Tirta Gangga Water Palace: Why It’s Still Worth Visiting Despite the Crowds
Last Updated on January 29, 2026
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Are you planning a trip to East Bali and wondering if Tirta Gangga is worth visiting?
I’m usually not a fan of overly touristy places: crowds make me want to escape, and I’m not drawn to aesthetics without a deeper purpose or experience behind them. Still, Tirta Gangga was an exception.
Partly because I visited before the arrival of tour groups, the palace felt almost immaculate.
Everything was extremely well kept, with meticulously maintained emerald gardens, colourful flowers, and tropical plants. So yes, this time I stepped outside my comfort zone, and I truly enjoyed it.
In this guide, I share everything you need to know to make the most of your visit: a bit of history and the spiritual significance behind Tirta Gangga to start, followed by practical tips, including the best time to visit to avoid the crowds and the entrance fee.
What is Tirta Gangga: History and Spiritual Significance
Tirta Gangga takes its name from the sacred Ganges River in Hinduism (tirta means “holy water” in Sanskrit).
It’s a former water palace built in 1946 as a recreational retreat for the royal family of Karangasem. The palace was destroyed during the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung, but its gardens were later restored, allowing visitors to still get a sense of the regal atmosphere of that time.
The site isn’t huge, about one hectare, but what immediately stands out are the water ponds filled with colorful koi fish, the stone statues inspired by Hindu epics, and the overall sense of order and balance.
Everything feels carefully looked after, from the pathways to the gardens, with tropical plants and flowers adding color to every corner.
While Tirta Gangga isn’t officially a religious site, it still holds spiritual meaning. In Balinese Hinduism, water is sacred and used for purification rituals, and that symbolism is very present here.
Inside the complex, you’ll also find the Patirthan temple, located at the main lotus pond near the entrance, which reflects the historical and spiritual role Tirta Gangga has played in Balinese culture.
If you’re interested in the story and significance behind Tirta Gangga, it’s worth reading up a bit before visiting. There isn’t much information shared on-site.
How to Get There
As mentioned, Tirta Gangga is located in Karangasem Regency, East Bali. It’s about 50 minutes from Sidemen and around 30 minutes from Amed, so it’s an easy stop if you’re already exploring this side of the island.
If you’re staying elsewhere, Tirta Gangga can still be visited as a day trip, but it makes the most sense to combine it with other things to see in East Bali. From Ubud, the drive takes around two hours, so planning a full day helps make the long journey worth it.
There are a few ways to get there, depending on where you’re coming from and how you like to travel:
- Scooter: A good option if you’re based in Sidemen or Amed and feel comfortable riding longer distances. The road to Tirta Gangga is straightforward and in good condition.
- Hire a driver: If you don’t want to ride a scooter, or you’re coming from farther away, hiring a driver is the easiest option. Most drivers can be booked for 6–8 hours, so you can add a few extra stops along the way.
- Tour: Tirta Gangga is included in many East Bali tours. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this option, as tours usually arrive when the site is already busy. Still, if a tour is your only choice, this is a great option you can consider.
Tirta Gangga: Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
The entrance fee at Tirta Gangga is IDR 90,000 (around $5), and you’ll need to pay in cash at the ticket stall right at the entrance. There’s no need to wear a sarong to get in.
As for opening hours, the site is open daily from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Best Time to Visit Tirta Gangga
Here’s the easy answer. I’m not suggesting you wake up at the crack of dawn to be at Tirta Gangga right when it opens at 6 am, but I do recommend getting there around 8 in the morning. That’s when I visited, and I was still able to take photos without queuing.
Things started to get noticeably busier around 9–9:30 am, with people even lining up to take photos at the main lotus pond.
As for the best time of year, the dry season, from April to September, is usually ideal. That said, you can still get lucky during the rainy season. I visited at the end of November and had clear blue skies all morning.
Things to do At Tirta Gangga
Besides walking around the grounds of Tirta Gangga and visiting the small museum at the back, there are a few other things you can do while you’re there.
First, there’s the iconic photo spot in the main pond, with the stepping stones surrounded by colourful koi fish. For an additional IDR 5,000, you can also feed the fish if you want.
On the left side of the complex, in the larger pond, you’ll find the option to take a short boat ride on a jukung, the traditional Indonesian boat. Honestly, the pond itself isn’t that exciting for a boat ride, but if you’re curious, it costs an extra IDR 20,000.
On the second level, there are traditional bathing pools where you can take a dip for an additional IDR 10,000. There are changing facilities nearby, and when I visited, the pools were mostly used by locals.
