Behold the aged walls of Puri Anyar Royal Palace Kerambitan before you. This palace whispers tales of kings, culture and a bygone era. Puri Anyar Kerambitan stands as a testament to Bali’s rich history. It was built in 1620 AD by the twelfth King of Tabanan.
Descendants of the royal family still reside within these walls. They are ready to share the palace’s history with you. Imagine stepping back in time within this stately complex. Puri Anyar Kerambitan offers a unique glimpse into royal Balinese life.
The palace has many features. It is family-friendly and suitable for groups. Children can also enjoy its wonders. Puri Anyar Kerambitan is more than just a palace. It is a living museum. Its ancient structure has been remarkably preserved.
In traditional Balinese society, the caste system was strong. Puris were homes to Balinese royalty of the Ksatria caste. Farmers worked the land owned by the puris. They gave a share of their income. Puris were gathering places. Important ceremonies and rituals took place here.
Many puris have been renovated. Modern conveniences were added. Remnants of the past remain but small pieces of the old soul are gone. Puri Anyar Kerambitan retains its original structure. This makes it an important part of Bali’s history.
The palace was built by the twelfth King of Tabanan. The king had two sons. His first son was born of a lower-caste mistress. His second son was of royal blood. The first son was granted Puri Agung Kerambitan. Puri Anyar Kerambitan was made for the second son. “Anyar” means “new”. It was the newer of the two palaces.
For 350 years, the palaces ran on a feudal system. Foreign dignitaries would visit to talk trade and share gifts. One common gift to Puri Anyar was ceramic plates. These were Delftware plates from Holland. They became part of the palace’s adornments. These plates are embedded into the reliefs of balés and temple shrines.
In 1961, a Land Reform Law came into action. The pelingsir at the time refused to sell the land. He said he had no right to sell what he never bought. Over a hundred hectares were reduced to two. The puri was income-less.
The heir to the palace decided to open it to the public. In 1967, Puri Anyar Kerambitan became a social hub. “Royal Dinners” showcased local dances and cultures. Prominent visitors frequented the palace. David Bowie, King Hussein of Jordan and Dewi Soekarno visited. Mick Jagger visited three times. He hoped to learn the tektekan dance. He did not know it was a sacred trance dance.
These were Puri Anyar’s glory years. Over time Bali changed. Commercial tourism had begun. Tourists wanted quick fixes. They did not want special dinners with a king. Traffic meant people no longer wanted to travel to Kerambitan. The golden days were over.
Puri Anyar Kerambitan has fallen into slight disrepair. It once held cultural spectacles for celebrities. Ibu Giri Putri has taken it upon herself to restore the temple. She sees its historical value. It is one of the last palaces to retain its original structure.
Puri Anyar Kerambitan welcomes visitors. It offers a breath of fresh air from touristy spots. You may be lucky enough to meet Pak Oka. He is bound to tell you a story or two.
Step inside. Experience the majesty of Puri Anyar Royal Palace Kerambitan. Feel the echoes of history within these timeworn walls.