Klungkung

Klungkung is the smallest regency (kabupaten) of Bali, Indonesia. The regency is divided into 4 subdistricts (kecamatan): Banjarangkan, Dawan, Klungkung, and Nusa Penida. One can reach Klungkung easily from Gianyar via the highway. 60% of the land area of Klungkung is made of the three offshore islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan.

Upon reaching the town centre, you come to Kertha Gosa, the Hall of Justice. Surrounded by a moat, this is a superb example of Klungkung architecture, best known for its ceiling paintings in the Klungkung style. Adjoining Kertha Gosa is the palace, with its beautiful Bale Kambang (or Floating Pavilion). It also has exquisitely painted ceilings telling stories of the sacrifice of the hero Sutasoma and of Pan and Man Brayut the couple who had too many children.

Kamasan village is a few kilometers outside Klungkung. It has long been the bastion of traditional paintings. The themes derive from Balinese variations on the ancient Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. This style has also been adapted for large versions of the zodiac and lunar calendars. Kamasan paintings take their essential characteristics from the wayang tradition. To see a good collection of Kamasan classical paintings, visit the Gunarsa Museum at the crossroads to Tihingan, just before Klungkung.