Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Royal water palace, koi ponds and sacred springs · East Bali, Karangasem

Tirta Gangga ('Water of the Ganges') is a one-hectare royal water palace built in 1948 by the last Raja of Karangasem. With its iconic stepping-stone fish ponds, fountains, koi pools and lush gardens fed by sacred springs, it's one of East Bali's most peaceful and photogenic stops — and the perfect pair with the nearby Lempuyang Temple.

About Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Tirta Gangga was the personal pleasure garden of Raja Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, who designed and helped build it himself in the 1940s. Severely damaged when Mount Agung erupted in 1963, it was lovingly restored and remains owned by the royal family today.

The complex is built around natural spring water that the Balinese consider holy — the same source supplies several nearby villages and is used in temple rituals throughout East Bali. The water flows through three levels of pools, fountains and gardens, ending at a swimming pool fed entirely by spring water.

The most photographed feature is the central pond with stepping stones cutting through hundreds of large orange koi fish. Buy a small packet of fish food at the entrance and the fish will swarm to your feet — a magical photo opportunity, especially in the soft morning light.

Highlights

Stepping-stone koi pond. The signature shot — round stone disks crossing a pond filled with hundreds of orange koi. Buy fish food at the entrance and watch the fish swarm.
11-tier lotus fountain. The central tiered fountain (Nawa Sanga) is dedicated to the nine directions of the Hindu cosmos and surrounded by lotus-blooming pools.
Spring-fed swimming pool. Two swimming pools are filled entirely with cool, clear spring water — bring a swimsuit; entry is a small extra fee.
Sculpture-lined gardens. Stone Hindu deities, demons and mythological figures line the pathways through manicured tropical gardens.
Mount Agung backdrop. On clear mornings, sacred Mount Agung rises behind the gardens for one of East Bali's finest photo combinations.

Practical Information

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Entrance fee: Adults IDR 50,000; children IDR 30,000; swimming pool extra IDR 30,000
Suggested duration: 60–90 minutes is plenty for the gardens and a swim
Best time to visit: 8–10 AM for soft light, koi feeding and a cool dip before the heat
Fish food packets at entrance ~IDR 5,000
Sarong/sash provided free at entrance
Café and seating areas overlooking the ponds

Address: Ababi, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852, Indonesia — view on Google Maps

Visitor Tips

Combine with Lempuyang Temple's 'Gates of Heaven' just 25 minutes away — the classic East Bali half-day.
Bring a swimsuit if you want to use the spring-fed pool — it's beautifully cool after a hot drive.
Arrive before 10 AM to avoid the tour-bus crowds and get the best light for photos.
Buy fish food on entry and let kids feed the koi — it's the highlight for younger visitors.
Sarongs are provided free at the entrance — modest dress is appreciated as it's a sacred site.

Getting There

From Amed: 30 minutes by scooter or private driver.
From Ubud: 90 minutes by private driver, usually combined with Lempuyang.
From Sanur or Seminyak: 2 hours by car.
From Lovina: 3 hours via the coastal route.
Easiest as part of a guided East Bali day tour with Lempuyang and Sidemen.

Nearby Attractions

Lempuyang Temple (12 km • 25 min drive) — The 'Gates of Heaven' framing Mount Agung — Bali's most-photographed temple.
Amed Beach (20 km • 30 min drive) — Bali's best beach-entry snorkelling at Jemeluk Bay and the USAT Liberty wreck dive.
Sidemen Village (35 km • 75 min drive) — Bali's most beautiful unspoiled rice-terrace valley beneath Mount Agung.