East Bali

Tirta Gangga Water Palace: stepping stones and royal gardens

MyBroBali Travel Guide · 5 min read

Tirta Gangga is a former royal water palace in East Bali, built in 1946 by the last king of Karangasem. Unlike the temples nearby, this is a garden — ponds, fountains, stone statues, and a network of stepping stones laid out across the water, all set against a backdrop of rice terraces and distant hills.

What makes it worth visiting

The main draw is the stepping-stone path across the largest pond, where dozens of carp swim beneath your feet as you cross. It photographs beautifully and doesn't require any special timing or luck to enjoy — it's simply a calm, well-kept garden that's pleasant to walk through at any hour.

Compared to Bali's temple sites, Tirta Gangga feels more relaxed. There's no strict dress code beyond general modesty, no ritual to observe, and no queue for a specific photo — you can take your time.

What to do there

• Walk the stepping stones across the main pond (small entrance fee applies)
• Feed the carp — food is usually sold near the entrance
• Walk the upper terraces for a view back over the whole complex
• Grab a drink at one of the small cafes overlooking the water

Pairing it with other stops

Tirta Gangga sits close to both Taman Ujung Water Palace and Pura Lempuyang, making it easy to combine all three into one East Bali day trip. It's a good "breather" stop between the more physically demanding Lempuyang climb and the grander scale of Taman Ujung.

Getting there

It's about a 1.5-hour drive from South Bali. Given how well it pairs with nearby sites, most visitors see it as part of a half or full-day East Bali itinerary with a private driver rather than as a standalone trip.