Key Takeaways
-
The palace is world-renowned for its classic Balinese architecture and intricate stone carvings, largely preserved through royal patronage.
-
It serves as a premier venue for traditional dance shows, accompanied by live Balinese gamelan orchestras.
-
Located at the town's most famous intersection, the main courtyards offer free entry during daylight hours.
Step into the living legacy of Bali’s "Soul of Art", where the grand stone gates of Puri Saren Agung have stood for centuries as a silent witness to the island’s royal past and its vibrant creative future.
History of Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung)
The story of Ubud Palace is inextricably linked to the migration of Javanese nobles following the 15th-century collapse of the Majapahit Empire. These nobles established the Gelgel Kingdom, introducing the caste system and the distinct roots of Balinese Hinduism that still define the island today.
By the 17th century, the expansion of the Sukawati Kingdom brought stabilization to the region. To resolve local tensions, the King of Sukawati dispatched his brothers to establish palaces in Peliatan and Sambahan. Supported by the King of Mengwi, this royal presence ignited Ubud’s early economic and demographic growth.
Ubud royal palace’s gate | Image source: Wikipedia
The palace in its present form, was built in traditional Balinese style during the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel.
After the 1917 earthquake, palace structures suffered significant damage, but since it was the residence of the royal family it was quickly restored, before being opened to foreign guests in 1928.
Ubud royal palace’s stonecarving statue | Photo by: Olga Kokodynak
Many of the stone carvings were made by the prominent local artist I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. The main pavilion usually hosts dance shows at night. To the north is Pura Marajan Agung, the private temple of the royal family. The enclosure in front of the palace has a magnificent fig tree from Bengal and is also a residence for the royal family.
Ubud’s transformation into a global cultural beacon accelerated in the 1930s under the leadership of Tjokorda Gede Agung Sukawati. A visionary with fluency in English and Dutch, he recognized the potential of international exchange. He welcomed the first wave of foreign travelers into newly built guest houses and invited influential Western artists, such as Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet, to reside in the village.
Location and Admission
The palace is located at the heart of the Ubud area, making it an essential stop on any travel guide to Bali.
- Address: Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571 (at the intersection of Jalan Raya Ubud and Jalan Suweta).
- Daytime Admission: Entry to the main courtyards is Free during the day.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 18:00 for general sightseeing.
The Shows
Legong dance | Image source: Wikipedia
As dusk falls, the palace courtyard transforms into a stage for world-class storytelling. These performances are among the most authentic Bali cultural attractions visitors can experience.
- Performance Time: Daily from 19:30 – 21:00.
- Ticket Price: IDR 100,000 per person (available at the entrance from 17:00).
| Day | Dance Show |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Legong Mahabharata |
| Monday | Legong Dance |
| Tuesday | Ramayana Ballet |
| Wednesday | Legong & Barong |
| Thursday | Legong Trance |
| Friday | Barong |
| Saturday | Legong Dance |
The Best Time to Visit Ubud Palace
To make the most of your visit, timing is essential:
- For Serenity & Photography: Arrive at 07:30. Early morning offers the best light for the stone carvings and a "calm and quiet" atmosphere before the heat and crowds arrive.
- The Peak Hours: Avoid the window between 14:00 and 16:30, as this is when the palace is most crowded with day-tour groups.
- For the Performances: If you are attending the evening show, it is suggested to arrive by 19:00 to secure a prime seat for the 19:30 start.
Where to Stay?
Experience the royal atmosphere of Ubud by staying in luxury villas that mirror the region's artistic elegance. These properties are within 5-minutes scooter riding to Ubud Palace, and perfect for family, group or friends, or private retreats:
Villa Surga
Indulge in the ultimate retreat at our 4-bedroom en-suite villa in Ubud, Bali. Set against a backdrop of lush rice fields, this luxurious villa boasts a private pool and modern amenities. This villa offers the perfect escape in the heart of Bali's cultural hub.
Villa Sandro
Discover serenity at our luxurious 3-bedroom villa in Ubud. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this stunning retreat offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and tropical tranquility. Whether you're looking to unwind or explore, Villa Sandro is your ideal escape.
Villa Kiena
Welcome to Villa Kiena, your private slice of paradise in the heart of Ubud. Designed for those who seek both luxury and serenity, this stunning 6-bedroom villa offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay. Whether you’re here for a relaxing retreat, a getaway with friends, or a special celebration, Villa Kiena has everything you need to make your time in Bali truly magical.
Villa Xanadu
Nestled amidst lush rice fields, this serene 5-bedroom retreat is perfect for a getaway with family or friends. Enjoy a seamless blend of modern elegance and breathtaking natural beauty.
Unwind in your private pool, embraced by nature’s tranquility. Explore nearby gems like Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Gunung Kawi Temple, ARMA Museum, and Tirta Empul Temple.
Villa Jungle Oasis
Welcome to Jungle Oasis, a luxury villa compound nestled in the heart of Ubud’s lush jungle landscape that can accommodate a maximum of 24 pax. The complex features two premium villas, Sweet Birds and Chilling Monkeys, each designed with contemporary tropical elegance and artistic touches. Together, they offer a refined, adult-oriented atmosphere with a relaxed, jungle-inspired vibe.
