Klungkung town, called Semarapura is a bustling commercial centre and its market is the largest in Bali. However, the main tourists lures are the Kerta Gosa and the Bale Kambang. A magificient example of Klungkung architecture, the Kertha Gosa was used as a venue for the administration of justice by kings and priests during pre-colonial times. It is surrounded by a moat and its ceilings are decorated with beautiful paintings, which depict tortures in hell and happiness in heaven. The bale Kambang (our Floating Pavilion) stands behind the Kerhta Gosa. The painted ceilings depict the legend of the hero Sutasoma and his sacrifices, also Pan and Men Brayut; known as couple who had to many children. Another beautiful royal temple in Klungkung is the Pura Taman Sari, featuring a moat surrounded pagoda in a lush garden. Home of Balinese traditional paintings are derived from Balinese variations of the ancient Hindu epics Ramayana and the Mahabhrata. This style also been adapted for large version of the zodiac and lunar calendars. Kamasan paintings take their essential characteristics from the wayang radition. To a see a good collection of Kamasan classical paintings, visit the Nyoman Gunarsa Museum t the crossroads o Tihingan, just before Semarapura.
A few kilometers east is Goa Lawah, the Bat Cave; crowded whith thousands of bats, which are unseen but certainly not unheard, during the day. The cave is part of the temple that is said to connect whit the underground tunnel which leads all the way to Besakih. Beyond Semarapura is the coastal village of Kusamba, one of the embarkation points to the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The journey by boat from Kusumba (or Sanur) to these island takes up to 90 minutes.
NUSA PENIDA
Nusa Penida has unfortunately acquired a somewhat noturios reputation, as it was once the place of exile for criminals and undesirables from the kingdom of Klungkung. Nusa Penida attracts a nuber of visitors for its seclusion, surf and snorkeling. Few facilities exist for tourists but there area a few losmens (simple home stay) and a number of small warungs (simple shops that offer variety of daily need, already ready meals and some snacks). The island does have some interesting temples, including the "very spooky" Pura Ped near the market town of Toyahpakeh and Pura Batukuning near Sewana. There is also a huge limestone cave, Goa Karangsari, about a kilometer from Sewana. Toyapakeh also has a very crossing to Nusa Lembongan.
NUSA LEMBONGAN
The friendly people of Nusa Lembongan welcome tourism. And people looking for white sandy beaches and a laidback atmosphere, Nusa Lembongan is paradise. The waters around Lembongan are crystal clear, te sand is white and the shallow coves are brimming with colorful coral and sea life, making it an ideal locaton for snorkeling.
NUSA CENINGAN
Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the three island and rarely visited.