Finally, on the third level, you’ll find a restaurant and a couple of villas where guests can stay. This is also how you can experience Tirta Gangga after closing time, when the crowds are gone.
Is Tirta Gangga Worth Visiting?
Yes, Tirta Gangga is worth visiting. That said, I personally wouldn’t plan a specific trip from Ubud, or from further south, just to see Tirta Gangga.
However, if you’re already around East Bali and putting together a day-trip itinerary, it’s absolutely worth stopping by. That’s exactly how it happened for me.
I hadn’t planned to visit Tirta Gangga at all. I was mainly focused on getting to Lahangan Sweet when my driver suggested stopping at Tirta Gangga since it was close by. I said, “Why not?” and in the end, I was really glad I made time for it.
It’s an effortless visit. The water palace is immaculate and a true photographer’s paradise; honestly, every single corner is incredibly aesthetic.
The architecture and garden design feel unique, and you’ll naturally end up taking beautiful photos and memories. The place really lends itself to that.
If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys understanding the history and purpose behind places (beyond just the visuals), there’s also a small museum in the far left corner of Tirta Gangga.
It collects old photos of the Karangasem kings and royal family. If you’re visiting with a local guide, this is the perfect moment to ask questions and dig a bit deeper.
There are no signs or explanations, just photographs. And if you’re on your own, you can always borrow a guide from another group for a couple of minutes.
Other Things to Do Around Tirta Gangga
If you’re like me and planning a day trip around East Bali, here are a few nearby stops you can add to your itinerary to make the most of your time:
- Lahangan Sweet: This is hands down one of the most incredible viewpoints of Mount Agung, and the main reason I decided to head to this area in the first place. The road to get there is pretty rough, so I’d recommend going by car if you’re not comfortable driving. That said, the view makes it 100% worth it.
- Pura Lempuyang: Another major highlight of East Bali and a magnet for both international and local travelers. I’d only recommend visiting if you’re genuinely interested in exploring the entire seven-temple complex. If your goal is just the iconic photo at the Gates of Heaven, be prepared to wait (queue times can reach 3–4 hours unless you arrive around 5 am.)
- Taman Ujung Water Palace: Another water palace built by the kings of Karangasem. Taman Ujung feels less crowded than Tirta Gangga (it’s much larger, covering around 10 acres) and is a photographer’s paradise, with plenty of quiet corners to explore. Unlike Tirta Gangga, though, there are quite a few stairs involved if you want to reach the best viewpoints overlooking Mount Agung.
Best Tours of Tirta Gangga
If I were looking for a tour that includes Tirta Gangga along with other interesting stops nearby, here are a couple I’d consider:
- Tirta Gangga, Taman Ujung, and Cepung Waterfall: Tukad Cepung Waterfall is still on my Bali bucket list, and with two of the most beautiful water palaces in East Bali makes for a really fun day trip. If you’re thinking of booking this one, don’t wait; this tour is always sold out.
- Pura Lempuyang, Goa Raja Waterfall, and Tirta Gangga: This is a great tour if you want easy access to Pura Lempuyang and to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in East Bali, Goa Raja Waterfall. All entrance tickets are taken care of, and pick-up and drop-off are included.
- Bali: Full-Day Tour With Tirta Gangga & Tegallalang Rice Terraces: This is a great full-day tour including the iconic highlights of Central and East Bali, including Tirta Gangga, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Tukad Cepung Waterfalls, and Pura Lempuyang.
FAQ Section
1. Ubud to Tirta Ganga: Is it worth it?
Tirta Gangga is around two hours from Ubud. It can be worth the trip, but only if you’re planning a longer itinerary around East Bali. Personally, I wouldn’t leave Ubud just to visit Tirta Gangga and then head straight back.
2. Is it possible to get from Tirta Gangga to Lempuyang Temple?
Yep, Pura Lempuyang is located around 20 minutes from Tirta Gannga and makes for a perfect stop right before or after it. The roads in this area are well-paved and easy to navigate, so no need to worry if you’re driving a scooter.
And that’s it, my guide to the water palace of Tirta Gangga. Hopefully, my honest take helped you decide whether it’s still worth adding to your Bali itinerary.
I genuinely enjoyed my visit, and when combined with other nearby sights, it makes for a really fun and easy day trip around East Bali.
If you have any questions about Tirta Gangga or East Bali in general, feel free to leave them in the comments. I’m always happy to help.
