Traveler Reviews

Go to the Ruins
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Oct 9, 2005


This used to be the sultan's retreat, where he would watch his concubines bathe from above. Old grandeur can still be found among its ruins. The main pools of this old water palace have been renovated, rendering them tourist-friendly but also garish and too made-up. Head instead through a small walkway on the right of the main entrance and walk through the old tunnels (which in themselves are hauntingly stunning). When you emerge, the old ruins of the water place are to your right. This is where you will get a better sense of the character and immensity of the old gardens (Taman Sari, literally meaning "Beautiful Garden"). The view now is over rooftops, but you can see the boundaries of the old man-made lake that used to be there. It's a great vantage point for views over the city. And it's also free from the entrance fee of the renovated parts...