 KLUNGKUNG
REGENCY
Klungkung, which means "happiness" or "beauty",
is Bali's smallest district. Lying on the south-eastern coast of
Bali, it includes the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and
Ceningan. The great Unda River flows through Klungkung, passing
through many scenic villages.
Klungkung town is a bustling commercial center, and it's market
is the largest in Bali. However, the main tourist lures are the
Kertha Gosa, the Hall of Justice, and the Bale Kambang, a floating
pavilion. A magnificent example of Klungkung architecture, the Kertha
Gosa was used a venue for the administration of justice by kings
and priests during pre-colonial times. It is surrounded by a moat
and is decorated with beautiful paintings on its ceilings, which
depict tortures in hell and bliss in heaven.
The Bale Kambang ( or Floating Pavilion ) stands behind the Kertha
Gosa.
Its painted ceilings depict the legend of the hero Sutasoma and
his sacrifices, and of Pan and Med Brayut, known as the couple who
had too many off spring. Another beautiful royal temple in Klungkung
is the Pura taman Sri featuring a moat surrounded pagoda in a lush
garden.
A few kilometers outside Klungkung is Kamasan village, home of
Balinese traditional paintings. The themes derived from Balinese
variations of 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 cross roads to Tihingan, just before Klungkung.
A few kilometers east in 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 its 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 islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa
Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The journey from Kusamba or Sanur
to these islands takes a couple of hours.
Nusa Penida
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 and a number of small warung.
The island, however, has some interesting temples, including the
Pura ped near Toyahpakeh and Pura Batukuning near Sewana. There
is also a huge limestone cave, Goa Karangsari, about a kilometer
from sewana.
Nusa Lembongan
The market town of Toyapakeh also has a ferry crossing to Nusa
Lembongan. The friendly people of Lembongan have welcomed tourism.
For those looking for white sandy beaches and a laidback 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 nearby losmen called Mushroom Cottages, a
simple retreat for surfers and travelers.
Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan, which is the smallest of the three islands, is rarely
visited. |
