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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Klungkung Palace & Kerta Gosa
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic Klungkung Palace, home to the Kerta Gosa pavilion with its captivating Bhima Swarga ceiling murals.
"Marvel at the intricate Bhima Swarga murals on the ceiling, depicting tales of justice and the afterlife."
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Floating Palace (Bale Kambang)
Klungkung Palace grounds
Imagine royal parties held in this picturesque pavilion surrounded by water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Klungkung
Navigating the Palace Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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
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
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 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.
Navigating the Palace Grounds and Avoiding Pitfalls
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. 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:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit