Nowadays, the city of Klungkung is officially called Semarapura. The entire district, which includes Semarapura, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan is called the Klungkung district. It is the smallest regency in Bali and still relatively unknown to most tourists. The district is located about a 45-minute drive east of Denpasar.
The Unda River flows through Klungkung district and you can find many small, traditional and untouched villages here. Recently, investments have been made to raise awareness of the district, which has made it better known among tourists. If you are interested in history, you must visit the capital of the Klungkung district; Semarapura. Besides history, the largest market in Bali is located here. Hereby we give you some more places to visit in the Klungkung district.
Kertha Gosa
Kertha Gosa or also officially called ‘Taman Gili’ was once part of the complex of the royal palace ‘Puri Semarapura’. This royal complex was built in 1686 by the first ruler. Unfortunately, in 1908 almost all of these beautiful royal buildings were destroyed as a result of the colonial invasion. This relic is a beautiful yet also characteristic example of Klungkung architecture. The Kertha Gosa was considered the supreme judicial authority in Bali and was used as a location for the administration of justice by the priests during pre-colonial times before the colonial invasion.
At that time, three Brahmin priests presided over by the judge were known for their harsh and inhuman punishments. Before this administration of justice, there were 2 important meeting rooms; the Bale Kerta Gosa, the ceilings of which are decorated with paintings portraying torture in hell and happiness in heaven, and the Bale Kambang or ‘floating pavilion’, located in the middle of a pond full of lotuses.
Kamasan Village
A visit to Kamasan Village is a must-do for those who are artistically minded and who love art. Kamasan Village is a small village of approximately 249 hectares, has around 3,400 inhabitants and is divided into 4 smaller villages. The village is only 4 km away from the capital Semarapura. For centuries, mainly craftsmen have lived in the village, which is why Kamasan Village has been known for centuries for its beauty of cultural arts in the creation of silver, sculpted bullet casings and traditional doll paintings. In these paintings, you will encounter a lot of Balinese wayang kulit painting style (which can also be admired in Kertha Gosa). Doll painting is iconic for Kamasan Village. In support of tourism, several exhibition halls and sales locations of the paintings have recently been opened. A visit to this village is a unique, artistic and alternative experience.
Bat Cave
A few kilometres east of Semarapura, Goa Lawah, better known as ‘the Bat Cave’, serves as a guard for evil spirits from the ocean. The temple complex is built around the entrance to a cave that attracts thousands of bats. During the day, these baths are often invisible, but you can certainly hear them. If the local legend is true, in addition to bats, this cave is also inhabited by a giant king snake wearing a crown. The temple is known as one of the most peaceful temples in Bali. From the temple, you have a view of a wonderful coast with a blue ocean and Nusa Penida in the background.
