Taman Gili, Klungkung, Bali

Bali has a vivid history, some beautiful ancient buildings, monuments and creative "living" arts, existing side by side with today's commercialism, tourism and the hectic pace of modern SE Asia.

Gelgel, just to the south of Klungkung, was the seat of the mighty Majapahit empire in the 15th and 16th century which moved to Klungkung itself in the 17th century. This was a golden age for art and culture in Bali, and Klungkung was the centre of it all.

More recently, Klungkung forever made its mark in modern Balinese history when in 1908, it was the last kingdom holding out against the Dutch invaders. Hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned, the King of Klungkung (the Dewa Agung or great god) led 200 members of his family and court in a puputan (ritual march to death), into the face of the Dutch guns. All of the group were either killed or committed ritual suicide.

This era is documented visually in extraordinary artworks on ceilings and walls of the great pavillion. Of particular note is the number of women depicted violently and savagingly defending the Regency against the invading Dutch army.