Semarapura is the Capital of the Klungkung District, this town is known for the famous "Kerta Gosa" court house, with its ceilings depicting the carriage of justice in the form of now extremely fragile wayang paintings. This is really a must see place, set in beautiful gardens, with moats around the open-sided Bale Kampang (Floating pavilions) and the nearby palace. Also located in Klungkung, is the Museum of Classical Balinese Painting, which is of great interest to those with a cultural interest, and displays some of the best examples of Balinese art.
Klungkung is a clean and well kept city, worthy of a short stay, and certainly a change of pace compared with the busy south, and even Ubud. The colourful streets are enlivened by stalls that sell many traditional decorative items, such as baskets, and the umbrellas that are used to decorate Balinese temples during festivals.
The area around Klungkung is well known for its metal smiths, especially those skilled in forging bronze.
Most of Bali's royal families are descendants of the Klungkung dynasty, created in the 16th century when the Majapahit empire gathered here in exile after their kingdom in Java fell.
The early capital of the old kingdom, Gelgel is nearby. Little remains of this once powerful capital whose aristocracy was once considered the elite of Bali, although local artists are attempting to revive an interest in antique artistic styles.
The mother temple of Besakih is easily reached from Klungkung, via the road that heads north through Rendang. A short detour eastward from Rendang leads to the small village of Selat, which was wiped out by the eruption of Mt. Agung in 1963.
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AMED
Semarapura
