Ubud Palace — Attraction in Pulau Bali

Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) lies in the heart of Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital. It serves both as a historical landmark and a living symbol of Balinese royal heritage. The palace dates mainly from the early 19th century, when it was expanded under Tjokorda Putu Kandel, although parts of it are older. A devastating earthquake in 1917 led to major reconstruction, but its original layout and sacred geometry were preserved. The architecture features traditional Balinese elements such as intricately carved gateways, open courtyards, stone shrines, and ornamental gardens arranged according to mandala principles. The royal family of Ubud still occupies part of the complex, while the front sections are open to the public. Visitors can stroll through the courtyards, admire carvings and shrines, and experience an atmosphere steeped in both history and spirituality.

In the evenings, Ubud Palace transforms into an open-air stage for nightly traditional dance performances. Among these, the Tuesday show stands out: it typically presents the Ramayana Ballet or a Legong and Ramayana combination starting around 7:30 PM. The performance dramatizes episodes from the Hindu epic Ramayana through expressive movement, colorful costumes, and precise gestures accompanied by a live gamelan orchestra. Though the story may be difficult to follow without background knowledge, programs and leaflets usually summarize the scenes. The show lasts about an hour to ninety minutes and costs around IDR 100,000. Seats fill quickly, so arriving early or purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. The event’s setting—under the evening sky, surrounded by palace stonework and flickering lamps—creates a uniquely atmospheric experience that merges myth, art, and history.

In my opinion it definitely...

Ubud Lotus Palace : I took a car to visit various temples in Bali. After visiting numerous temples throughout the day, I finally arrived at Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati Temple Complex, Ubud. It is located in a corner of the Ubud Palace compound. Unfortunately for us, there was some big function going on due to " 40 th anniversary of The Cafe Lotus ", adjacent to the temple that day. Hence Ubud Palace to Saraswati Temple, all closed for tourists like us. Numerous VIPs dressed in white clothes  and  security personals  dressed in black roaming freely . The coffee house is open, but we don't have access at present . We heard that temple visit is free. Tickets cost $5 per person to watch the evening  traditional Balinese dance. They are also closed today. I managed one  security man and goes a little further to see the Saraswati temple from a distance. The temple is built in a beautiful Balinese architecture. A paved path leads to the temple through a huge lotus pond on both sides. I read in some book that the present temple was built in 1951-52. It was built by one Gusti Noman Lempad I, one of Bali's greatest architects in the modern era. Sukhvati dynasty king  donated money for the construction of the temple. The beautiful  temple built in pyramid architecture, especially the work of wood carving, is superb . I was impressed by the wooden work of the temple from a distance. As I was about to take a picture, another security man came and interrupted me and ordered me to go out. I was very upset because I could not take a single photo . All along Guide cum driver Nyoman Trima was with me,  he sent two pictures taken by him before, from his mobile while driving. So the picture credit goes to...

If you’re already in Ubud, the palace is worth a quick stop, but honestly, there isn’t much to see inside. From a religious and cultural aspect it holds value for the Balinese people, but for tourists it can feel underwhelming—just a few closed doors and crowded pathways in the middle of Ubud’s busy center. You can walk through the grounds in about 3–5 minutes, and the admission during the day is free, which is a plus. The gardens are well maintained, the carvings are beautiful, and the atmosphere carries historic charm. It’s also right in the city center, so convenient if you’re already out shopping or exploring nearby attractions.

That said, the real highlight here is in the evening. The palace transforms into a venue for nightly traditional Balinese dance performances such as Legong and Barong. The show costs 100,000 IDR per person (cash only) and is absolutely worth it. The music of the gamelan orchestra, the elaborate costumes, and the graceful movements of the dancers create an enchanting cultural experience. Arrive early—people gather as early as 6:30 pm for good seats, with the performance starting at 7:30. Sitting closer to the front gives the best view, but if you prefer comfort, choose a chair instead of the carpet.

Be careful of monkeys in the area—they can be aggressive and snatch belongings if you’re not cautious. Also note, the daytime visit alone isn’t particularly memorable, but the evening performance is where Ubud Palace truly shines. Overall, it’s a well-maintained landmark with historical and cultural importance, but the dance show is the part that makes it worth...