🏛️ Tirta Gangga: tickets, hours and swimming in Bali

Tirta Gangga stands in the eastern part of Bali. It is about 7 km from Amlapura and roughly a two-hour drive from Ubud (according to bali.de). This is the former country residence of the last Raja of Karangasem: ponds with koi carp, stone walkways above the water, and a multi-tiered fountain in the middle of a shady garden.

The palace is open all day, but the crowds arrive by midday. Below we will look at what is worth seeing here, how much it costs right now, and how to get there without your own car.

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What the Tirta Gangga water palace is

💡 In short:

Entry for foreigners: 90,000 rupiah, the pool and museum are already included in the ticket.
Open daily, it is best to arrive at opening time or after 4:00 PM.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, according to bali.info.

Pond with stone steps and statues at Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is not a temple but a former water palace with a garden and ponds. The name translates as "sacred water of the Ganges": Tirta means holy water, and Gangga refers to the heavenly river that Shiva sent down to earth. The complex covers just over one hectare on a hillside next to the rice terraces of Karangasem (according to balitravelhub.com).

For locals, this is an active place of worship. Rituals are held here and water is collected for ceremonies, so you will find yourself not in a photo zone but in a living part of Balinese tradition. There are fewer tourists here than at the southern temples, and the atmosphere is calmer.

History of construction

Ponds and stone paths at Tirta Gangga Palace

Fresh water is rare in Bali. So when the last Raja of Karangasem found a large spring that pushed through the roots of a sacred tree, he declared the source to have healing properties. The Raja was an educated man who had studied architecture in the Netherlands, so he decided to build a residence for his family and provide regular irrigation for the people.

Large-scale work began in 1946, and by 1948 construction was largely complete (according to baliholidaysecrets.com). The ruler's family got a place to relax, the surrounding farmers got water for planting rice, and drinking water flowed to Amlapura.

The idyll did not last long. In 1963, the eruption of Mount Agung continued intermittently for about 10 months and almost completely destroyed the complex. What remained standing was dismantled by local residents. The Raja tried to rebuild the complex, but there was not enough money, and in 1966 the Raja died (according to balitravelhub.com).

Only by the early 1980s was restoration resumed, this time funded by voluntary donations. By 1990 the main work was completed, but some sections are still being maintained today (according to baliholidaysecrets.com).

Architecture

The raja himself acted as the architect of the complex, which is why it blends Balinese, Chinese, and European styles. The complex was built according to Hindu canons and is divided into three terraces. This layout reflects the structure of the world: from demons below to gods above (according to bali.info).

The lower terrace belongs to demons. A garden was laid out for them, ponds with fish were dug, and bridges were built across the water. Statues of demons and animals stand here, and a water tower operates nearby.
The middle terrace belongs to humans. Its ponds are used for bathing, and there is no separate fee for the water. Locals consider the water healing because it flows from a sacred spring.
The upper terrace is occupied by the ruler's palace and a ritual platform. The site is dedicated to Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, and features sacrificial altars and prayer rooms.

The name explains the concept: the waters of the Ganges are given to believers for a prosperous life. The complex looks ancient: the stones are covered with soft green moss, and it feels as if you have been transported back hundreds of years.

What to see

Pond with water lilies and a statue at Tirta Gangga

The complex is simply pleasant to walk around: paths and bridges connect the ponds, garden, and terraces. A stroll takes about an hour, and with swimming you can easily spend half a day here. Several features deserve special attention.

Koi carp on the lower level. These are Japanese carp; adult fish grow up to 0.9 m (according to baliholidaysecrets.com). The fish are almost tame and take food right from your hand. Food is sold at the entrance.
Stone paths level with the water. You walk across the surface of the pond while carp weave beneath your feet. Locals say that a certain sequence of steps grants wishes, but they won't tell you what it is.
Nawa Sanga fountain. This 11-tier structure, with levels rising one above another, is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi, the guardian of sacred water. The fountain is designed around themes from the Ramayana.
Boar fountain. The boar represents the man-eating demon Rakshasa, who guards the precious water from thieves.
Bathing pools. A refreshing dip is pleasant on a hot day. In the morning the water is still cool, and you cannot stay on the grounds after closing.
Rice fields around the complex. Few tourists come here, so a walk along the terraces is peaceful.
Water supply system. Some of the water goes to Amlapura as drinking water, some fills the fish ponds and pools, and the used water flows to the rice fields.

