The Kerta Gosa Park is located in the city center of Semarapura (region of Klungkung), the official name is of the larger historical palace complex is Puri Agung Semarapura, the specific open-air park and garden area containing the historic court houses is officially known as Taman Gili Kerta Gosa (or Kertha Gosa Park).
The historic core of Klungkung Regency holds a profound and moving chapter of Balinese history, centered entirely around the Kertha Gosa pavilion, the Semarajaya Museum, and the tragic memory of the Puputan war.
Once it was the courthouse of Klungkung and part of the Semarapura Palace from the time that Klungkung was still a kingdom which is now the museum.
The Kerta Gosa is part of the royal palace “Puri Semarapura” and has two important meeting rooms – the Bale Kerta Gosa, whose ceilings are full of Kamasan or wayang-style paintings and the Bale Kambang or the “floating pavilion”, that lies in a lotus pond.
The true magic of both structures reveals itself the moment you look up. The ceilings are completely covered in thousands of intricate, traditional Kamasan wayang-style paintings. Instead of just being decorative, these ceiling rows act as a vivid graphic novel from the 1680s. They tell epic Hindu stories, particularly the Bhima Swarga, which depicts a journey through the underworld. The paintings served as a psychological warning to anyone awaiting trial: they vividly show the horrific, specific punishments that await sinners in the afterlife based on the law of Karma Phala.
Kertha Gosa was the highest court of law on the island. Built in the late 17th century by Ida I Dewa Agung Jambe, it represents a unique form of open-air, traditional justice. Here, the king sat alongside Brahman priests to hear legal disputes, pass judgments, and announce royal decrees. Right next to it sits the equally stunning Bale Kambang, a floating pavilion completely surrounded by a peaceful moat known as Taman Gili.
The Semarajaya Museum
Just a few steps from the pavilions, housed in a building that was later constructed during the Dutch colonial era as a school, lies the Semarajaya Museum. This museum acts as the keeper of Klungkung’s memory. Inside, you can explore a fascinating mix of eras. It protects ancient artifacts from the royal court, including old kingdom seals, royal clothing, and traditional weapons.
Crucially, the museum features highly detailed dioramas and historic photographs that map out the tragic events of the 1908 Puputan war, allowing you to visually connect the modern, peaceful park outside with the intense bravery and sacrifice of the people who once lived here. It also celebrates the region’s living culture, showcasing the evolution of Kamasan painting, salt-making traditions, and local craftsmanship that continue to define the pride of Klungkung today.
The modern technique is also implemented here with the QR codes with certain objects when you scan the QR code it gives you detailed information about the object.
It is an impressive place to visit if you think about it, how much history lies here. But next to all the history it is also a well maintained park, clean and neat with some beautiful features.
The entrance fee is IDR 50,000 for an adult and IDR 25,000 for children and can only be paid by card, not with cash money.
Opening Hours : 08.00 AM – 05.00 PM
