Klungkung, the Smallest Regency on the Island

This is the smallest regency in Bali. It covers only 121 square kilometers and includes three islands, Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan. Despite its size, its influence on Balinese culture has been powerful. It was here, in the shadow of the holy volcano Agung, that the princes and priests of Majapahit gathered in 1343 to continue the kingdom by setting up ‘Keraton’ in Samprangan, but within a couple of generations, they moved to Gelgel and then to Klungkung, in 1710. In the 16th century the Gods smiled on Gelgel when Dalem Baturenggong reached an impressive political and cultural achievement to earn his ‘golden age’

Kertha Gosa, which is situated in the central town of Semarapura, was the place for administration and traditional justice in the pre-colonial times by a council consisting of the great king and his priests. Next to the Kertha Gosa is Taman Gili, known as a Floating House (Bale Kambang) which was the King’s Guard’s headquarters. These two buildings are decorated with Kamasan Traditional Paintings. A colonial building, located next to these two buildings, is Semarajaya Museum, collecting some handicraft of Klungkung, pre-historic and historic articles especially those used in the period of Klungkung’s heroic battle. In the southern part of the museum area, there stands the main gate of Semarapura Palace ‘Pemedal Agung’.

The newest sight in Semarapura Town is Patung Kandapat Sari, situated at the main junction of Semarapura town. Some people consider this statue as the landmark of Klungkung Regency. Next to this landmark stands an historical monument known as Monument of Klungkung Heroic Battle. This monument is a cenotaph reminiscent of an event that once took place on April 28, 1908. It is well known as ‘Puputan’, a counter-defence of The Great King of Klungkung against the Dutch soldiers. Moving south of Semarapura town along the main road, one will arrive at the ‘under construction’ area of Tourism Villages, home of traditional Painting, Kamasan Village and Bali’s original capital, Gelgel.

Moving east of Semarapura Town along the main road, one will cross the Unda River. A rapid wading (rafting) recreation is now available along the river. One should come and enjoy it. Passing through the river, there are a number of interesting villages including Paksabali, famous for the Pasraman Dewa festival. Further to the east, one will arrive at the fishing village of Kusamba, with its dramatic black sand beaches. Beyond Kusamba but not too far is the famous Goa Lawah bat cave temple, one of the state temples of Klungkung.

Driving to the west of the town of Semarapura is the village of Tiingan, most famous as the village of Gamelan Smiths. Not far from Tiingan, there is a Museum of classical painting ‘I Nyoman Gunarsa’, collecting diverse kinds of classical Balinese paintings. (BTN/*)