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Bali's smallest district , Klungkung lies on the south-eastern
coast , and includes the island of Nusa Penida , Nusa Lemongan and
Ceningan.
Klungkung town is bustling commercial center of which its focal
point is the Kertha Gosa, the Hall of justice. A magnificent example
of Klungkung architecture , it is surrounded by a moat and is decorated
with paintings on its ceilings in the besi tradition of the Klungkung
style.
 An
impressive palace , showcasing its stupendous Bale Kambang ( or
Floating Pavilion) , stands adjacent to the Kertha Gosa. Its painted
ceilings depict the legend of the hero Sutasoma and his sacrifices,
and of Pan and Men Brayut , known as the couple who had too many
off springs.
Kamasan village is a few kilometers outside Klungkung. It has long
been the bastion of traditional paintings. The themes derived from
Balinese variations of the ancient Hindu epics , the Ramayana and
the Mahabharata.
This style 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.
A few kilometers east is Goa Lawah , the Bat Cave. This cave is
crammed with thousands of bats which are unseen but certainly not
unheard during the day. The cave is part of a temple that is said
to lead all the way to Besakih but it's unlikely that anyone would
be interested in investigating!
Beyond Klungkung is the coastal village of Kusumba. Kusumba is one
of the embarkation points to the islands of Nusa Penida , Nusa Lembongan
, and Nusa Ceningan. The journey from Kusamba or Sanur to these
islands takes a couple of hours.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida has, unfortunately , acquired a somewhat eerie reputation
, as it was once the place of banishment for criminals and undesirables
from the Kingdom of Klungkung.
Penida attracts a number of visitors for its seclusion , surf and
snorkeling. Few facilities exist for tourists , just a few losmen
and a number of small warung.
The island , however , has some interesting temples , including
the Pura Ped near ToyahPakeh and Pura Batukunig near Sewana. There
is also a huge limestone cave , Goa Karangsari , about a kilometer
from Sewana.
Nusa Lembongan
The market town of Toyahpakeh also has a ferry crossing to Nusa
Lembongan. The friendly people of Lembongan have welcomed tourism.
For those looking for white sandy beaches and a laid-back atmosphere
, Nusa Lembongan is paradise. The waters around Lembongan are crystal
clear , the sand is white and the shallow coves are brimming with
colorful coral and sea life , making it an ideal located for snorkeling.
The Waka Nusa Resort , run by Wakalouka Cruises , is found in a
small bay along with a small nearby losmen called Mushroom Cottages
, a simple retreat for surfers and travelers.
Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan , which is the smallest of the three islands , is
rarely visited
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