Visiting Taman Gili in Klungkung Bali

Bali is a fascinating island and when you start to read about the kingdoms and regencies it becomes obvious that a very developed culture has exited here for a long time.

The temples (pura’s) are just a part of the picture, there are also palaces (puri’s) and other secular buildings that date back hundreds of years.

After visiting Pura Goa Lawar on the coast it was very east for Barrie, Candika and I to drive over to Klungkung to take a look at Taman Gili, the ‘island gardens’ which is a part of the palace of the former rulers of Klungkung. Driving from Goa Lawar took maybe 15 minutes and Taman Gili is located on the main road at the roundabout with the Kanda Pat Sari statue.

Barrie told me that this kingdom was once the most powerful in Bali. Entrance was free for us for some reason although there was a man in a booth. I think Barrie’s sweet talk had an effect. Ordinarily the place is open daily 7am � 5.30pm for 5,000rp a pop.

The scene inside is very impressive with rectangular gardens, ponds and the buildings where the kings and his ministers used to meet. They were also used as a criminal court with the building on the corner being known as Kerta Gosa.

Both buildings have ceilings heavily decorated with ‘wayang’ or puppet style paintings dating back to 1710. I could see examples of war scenes, court scenes and terrifying creatures from Balinese mythology.

Kerta Gosa, the former criminal court which sits in the corner of the garden is amazing as it is right next to the main road, you get a look at modern life i Klungkung by looking one way and a completely different view the other way.

The artwork is fantastic but Barrie commented that the government should make an effort to preserve this site. Some of the paintings were faded, others torn. One can imagine the elegant way in which the king would hold court over his advisers and legal decisions would be made.

Across the gardens is the museum and after taking lunch at a local muslim warung we checked it out. The place was open but no staff were around. On display were early farming tools, paintings, models, kris (traditional knives) and other items including a Barong, the lion dance costume. Barrie checked out a copy of an old Dutch newspaper.

There was a painting about the puputan or group suicide that happened in the early 1900’s while fighting the Dutch.

The museum isn’t that impressive but is worth a quick look. You can check out Taman Gili and Kerta Gosa including the museum in an hour.

Our next destination was Pura Kehen in Bangli which you’ll hear about tomorrow.