Bali District > KLUNGKUNG

Klungkung

Bali 's smallest district Klungkung is located between Gianyar and Karangasem, and includes the island of Nusa Penida , Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan. Klungkung itself is a bustling town. On reaching the town centre, you come to Kertha Gosa, the Hall of Justice. Surrounded by a moat, this is a superb example of Klungkung architecture, best known for its ceiling paintings in the Klungkung style.
Adjoining Kertha Gosa is the palace, with its beautiful Bale Kambang (or Floating Pavilion). It also has exquisitely painted ceilings telling stories of the sacrifice of the hero Sutasoma and of Pan and Men Brayut- the couple who had too many children.

Kamasan village is a few kilometers outside Klungkung. It has long been the bastion of traditional paintings. The themes are derived from Balinese variations on the ancient Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. This style has also been adapted for large versions of the zodiac and lunar calendars. Kamasan paintings take their essential characteristics from the wayang tradition. To see a good collection of Kamasan classical paintings, visit the Gunarsa Museum at the crossroads to Tihingan, just before Klungkung.

A few kilometers east you will find Goa Lawah, the Bat Cave . This cave is crammed with thousands of bats which are unseen but certainly not unheard during the day. The cave is part of a temple that is said to lead all the way to Besakih but it is unlikely that anyone would be interested in investigating!

Beyond Klungkung is the coastal village of Kusamba . Kusamba is one of the embarkation points to the island of Nusa Penida , Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The journey from Kusamba or Sanur to these islands takes a couple of hours. Nusa Penida has unfortunately acquired a somewhat eerie reputation, as it was once the place of banishment for criminals and undesirables from the Kingdom of Klungkung . Penida attracts a number of visitors for its seclusion, surf and snorkeling. Few facilities exist for tourists, just a few losmen (guest houses) and a number of small warungs.

Despite its association with black magic, Nusa Penida and the adjoining island of Lembongan are cheerful places for ecotourists to visit, as they abound with caves to explore and excellent snorkeling and diving spots. Another cave can be found on the mainland near the salt making village of Kusamba - Goa Lawah is not only home to thousands of bats but also a huge python. As on Gianyar's Agung River , rafting companies have recently begun to take advantage of the white water of Klungkung's Unda River by offering daily trips downriver

However, the island has some interesting temples including the Pura Ped near Toyapakeh and Pura Batukuning near Sewana. There is also a huge limestone cave, Goa Karangsari, about a kilometre from Sewana. The friendly people of Lembongan have welcomed tourism. For those looking for white sandy beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, Nusa Lembongan is paradise. The waters around Lembongan are crystal clear, the sand is white and the shallow coves are brimming with colorful coral and sea life, making it an ideal location for snorkeling. The Waka Nusa Resort, run by Wakalouka Cruises, is found in a small bay along with a small near-by losmen called Mushroom Cottages, a simple retreat for surfers and travelers. Nusa Ceningan, which is the smallest of the three islands, is rarely visited.

Near the coast is the old capital of Gelgel with its Pura Dasar temple, and just north of Klungkung is the peaceful Taman Sari temple. Across the water from Klungkung is the island of Nusa Penida . This former island of exile for Klungkung's criminals boasts a great fanged demon and the Dalem Peed temple, both associated with black magic.

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