Bali is Not Only Kuta And Legian

Enjoying Kuta and Legian with all of its crowded peoples, traffic jam and the beautiful beaches,
maybe has been a 'must' destination for Bali visitors. But, actually Bali is not only Kuta and Legian, all spreading out around Bali as tourism park that undeniable.

Its hypnotizing arts and cultures, just like seeing a perfect nature's painting, adoring in a luxurious cruise ship until find out closer to the remained Balinese kingdom, could be an interesting option to spend your weekend

Klungkung could be the first destination for your weekend. In additon to the arts and handycrafts, the name of 'Klungkung' cant be separated from Balinese history. Its standing tall in the middle of Semarapura town, Kingdom of Klungkung that ever triumphed in the 17th century.


The war of Puputan Klungkung in 28 April 1908 become the fall of power of the Klungkung kindom. Netherland's party destroyed these kingdom area, until the palebahan. But don't worry, the remained buildings like Pamedal Agung, Kertagosa and Bale Kambang, still can describe the victorious era of Klungkung kingdom. The arrangement of the bricks and the various plantings accompanying the thicken Balinese architectures.

Bale Kertagosa

Not so hard to find the location. Only one hour from Denpasar to reach Klungkung kingdom location. in the eastern of Bali.


Influence of european race looked from the landscape and statues infront of Pamedal Agung. You will find a Balinese statue which wearing a hat ala European noble. Local peoples believe that this place is a sacred place to praying or ask for blessing.


From far away looked a majestic building which surrounded by low wall-fences. After passing some stairs, you will arrive to the Bale Kambang. This place look like floating in a pool, thats why this place named Bale Kambang (floating place)


At a glance, this place is usual, only overlaying floor with no statues or any ornaments. But just look at to the ceiling, you will admired to the wayang paintings with the theme Kakawin Ramayana and Sutasoma.

wayang paintings in the ceiling

Bale Kambang also functioned for religious ceremony place, named Manusa Yadnya, which means teeth-cutting ceremony of the royal's sons and daughters.


Next, you can step your feet to the Bale Kertagosa. In the victorious era of Klungkung kindom, this building functioned for the royal court. The chairs and desks inside it still retainded authenticity. The ceiling of Kertagosa also fulfiled with paintings of wayang kamasan.


Where are these paintings come from? Spare your time to visit Kamasan village, you will find the dilligent children of Kamasan which painting so many wayang characters. Or maybe the women which so carefuly making various handycrafts that garnished with wayang paintings. Original from Kamasan village, paintings in various sizes, cute bags, bracelets, hat or hand fan, could be bought for souvenirs.

source : http://travel.kompas.com/read/2012/05/19/15210623/