INCLUDES THE NUSA ISLANDS
This is the smallest Regency, lying east of Gianyar. It covers
only 121 square kilometers, including three island: Nusa Penida
, Lembongan and Ceningan. Depsite its size, its influence on Balinese
culture has been powerful. It was here, at the shadow of the holy
Volcano Agung , that the princes and priests of Majapahit gathered
in 1343 to continue the kingdom by setting up " Kraton "
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 ".
Called Klungkung for many years, the name of this city was changed
in the early '90s to Semarapura, the original and more regal name.
This former royal capital is one of the busiest towns in eastern
Bali and the main transit point for bemos and minibuses en route
to Pura Besakih and point’s east-Padangbai, Candidasa and
Amlapura. Bemos cost around Rp.500 from Klungkung to any of these
places.
Telephone code is 0366.
The Tourist Information Office on JI. Diponegoro, Phone 21448,
is open 7am-1.45 pm, Mon Thurs, until 10 am on Fri and until noon
on Sat. Loji Ramayana Palace Hotel J I. Diponegoro has 9 rooms.
The new rooms are clean with private showers and sit-down toilets;
the ones in the back are simple with shared showers and squat
toilets. The restaurant serves Chinese food $9.50-$16. Across
the street and 20 m west is Cahaya Pusaka, JI. Diponegoro 135.
Rooms facing the garden are nicer $7-$8. Bali Indah and Sumber
Rasa right next to it on JI. Nakula are the only proper restaurants
in town.
Good Chinese food.
The post office is at JI. Surapati, Phone 21010. There is a wartel
on JI. Diponegoro, Phone 21500. Buy essentials at the Tragia supermarket,
JI. Batukaru, The only place for souvenirs is Kamasan village,
south of Klungkung. Painters still produce traditional works in
the so-called wayang style here. Ask for Nyoman Mandra, or any
of his pupils.
Modern painter I Nyoman Gunarsa has opened a museum with his own
collection of traditional Balinese painting, sculptures and antiques:
Museum Seni Klasilk Gunarsa, Beng, Takmung, Klungkung, Also on
display are his own energetic works, usually with dance themes.
Look for the huge building with the billboard on the top on the
north side of the road. Open 9 am-4 pm, daily except Mon.
There's an astonishing view just north of Klungkung (actually
in the Karangasem regency) at Bukit Jambul. There are two Bukit
Jambul Garden Restaurants at the best spots, across the road from
each other and $10 for lunch. Another great setting at the Puri
Boga Restaurant, just above these two. |
