The water palace, or water park, Tirtagangga is located in the east of the island of Bali, not far from the Karangasem district. Built around a crystal-clear spring, it is by no means an archaic historical landmark, although at first it does give that impression.
In 1948, the last raja of Karangasem decided that the local beauty should be immortalized in water and stone, and commissioned the construction of the palace complex. Moreover, he personally took part in its arrangement — planting and tending the plants. Since then, the park and residence have been owned by the descendants of the raja.
The area of Tirtagangga is small, only a little more than one hectare, but this place is definitely worth a visit. The park's architecture is a blend of Indonesian and Chinese styles — in keeping with the tastes of the commissioning raja. Here you will see beautiful lakes, pools, dozens of sculptures, and a large fountain near the palace.
There are stones in the ponds that tourists love to hop across. For a modest fee, you can also swim, as the local waters are considered sacred and are used in various ceremonies. Large carp swim in the ornamental lakes, but of course you may not catch them. On the green lawns, you can relax in the shade of the trees, and at the local cafe you can have a snack or enjoy a freshly squeezed juice.