The complex has a restaurant and a guesthouse. They belong to the heirs of the last ruler, so you can grab a bite and stay overnight right by the ponds. Check prices and the menu on site.

How to behave at the complex

Statues and stepping stones in the ponds of Tirta Gangga

The complex is visited mostly by locals, who come to pray and perform rituals. There are almost no strict rules, but provocative behavior is not welcome. Keep a few things in mind so you don't offend anyone.

Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees are more appropriate than beachwear. Save your swimsuit for the pool. Ask permission before photographing people and ceremonies. You don't need a sarong; Tirta Gangga is not a temple but a water palace, yet respect for the place is essential.

Because of its distance from the main tourist routes, the trip is worth combining with nearby attractions, such as Lempuyang Temple or the water palace Taman Ujung.

Opening hours and ticket prices

The palace is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm (verified on 14.09.2026, according to baliholidaysecrets.com). A ticket for a foreigner costs 90,000 rupiah, children aged 5-12 pay 45,000, and visitors over 65 pay 70,000. Since March 1, 2025, this price includes the pools and the museum on the grounds; no separate fee is required for them (as of 09/2026, Tirta Gangga rates). Rates are revised here, so check the price at the ticket office before buying.

Only additional services are paid separately: boat rides on the pond, drone filming, and parking. The amounts are small, but they change periodically, so confirm them at the ticket office.

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Where it is and how to get there

Tirta Gangga is far from Bali's main resorts. It is closest to Amlapura: the village of Ababi lies about 7 km north of the town (according to bali.de).

Getting there by public transport is difficult. First you need to reach Candidasa, and from there to Amlapura, but there is almost no regular bus service, so check the day and departure time in advance. The last few kilometers to the palace you will walk or hitch a ride.

The most convenient option is to rent a bike or car and follow your GPS. From Ubud, the drive takes about two hours (according to rome2rio). Your route will pass along narrow village roads, so leave with extra time to spare. You can park in the paid lot near the complex.

Tirta Gangga Palace on the map

See the exact location of the palace and its coordinates on the map below. Check your route in advance: in eastern Bali, the GPS sometimes leads you along narrow roads between rice fields.

Stepping stones and a fountain in the ponds of Tirta Gangga

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does entry to Tirta Gangga cost for foreigners?

A ticket for a foreigner costs 90,000 rupiah, and the pools and museum are included in that price. Discounted rates and paid services are described in the prices section (as of 09/2026, Tirta Gangga rates).

Can you swim in the pools at Tirta Gangga?

Yes, swimming is allowed on the middle terrace, and since March 1, 2025 it has been included in the entry ticket price. The water flows from a sacred spring, and locals consider it healing. It is cool in the morning, and after the palace closes you cannot stay on the grounds.

How to get there from Ubud without your own car?

There is no direct bus. First you need to get to Candidasa, then to Amlapura, but services run irregularly. It is more reliable to hire a driver or rent a scooter. From Ubud the journey takes about two hours, and longer from the southern parts of Bali.

How much time do you need to see the palace?

An hour is enough for a walk through the gardens and terraces, and about two hours if you include feeding the koi and taking photos. If you want to swim and have lunch at a local restaurant, plan for half a day. Many people stop here on the way to Lempuyang Temple.

Is Tirta Gangga worth visiting with children?

Yes, children enjoy feeding the tame koi and crossing the pond on the stone paths. The grounds are compact, the paths are even, and there are shaded places to rest. With small children, keep an eye on them near the water: the pond edges are low.

When is the best time to arrive to avoid crowds?

Come at opening time, around 6 a.m., or after 4 p.m. At midday, tour groups arrive and the stone paths get crowded. There are fewer people on weekdays than on weekends and holidays.

In short: what to book

Tirta Gangga is a good fit for a relaxed day in eastern Bali: compact grounds, living traditions, and plenty of water. If you only have a couple of hours, arrive at opening time, feed the koi, and walk along the stone paths. If you want to see more, combine the trip with Lempuyang Temple and the Karangasem rice terraces.

For a trip around East Bali, it is convenient to take a ready-made tour with transfers: see Bali tours on GetYourGuide.

Tirta Gangga in Bali: entry price and is it worth swimming