On the Cheap to Klungkung
Bali on a Budget: How to Spend a Day Exploring Klungkung for Less than Rp. 60,000 (US$6.60)
(4/1/2012)
Kompas.com has shared some tips on how to see Bali on a minimal budget.
While most beaches in Bali can be accessed and used without charge, it is still possible to explore the historical and cultural areas beyond Bali on a modest budget.
For around Rp. 60,000 (US$6.60) you can enjoy a full day of activities and touring starting from any of the areas of south Bali served by the [Sabargita Bus System] .
Consider a trip up Bali's eastern shore to the area once occupied by Bali most ancient Gelgel Kingdom. The community of Klungkung can be accessed from almost all areas in south Bali by taking the new Sarbagita Bus System to its end point at Batubulan, there to connect with a local minibus for the final leg to Klungkung.
To get to the Batubulan bus terminal use the new Trans Sarbagita Bus from Kuta Central Parkir or from any point on the bus system that will bring you to Batubulan for only Rp. 3,500 (US$0.40).
Then, take a minibus from the Batubulan bus station to Klungkung for only Rp. 10,000 (US$1.10), disembarking at Jalan Gajah Mada - from where a 20-meter walk to the south will bring you to the entrance to Kertagosa.
Part of a royal palace complex, a visit to the 'hall of justice' at Kertagosa where you can view the elaborate and quite graphic kemasan ceiling paintings depicting the karma pala fates that awaits people in recompense for their evil deeds.
A ticket of admission to Kertagosa costs only Rp. 12,000 (US$1.30) and will gain entrance to the nearby heroes' monument commemorating the Puputan (fight to the death) that took place in Klungkung in April of 1908.
While at Kertagosa, be sure to walk across the street to visit the Klungkung market (Pasar Klungkung). The market has a good selection of textiles and handicrafts and is the perfect place to savor Balinese cakes or a traditional 'nasi bungkus' lunch. A delicious Nasi Bungkus lunch costs around Rp. 20,000 (US$2.25).
If you're gadget-addicted and need to be 'connected' by Smart Phone, IPad or laptop - take a ten-minute walk to the alun-alun or central square of Klungkung and take advantage of the free WiFi connection. Playing with your gadget or merely watching the hubbub of activity at the square creates a pleasant interlude before walking back to Jalan Gajah Mada to find a mini-bus and begin the reverse trip back south .
Let's recap: Round trip transportation between Kuta and Klungkung Rp. 27,000 (US$3), admission to Kertagosa Rp. 12,000 (US$1.30) and a lunch for Rp, 20,000 (US$2.25) for a grand total of Rp. 59,000 (US$6.50).
A genuine bargain for a full day's exploration of one of Bali's most interesting cultural areas.