Klungkung Palace & Kerta Gosa - Minangkabau house, Negeri Sembilan Muséum
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Klungkung Palace & Kerta Gosa

4.5
·3k reviews·, Indonesia

Explore the historic Klungkung Palace, home to the Kerta Gosa pavilion with its captivating Bhima Swarga ceiling murals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Klungkung Palace & Kerta Gosa - Minangkabau house, Negeri Sembilan Muséum

Klungkung Palace & Kerta Gosa

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historic Klungkung Palace, home to the Kerta Gosa pavilion with its captivating Bhima Swarga ceiling murals.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"Marvel at the intricate Bhima Swarga murals on the ceiling, depicting tales of justice and the afterlife."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Buy Tickets Across the Street

Avoid hassle by purchasing your admission tickets from vendors across the road before entering the palace grounds. :admission_tickets:

🚫 Politely Decline Unofficial Guides

Be firm but polite when declining unsolicited tour guides. They may overcharge. :noentrysign:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kerta Gosa Pavilion

Kerta Gosa Pavilion

Klungkung Palace grounds

Marvel at the intricate Bhima Swarga murals on the ceiling, depicting tales of justice and the afterlife.

Judicial Temple

Judicial Temple

Klungkung Palace grounds

Explore the historical heart of the palace where justice was once dispensed.

Floating Palace (Bale Kambang)

Floating Palace (Bale Kambang)

Klungkung Palace grounds

Imagine royal parties held in this picturesque pavilion surrounded by water.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Klungkung

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds. Consider the local celebration schedule as it can impact accessibility and atmosphere.

Navigating the Palace Grounds

While a guide isn't essential, be aware of unofficial guides near the ticket booth. Purchase tickets across the street for a smoother entry. The judicial temple and floating palace are highlights.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Legenda Asal Usul Klungkung ✨ #asalusulklungkung #klungkung #klungkung24jam #legendaBali #ceritarakyatbali #bali
@bagusaskarabumi
10.1K likes • 192.5K views

🎯 Buy Tickets Across the Street

Avoid hassle by purchasing your admission tickets from vendors across the road before entering the palace grounds. :admission_tickets:

🚫 Politely Decline Unofficial Guides

Be firm but polite when declining unsolicited tour guides. They may overcharge. :noentrysign:

Kertha Gosa Pavilion ✨ . Pavilion ini dibangun pada masa yang sama dengan pembangunan Istana Kerajaan Klungkung pada abad 17, pada Pemedal Agung atau pintu utama Istana tertulis tahun 1622 tapi selain tahun tersebut ada tertulis 1686, nevertheless they built the palace in 17th century by the King of Kindom of Klungkung at that time Dewa Agung Jambe I✨ . The function of this pavilion for regular...
tinoindra
85 likes • 822 views
The Kertha Gosa Pavilion is an example of Balinese architecture located on the island of Bali, in city Klungkung, Indonesia. The Kertha Gosa Pavilion at Klungkung Palace was built in the 17th century or early 18th century by Dewa Agung Jambe I - Wikipedia #bali #indonesia #culture #heritage #journey #wonderful #wonderfuldestinations
joe.san23
0 likes • 386 views

🌸 Admire the Giant Water Lilies

Don't miss the impressive, large white water lilies in the palace gardens. :lotus:

🚶‍♂️ Short Visit Recommended

Most visitors find 30 minutes to an hour sufficient to explore the main attractions. :stopwatch:

Kerta Gosa Hall of Justice in Bali Palace Complex and Historical Landmark in East Bali Kerta Gosa, also ‘Kertha Gosa’ and referred to locally as Taman Gili Kerta Gosa, is a historical landmark in Semarapura, the main town of the Klungkung regency in East Bali. Kerta Gosa forms part of the Puri Semarapura royal palace complex and features 2 main structures – a grand hall or the namesake Bale Kert...
danabalinesedriver
9 likes • 106 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Buy Tickets Across the Street

