PADANG BAI, INDONESIA

Our first stop will be at the Water Palace of Tirta Gangga, which was built during 1948 by the last Raja of Karangasem and is now home to the Royal family. We shall have an opportunity to look around the palace’s magnificent architecture and enjoy the series of formal pools fed by the sacred spring.

We shall depart Padang Bayi by coach for our approximate 75 minute journey to Tirta Gangga. Our first stop will be at the Water Palace of Tirta Gangga, which was built during 1948 by the last Raja of Karangasem and is now home to the Royal family. We shall have an opportunity to look around the palace’s magnificent architecture and enjoy the series of formal pools fed by the sacred spring.As we rejoin our coach; our next stop will be at Puri Agung Karangasam. Anak Agung Gede Jelantik, the first king of Karangasem Kingdom, built Puri Agung Karangasem or Karangasem Palace during the 19th Century. We shall be able to admire the palace’s unique architecture, which is a combination of Balinese, Chinese and European styles, as well as enjoying a local snack.After our visit to the Karangasem palace, we shall visit Taman Ujung, the ruins of a vast Royal retreat built in 1919. According to the legend, the beautiful Taman Ujung drew the attention of the royal priest of Gelgel kingdom, in the 15th century. During the reign of the Karangasem King, the Dirah pond was created. The King, ruled until Indonesian independence and, collaborating with Dutch colonialists in 1909, created more ponds, which were adorned with matching foliage.The original beauty of Taman Ujung, as well as its surrounding mystery, has unfortunately decayed and now remains only in memories. However, elements of beauty still remain. Following our visit we shall rejoin our coach for our return journey back to Padang Bai and our awaiting ship.Please note that this tour involves a moderate amount of walking, sometimes over uneven ground. Some steps may also be encountered. We recommend that you wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and non-slip shoes. A bottle of mineral water will be available during our coach journey.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 WORLD CRUISES