Klungkung Royal Palace

Klungkung Royal Palace

The Klungkung Royal Palace, situated in the heart of Klungkung on the main road, stands as an ancient testament to Bali's rich history and royal heritage. Commissioned by the Dewa Agung dynasty at the end of the 17th century, around 1710, the palace complex, known as Semara Pura, features expansive courtyards, meticulously manicured gardens, pavilions, and moats. The Taman Gili complex within the palace grounds is particularly breathtaking, surrounded by stone walls adorned with water lilies in the moat.

However, what visitors see today is a reconstruction of the original Klungkung Royal Palace, which was tragically destroyed by the Dutch during their attacks in 1908. This event marked the end of Klungkung's golden era and remains a somber chapter in its history.

In the early 20th century, the Dutch sought to assert their control over Bali and demanded submission from the island's kingdoms. The Dewa Agung of Klungkung defiantly resisted Dutch rule, leading to a confrontation outside the palace gates. In a final act of defiance, the Dewa Agung and 200 of his courtiers chose ritual group suicide, known as "puputan," over surrender, symbolically ending their sovereignty rather than yielding to foreign power. The remaining members of the royal family were subsequently exiled to Lombok.

To reach Bali and explore its rich cultural heritage, travelers can opt for air travel, with flights connecting the island to major cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and various destinations across Indonesia. Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport, serves as the primary gateway to Bali, conveniently located 13 kilometers south of Denpasar.