Avoid hassle by purchasing your admission tickets from vendors across the road before entering the palace grounds. :admission_tickets:

🚫 Politely Decline Unofficial Guides

Be firm but polite when declining unsolicited tour guides. They may overcharge. :noentrysign:

🌸 Admire the Giant Water Lilies

Don't miss the impressive, large white water lilies in the palace gardens. :lotus:

🚶‍♂️ Short Visit Recommended

Most visitors find 30 minutes to an hour sufficient to explore the main attractions. :stopwatch:

📜 Understand the Legends

Learn about the origin legends of Klungkung to enrich your visit. :scroll:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Klungkung Palace, particularly the Kerta Gosa pavilion with its unique ceiling art, to be a historically significant and visually interesting site. While the gardens and floating palace add charm, some reviews note pushy hawkers and a dated museum. The overall experience is often described as a worthwhile, brief cultural stop.

"Beautiful Balinese park and pavilion at the Klungkung Palace that was built during the late 17th to early 18th century by Dewa Agung Jambe the 1st."

R. Clausen

"Avoid the old man standing near the ticket booth acting as a tour guide. He will ask you which country you are from and then keep asking you to pay him more.
Nice place to visit and they have the biggest white water lilly I've ever seen.
Tip! You don't need a tour guide to explore this place.
Bali tourism should investigate and remove the 2 ladies selling sarongs because they were harassing all the tourists. Remove this old man, the fake tour guide."

Ajnil Singh

"Buy your tickets across the street before entering. The judicial temple is fascinating with a storied history and beautiful ceiling paintings. The floating palace is where the king used to hold parties after dispensing justice. The gardens are lush. A few pushy hawkers. Just say ' no buy' and they leave you alone. Worth a visit of about 30 minutes."

Robin Mayer

What People Like

Intricate ceiling paintings
Historical significance
Unique architecture

What People Dislike

Pushy hawkers
Dated museum

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Denpasar, you can hire a private driver or take a taxi to Klungkung Palace. The journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Shared minivans (Bemo) are also an option but can be less direct and comfortable. :car: Reddit

While public transport like Bemos exists, it's often more convenient and faster to arrange private transport for a more direct route to Klungkung Palace. :bus:

If you're coming from Sidemen, hiring a private driver is the most straightforward option. It allows for flexibility and a direct journey to the palace. :taxi:

Yes, Klungkung Palace is a feasible stop on a day trip from Sanur, especially if you're heading east. It's a good detour before reaching your final destination. :day_trip:

Yes, there is usually parking available near the palace entrance, though it might be managed by local attendants. :parking:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees are generally affordable. It's recommended to purchase tickets across the street from the main entrance for a smoother process. :moneywithwings: Reddit

The palace and Kerta Gosa are typically open daily from around 8 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any local holiday closures. :clock1:

No, advance booking is generally not required for Klungkung Palace. You can purchase tickets upon arrival, preferably from the vendors across the street. :ticket:

As it's a historical and cultural site, modest dress is appreciated. Wearing a sarong and sash is often recommended or required for entering certain temple areas. :dress: Reddit

Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but be respectful, especially inside the pavilions. Tripods might be restricted. :camerawithflash:

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Kerta Gosa pavilion with its stunning ceiling paintings, the Judicial Temple, and the Floating Palace (Bale Kambang) are the main highlights. Don't miss the large water lilies in the gardens. :star2: Reddit

A dedicated tour guide is not essential, as the main points of interest are quite clear. However, be wary of unofficial guides who may approach you. :man_detective:

Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the palace grounds, focusing on the key pavilions and gardens. :stopwatch:

Klungkung Palace was the seat of the Klungkung Kingdom, one of Bali's most powerful kingdoms, and Kerta Gosa served as a court of justice. It's a significant historical site. :scroll: TikTok

