Summary
The Ubud Palace is an old building complex in Bali known for its fantastic carvings and courtyards. Also recognized as Puri Saren Agung, this historic landmark holds significant cultural value for the Balinese and is easily accessible, offering great locations for capturing ‘Bali-esque’ cultural photos.
The Ubud Royal Palace serves as an ideal destination when combined with a visit to the Ubud market and other attractions in the town center, such as Saraswati Temple. This travel guide will provide valuable insights on how to navigate your visit and what you need to know in advance.
Where To Stay
The Ubud Palace
The Ubud Royal Palace, known in Indonesian as Puri Saren Agung, played a significant role during the 1800s as top Balinese artists converged upon Ubud to showcase their talents. Therefore, it is essential to understand that, although it may not be as grand as Buckingham Palace, this site is rich in culture and artistry.
In fact, you can comfortably explore the entire palace in just 15 minutes, yet it is important to appreciate the many intricate details present throughout. The walls and doorways are adorned with captivating demon faces carved in stone, while a particular door in the courtyard displays exquisite designs, including golden winged flowers and stone monkey carvings.
Visitors should note that while the palace includes a temple, access for tourists is restricted, meaning you can only photograph the doorway from the outside. Consequently, visiting in the early morning is advisable as the palace can become crowded with tourists by noon. The entirety of the palace is free to explore.
For those interested in more cultural experiences, a traditional Balinese dance performance takes place here every night at 7:30 PM, lasting approximately 1.5 hours with an admission cost of 100k Rupiah (~$7 USD).
Opening Hours & Entrance Fees
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM daily
- Entrance Fee: Free
How To Get There
The Ubud Palace is conveniently located in the heart of Ubud, just a short stroll from the Ubud market. It’s a mere 5-minute walk from the center of Ubud or about a 1-hour drive from other popular areas in south Bali, including Sanur, Canggu, and Kuta.
More Bali Temples
If you’re eager to learn more about the best temples in Bali, Indonesia, consider exploring the Bali Temple Guide. This resource provides a comprehensive directory featuring photographs, maps, and additional information.
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental
For an enjoyable and safe exploration of Bali, consider hiring a private car with an English-speaking driver. I highly recommend GetYourGuide.
Their pricing begins at 700k Rupiah (~$48 USD) for a complete day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers, including the total cost for the car, driver, and petrol, which is a fantastic deal. Additionally, they offer affordable hotel transfers from the airport.
Alternatively, if you prefer navigating Bali on a motorbike, they also provide that service. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and include a helmet, raincoat, and free delivery within the southern Bali region.
Having utilized GetYourGuide for various tours and activities globally, I can assure you of their quality service—highly recommended!
