve the cultural heritage for future generations.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TIRTA GANGGA

The best time to visit Tirta Gangga is early morning or at the end of the day. The milder temperatures at these spots of the day will make your visit more pleasant and you will be able to take some dips in the water to later dry in the Sun while enjoying the peaceful aura of the place.

WHAT AWAITS AT TIRTA GANGGA

A visit to Tirta Gangga will leave you refreshed and energized. There will always be some friendly local people around that come to enjoy the pools and for spiritual cleansing purposes.

There are two pools. The main bigger pool where most local people and a bigger pool located in the back garden area that is longer and usually not crowded.

I used to go and do some serious swimming for around 30 45 minutes in this swimming pool or take some underwater shots with friends.

There are also a restaurant inside the palace where you can enjoy a nice meal after swimming, the Tirta Ayu Restaurant. It is located on a top terrace with a view to the pools and the gardens.

There are also some shops at the entrance where you can purchase some Balinese goods, food and juices.

WHAT TO PACK FOR TIRTA GANGGA

Light Clothing: Bali’s weather is warm, so pack lightweight, breathable clothes like cotton shirts, shorts, dresses, and comfortable walking shoes.

Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.

Swimwear: If you plan to take a dip in the pools, bring swimwear and a towel.

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated; carry a refillable water bottle.

Mosquito Repellent: Depending on the time of day, mosquitoes might be around, so insect repellent can be handy.

Camera/Phone: Capture the beauty of Tirta Gangga, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone for photos.

Cash and Water Shoes: Some places might require an entrance fee, and water shoes can be useful if you plan to enter the pools.

Respectful Clothing: If you plan to visit any nearby temples, bring a sarong or scarf to cover your legs as a sign of respect.

TIRTA GANGGA FAQs

WHY IS TIRTA GANGGA FAMOUS?

Tirta Gangga is famous for its sacred bathing pools and its Patirthan temple.

The palace is also noted for its step stones that allow you to walk a stunning pond where orange fish leaves. The steps have been widely featured on Instagram.

WHAT IS BALI HINDUISM?

Balinese hinduism is a form of hinduism practiced by the island inhabitants that blends some local animistic beliefs and ancestor worship with the ancient Hindu tradition brought from India as early as the first century.