The gardens are generally pleasant and well-kept, featuring lush greenery and the notable large water lilies. :evergreen_tree:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are typically no dining facilities directly within the palace grounds. You'll find local eateries and warungs in the surrounding town of Klungkung. :forkandknife:

Expect to find traditional Balinese cuisine at local warungs, offering dishes like Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, and various satays. :rice_bowl:

It's advisable to eat before or after your visit, as dining options are limited within the palace itself. The town of Klungkung offers plenty of choices. :stomach:

Yes, most local warungs will have vegetarian options, often featuring rice dishes with vegetable sides or tofu and tempeh. :leafy_green:

Bringing your own water and light snacks is generally acceptable, but it's always good practice to dispose of your trash responsibly. :water_buffalo:

📸 📸 Photography

The Kerta Gosa pavilion, especially the ceiling art, the picturesque Floating Palace, and the lush gardens with water lilies offer fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Yes, the ceiling paintings are a major draw. Try to capture them from different angles, and consider visiting during softer light to avoid harsh shadows. :art:

While generally permitted, avoid using flash directly on the delicate ceiling paintings. Tripods might be restricted in certain areas. :no_flash:

Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, providing softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. :sunriseovermountains:

Drone usage is likely restricted due to it being a historical and cultural site. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. :airplane_departure:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Klungkung Palace can be an interesting stop for families, especially to introduce children to Balinese history and art. The Kerta Gosa pavilion's ceiling paintings can spark imagination, as they tell stories that might appeal to younger minds. The open grounds offer space for kids to move around, and the large water lilies in the gardens are often a point of fascination. Reddit

Keep in mind that the historical context might require some simplification for younger children. It's also wise to be prepared for the heat and to carry water. While there aren't specific play areas, the visual elements and the story-telling aspect of the murals can make it an engaging, albeit brief, family outing. :child:

💰 Budget Travelers

Klungkung Palace is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The admission fees are very affordable, and purchasing tickets across the street can sometimes offer a slight saving or at least a more straightforward transaction. Reddit The site is relatively compact, meaning you won't need to spend hours there, saving on potential transportation costs if you're on a tight schedule. Reddit

Avoid hiring expensive private guides; the main attractions are self-explanatory. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing from vendors within the tourist areas. The palace offers a significant cultural and historical experience without a hefty price tag, making it a valuable addition to any budget itinerary. :money_bag:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Kerta Gosa

The Kerta Gosa pavilion is the undeniable star of Klungkung Palace. Its most striking feature is the intricate ceiling paintings depicting scenes from the Bhima Swarga, an epic Balinese story. These murals are not just decorative; they served as a visual guide for the king and his subjects on matters of justice, karma, and the afterlife. The detailed artwork, often in vibrant blues and reds, tells a compelling narrative that has captivated visitors for centuries. TikTok

The artistry is truly breathtaking, with each panel telling a part of the story. It's a testament to the skill of Balinese painters and the enduring cultural significance of these narratives. Take your time to observe the details and imagine the stories unfolding above you. The pavilion itself, an open-air structure, adds to the immersive experience, allowing you to feel connected to the history and the art. Reddit

Navigating the Palace Grounds and Avoiding Pitfalls

Klungkung Palace, while not as sprawling as some other Balinese royal residences, offers a glimpse into historical governance and royal life. The grounds include the Judicial Temple, where legal matters were once decided, and the charming Floating Palace (Bale Kambang), a place for royal leisure. The gardens are also noteworthy, particularly for their impressive collection of large white water lilies. Reddit

Visitors should be aware of potential nuisances. Some reviews mention pushy hawkers and unofficial tour guides who can be persistent. It's advisable to politely but firmly decline their services. Purchasing tickets across the street from the main entrance is a commonly recommended tip to streamline the entry process. Reddit The museum within the complex is described as somewhat dated, so managing expectations is key. Overall, a visit of about 30 minutes to an hour is usually sufficient to appreciate the main historical and artistic elements. :noentrysign: :admission_tickets:

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