Alamat: Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat, Ababi, Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem
A luxurious oasis stretched out on the water greets visitors amidst the former Royal Palace, a series of pools and the Patirthan Temple, an important destination for pilgrims. Tirta Gangga, an intriguing reminder of ancient Bali, rises on the eastern side of the island, a handful of kilometres from Karangasem, not far from Abang. This fascinating attraction is known for the Taman Tirta Gangga, the palace on the water built as a summer residence of the last King of Karangasem in 1946, almost completely destroyed by the eruption of the nearby Volcano Gunung Agung in 1963 and subsequently rebuilt. Visitors can admire the monumental Fountain Nawa Sanga with its eleven levels and the ponds inhabited by large carp and lotus flowers, having fun crossing the waters of the pools on floating tiles or having a swim in the enormous stone basin in this regenerative atmosphere.
Written by Balinese scholar Professor I Made Bandem and American art historian Bruce W. Carpenter, this stunning study of masks as an ancient art form is a richly illustrated book, with over 1000 color images by photographer Doddy Obenk.
Man and nature in perfect balance: the subak system
The fertile soil and the particularly humid climate have made Bali one of the most suitable places for rice production. But what makes Balinese rice unique is the way it is grown: steep terraces fed by an irrigation system devised in the 9th century and known as subak.
Natural pigments & dyes in Balinese traditional crafts
Colors play a vital role in Balinese culture and identity: they are symbolic and their origins are sacred. Traditional Balinese arts and crafts arise from the interconnection between man, the forces of nature and the cosmos, resulting in a divine unity.