The Karangasem Regency region has a number of popular tourist attractions. The beauty of nature from the underwater world to the summit of Mount Agung offers a beauty that can mesmerize you. In addition, historical tours offered are also enough to seize the attention of tourists. As offered by Puri Agung Karangasem, a silent witness of the history of the Karangasem Kingdom that was once victorious in its time.

Puri Agung Karangasem 

Puri Agung Karangasem is also known as Puri Kanginan. This castle is a silent witness to all the valuable events that have been passed through the Karangasem kingdom from time to time. You can see the fragments of the kingdom of Karangasem directly on Jln. Sultan Agung, Amlapura City, Karangasem Regency. Access to Puri Agung is very easy because it is very strategically located in the heart of Amlapura. So it doesn't take long to find it. Because Puri Agung Karangasem is the only building that soars high among other buildings in the city center.

Karangasem Puri Agung was once the seat of government as well as a royal palace in the Karangasem area. Built-in the 19th century by the king of Anak Agung Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. As a palace, this place certainly has different characteristics from the houses of Balinese in general at that time. Its uniqueness is clearly seen from the architecture of the building which adopts three different styles, namely Balinese, Chinese, and European styles. Well, you can see Balinese architecture in the statue and relief. While the European style can be found in the main building model, and Chinese style architecture can be seen in the ornaments found on the doors, windows, and chairs. 

Enter further into the palace area, you will pass through Paduraksa. The gate made of red bricks is still standing strong today. Behind Paduraksa is Bencingah or the castle's main yard. It is usually used as a place for Balinese dance performances or other arts. It also functions as a place of discussion between ordinary people and the royal family. But now it is more often used as a pre-wedding and selfie photo spot because it displays the background of the palace building. 

The second part you will explore is Central Jaba. This section consists of gardens and large ponds with Bale Kambang standing majestically in the center. Building models deliberately made open without walls. According to castle guards, the royal family was very happy to rest here while enjoying the breeze. 

The last part is Maskerdam or Saren Agung. Maskerdam is a place where the king lives and performs all activities as the head of the family. When touring in this area, you will see some Dutch influences ranging from the function of the room, the appearance of the structure, and the model of the front pole of the building. It is said that the king has a close relationship with the Dutch government, so he often gets advice in establishing the Maskerdam. Well, the name Maskdam was taken from the name of the City of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. 

After you have just explored the three main buildings in Puri Agung Karangasem, don't go home yet, okay! Try walking east to the Maskerdam. You will find unique greenhouses with Chinese carvings painted in gold. This house is a residence of people who still have family ties with the king. On each of the front walls of the house, photos of residents of the house are displayed. So you can imagine the face of the owner of the house. 

Kanginan Castle is very suitable to be a place for a leisurely walk. The environment around the castle is still cool. Because there are several large banyan trees that have existed for hundreds of years ago. So you will not feel the heat when exploring this vast palace area. In addition, until now there are still some descendants of the Kingdom of Karangasem who live here. So when you run into some people when you come to the housing complex in the east, don't forget to say hello.