places_at_karangasem.htm

History:
This temple was intentionally built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

While in the mythology of Samudramanthana it is mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the BesakihTemple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. However, the construction was troubled by the spread of disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of his followers, he then constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

Location:
The location of Besakih Temple or Pura Agung Besakih is at Besakih village, Rendang district, on the south west of Mount Agung. It is about 44 kms from Amlapura and 62 kms from Denpasar.

Facility:
Some facilities are available in this area to support the tourism activities in Besakih, like food stalls, fruit stalls and art shops. There is also a quite large parking lot and local guides who will always be ready to give their best service.

Description:
Besakih Temple is one of tourist objects which has its own uniqueness compared with other places. It becomes famous because of complex of temple established here, also known as the Mother Temple in Bali. Besakih which offers religious atmosphere was built based on the four directions.

TELAGA WAJA

History:
The name of Bukit Jambul was firstly given during the Dutch invasion in Indonesia by a tourist, who was inspired by a high hill standing on the south of the main road connecting Klungkung regency and Besakih of Karangasem regency. There is a Hindu Temple called Pura Pucak Sari on the top of the hill, which is surrounded by big trees. Below the temple complex there is a stunning panorama of rice fields. This makes the trees look like a tufting hair from a distance ( Bukit = hill, Jambul = Tuft of hair).

Location:
Bukit Jambul is located at Pesaban traditional village, Nongan village, Rendang district. It is approximately 8 kms from Klungkung regency to the north, and about 51 kms from Denpasar or 15 kms from Besakih Temple.

Facility:
This area is facilitated with food stalls or "warung" and also small restaurants, with a quite large parking lot.

Description:
Bukit Jambul is renown as an outstanding natural tourist destination due to the harmonious combination of hilly land, rice fields, valleys and the beautiful sea panorama in a distance. From high land, we will be able to witness the beauty of the nature beneath.

TIRTAGANGGA

History:
Tirtagangga water garden was built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. This water garden was constructed in a very unique architecture of Balinese and Chinese styles.

Location:
Tirtagangga is situated at Ababi village, Abang District. It is about 83 km from Denpasar and 6 km from Amlapura to the north.

Facility:
Facilities available in this area are small hotels, small restaurants and food stalls, art shops and a parking area lot.

Description:
Tirtagangga Water Garden scratches on a 1,2 Hectare area, which consists of three complexes. The first complex lies on the lowest level of this area, where we can find two ponds and a water tower. The second complex in the middle level is the location where we can find swimming pools; while in the third part, which is the main complex, we can find the rest house of the King.

Before the construction of the water garden, there was a big spring water in this area. Therefore people surrounding the area called this place "embukan" which means spring water.

The spring water was then functioned to fulfil the people's need of water and also for the "purification" of the Gods (Ida Betara). For this case, the spring water is recognised to be holy and sacred.

The religious to construct this tranquil water garden for his rest house and also for the people's function and the cool climate of this area, plus the fascinating view around, inspired the kingleisure and pleasure.

PURI AGUNG KARANG ASEM

History:
Puri Agung Karangasem or Karangasem Palace was built in 19th Century by Anak Agung Gede Jelantik, the first king of Karangasem Kingdom. This tourist destination is visited for its unique architecture, which is the combination of Balinese, Chinese and European architectures.

Location:
The location of Karangasem Palace is in the center of Amlapura, approximately 78 km from Denpasar.

Description:
As it was mentioned before, the architecture of Puri Agung Karangasem is the combination of three different styles. Balinese architecture can be found on the carving of Hindu's statues and the relief on the wall of the building. The European influence is seen on the style of the main building with its large veranda, while the Chinese architecture is implied on the style of the window, the door and its other ornaments.

Puri Agung Karangasem consists of three parts, namely Bencingah, Jaba Tengah, and Maskerdam. Bencingah is the front part of the Palace, where traditional art performance takes place. Jaba Tengah is set as the Palace Garden with a big pond. In the middle of the pond, there is a building called "Balai Gili" or floating building, here we can also find 2 old lychee trees. The third part is Maskerdam, of which the name was given after the name Amsterdam, a city in Netherlands. This building was constructed when the King of Karangasem started opening relationship with the Dutch government.

TAMAN SOEKASADA UJUNG

History:
Ujung Water Palace, which by the local people is called as Taman Soekasada Ujung, was built in 1919. However, the launching of this complex of water palace was performed in 1912.

The water palace was constructed by the late King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, that reigned in Karangasem between 1909 and 1945.

Ujung Water Palace was majestically built to welcome and to serve important guests and Kings from neighboring countries, besides for the pleasure of the King and his royal family.

Location:
Taman Soekasada Ujung lies at Tumbu village, Karangasem district. It is approximately 85 km from Airport Denpasar and 5 km from Amlapura.

Facility:
Tourism activity in this area is supported by the available of food stalls, small restaurants and quite large parking area. Visitors who are interested in local crafts product can find some of them in art shops available here.

Description:
Taman Soekasada Ujung has been announced to be a cultural tourist object for it is noted as one of several cultural heritages exist in Karangasem regency.

The complex of this water palace is the combination of Balinese and European architectures. There are 3 big and large ponds inside the area. In the middle of the main pond, there is a building that connected to the edge of the pond by 2 bridges.

On the most tip of the highest level of this complex, we will find a great statue of "warak" (rhinoceros). Beneath the warak there is a Bull statue. From this high place we will see a marvellous view of sea, hills with lush and green forest, the beauty of Mount Agung combined with the green terraced rice fields.

The greatness of Ujung Water Palace had been destructed by the explotion of Mount Agung in 1963 which was made worst by the great shake happened in 1979. However, the recovery effort had been performed to bring back the glory of this complex of water palace by holding a reconstruction and revitalisation project on it. Although it is not as great as it was, the amaze of the past still can be seen here this moment.

CANDI DASA

History:
Previously, Candidasa was known as Teluk Kehen (Kehen Bay). But when this area was finally opened as tourism depelovment area, the name Candidasa was started to be used.

There is no certain report about the historical backgound of the name. However, it is assumed that the choice of this name is connected with the story of "lingga" inside the temple lies on the top of Candidasa hills.

An old manuscript found here mentions that Candidasa Temple was built on the 12th Century. There is a remain called "lingga" inide the temple, which is believed as the symbol of God Siva. In this holy place hermits often received their highest solitude or "heaven" by uttering 10 letters called "Dasa Aksara" (10 = Dasa).

Another story says that the name Candidasa was inspired by a statue near the lingga. It is a statue of Goddess Hariti that surrounded by 10 children. It is believed that Goddess Hariti could give blessing of welfare and prosperity to the people who pray here.

Location:
Candidasa is located at Samuh - Bugbug village, Karangasem district. It is about 65 km from Denpasar and 12 km from Amlapura.

Facility:
Facilities available here are restaurants, small hotels to star hotels and other facilities needed to support the industry.

Description:
Candidasa is well known for its shiny white sand. Tourism industry flourishes significantly in this area that background by the Indonesian Ocean. From this place, we will see Lombok Island and Nusa Penida in a distance and the sparkling light of "Jukung" or traditional boat at night that will always draw us to come again.