Billy Bagus
Sep 16, 2025
Most travelers head straight to Ubud for culture or Canggu for coconuts and sunsets. But tucked away in East Bali lies Klungkung, a little regency that once ruled the entire island. It’s rich in history, buzzing with artistry, and blessed with nature that hasn’t yet been trampled by flip-flops and smoothie bowls.
If you’re craving a Bali that feels more real and less Instagram filter, here are nine reasons you need to make Klungkung your next stop.
Step Into Bali’s Royal Past at Kerta Gosa
Forget Netflix. The ceiling of Kerta Gosa, the former royal court of Puri Semarapura, is basically a 17th-century comic strip painted in ‘Kamasan’ wayang style (more of this later). It shows what happens if you cheat, lie, or just generally misbehave in life—spoiler alert: the afterlife doesn’t look fun. Its history, justice, and art all rolled into one, giving you a glimpse into how seriously the Balinese wove karma into daily life.
Experience the Spirit of Resistance at the Puputan Monument
Klungkung is not just palaces and pretty carvings. It’s also where Balinese royals made their final, tragic stand against Dutch colonial forces in 1908. The Puputan Monument honors that bravery, reminding visitors that this tiny kingdom once carried the weight of Bali’s freedom. You don’t just snap a photo here—you feel the gravity of resilience and pride.
Feel the Sacred Chill at Goa Lawah Temple
You’ve heard of monkey forests, but how about a temple guarded by thousands of bats? Goa Lawah is one of Bali’s holiest temples, dating back to the 11th century. The bats, the incense, and the ocean breeze from nearby make it feel equal parts mysterious and divine. Visiting reminds you that spirituality in Bali is always alive, sometimes even winged.
Witness Living Heritage of Kamasan Painting
Think of Kamasan Painting as Bali’s original graphic novel. The characters come straight out of Hindu epics and wayang tales, painted in fine lines and natural pigments that have been mixed the same way for generations. The tradition lives on in Klungkung, right in Kamasan Village, where entire families still turn stories into art. Drop by and you’ll see painters bent over canvases in their homes, brushes dancing across cotton, and dyes being brewed from tree bark and stone.
Hear the Heartbeat of Bali in Tihingan Village
Bali’s gamelan orchestras don’t just appear out of thin air—they’re born in Tihingan Village, where craftsmen forge gongs and metallophones the old way. The hammering, clanging, and polishing is basically the soundtrack of Balinese culture. Visiting here connects you to the pulse of ceremonies and festivals across the island.
Stroll Through the Palatial Legacy of Puri Semarapura
Puri Semarapura, once the seat of Bali’s most powerful kingdom, still whispers of royal grandeur even though much of it was destroyed during the colonial era. What remains is enough to fire the imagination: grand gateways, pavilions surrounded by lotus ponds, and Kerta Gosa (see above), the hall where justice was once handed down under ceilings painted with moral lessons.
Gateway to the Nusa Islands (But Don’t Rush It)
Yes, Klungkung is your jumping-off point to Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan—but don’t just treat it as a transit stop. Those iconic photos of Kelingking and Diamond Beach? They technically belong to Klungkung. Visiting makes you realize this regency is more than a waiting room for the fast boat—it’s the keeper of some of Bali’s most jaw-dropping nature.
Discover Bali’s Multicultural Layers in Gelgel
In Gelgel Village, the seat of Bali’s once-mighty kingdom, you’ll find the island’s oldest mosque standing peacefully among Hindu temples. It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder that Bali’s identity has always been diverse, and that harmony isn’t just preached—it’s practiced. Travelers looking to understand the real Bali should start here.
Embrace Slow Travel and Everyday Life
On the contrary with its Southern Bali counterparts, Klungkung is not about all-night parties or luxury infinity pools. It’s about watching daily ceremonies unfold at the market, chatting with artisans who still practice their craft, and meandering through rice fields where time slows down. The biggest reason to visit? To remind yourself that Bali is not just a postcard—it’s a living, breathing culture.
