Klungkung

Klungkung is a regency (kabupaten) of Bali Province, Indonesia, located on the southeastern coast of the island. The regency includes part of mainland Bali as well as the island group of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The administrative center is Semarapura, situated to the east of Denpasar.

Historically, Klungkung was the seat of the Klungkung Kingdom, one of Bali’s principal polities from the 17th century until the Dutch military intervention in the early 20th century. The royal complex, Puri Kertha Gosa, is a notable cultural landmark within Semarapura. The Kertha Gosa court is renowned for its ceiling paintings in the Kamasan style and for its role in Balinese ceremonial life. The kingdom’s decline culminated in the 1908puputan episodes, after which the regency was reorganized under Dutch colonial rule.

Geography and administration: the regency encompasses several districts, including Nusa Penida, Banjarangkan, Klungkung, and Dawan. The offshore islands are a major feature, drawing visitors for coastal scenery, snorkeling, and diving opportunities.

Economy and culture: traditional livelihoods in Klungkung include fishing and agriculture, complemented by growing tourism, particularly for Nusa Penida’s natural attractions and the cultural heritage of the mainland. Local arts, crafts, and temple ceremonies reflect Bali’s broader cultural traditions, with Puri Kertha Gosa and other temple complexes playing a central role.

Tourism and transport: visitors are drawn to the Klungkung Palace complex, coastal landscapes, and the beaches and cliffs of Nusa Penida. The regency is connected to other parts of Bali by road and by port facilities that serve maritime links to the islands.