Dwarapala statues and classic Balinese carvings aren’t just the only things that spark in Ubud Palace. The Royal palace holds not just some beautiful architecture. Besides history, the palace is one of the few places left in Ubud embracing the original Balinese architecture.
It’s not so surprising though, as the city itself is home to numerous artists. From painters to sculpture artists, it’s been a few generations come or even born in the city. Some that had come even never left.
Aside from being the center of the Balinese cultural magnet. For many travelers, Ubud is the perfect place to get away from the busy Kuta beach. The nonstop parties, the loud bar in Kuta and Seminyak area. The city vibe is fitting perfectly for a traveler looking for serenity and tranquil moments.
Even after decades, there are still numerous painters, sculptors, and art-makers inherent in the city of Ubud. Despite the modernization, Ubud still values its local culture. And the royal palace is the witness. Where art and culture develop from time to time until now.
Ubud Palace Entrance Fee & Ticket Show
Ubud Palace’s location is pretty easy to spot. As a matter of fact, it’s a free-entry tourist attraction. Besides the palace, visitors could watch the traditional dance performance held every night for Rp100.000. Ticket sales are available every day and can be purchased on the spot before the show.
| Ubud Palace Entrance Fee & Ticket Show | |
| Entrance | Free Entry |
| Ubud Palace Dance Ticket | Rp100.000 |
See: Guide To Shop & Find Souvenirs in Ubud Art Market.
Ubud Palace Opening Hours & Dance Schedule
The royal palace welcomes visitors every day from 7 AM to 5 PM. And for the traditional dance show, the performance begins at 7:30 PM.
| Ubud Palace Opening Hours & Show Schedule | |
| Royal Palace | 07:00 – 17:00 |
| Dance Performance | 19:30 – 21:00 |
See: Guide To Explore Local Cheap Food in Ubud Night Market.
Ubud Palace Story
The royal palace is known as Puri Saren Agung by locals. This beautiful architecture has existed since the 18 century. Building the Royal Palace initially is the idea of King Cokorda Putu Kandel. He is the first ruler of the Ubud Kingdom. The son of King Tegallalang, his father is also the king, but from another kingdom in Bali.
During that time when Cokorda Putu Kandel, the first Ubud sovereign marked his reign. He makes an alliance with the Gianyar kingdom. Establish a connection with another kingdom and make alliances. During his reign, the construction of the Ubud palace was also finished in 1850.
The whole style and design of Ubud Royal Palace are all influenced by Hinduism philosophy. The ornament and pretentious gate of the royal palace are made by a local artisan. They are all coming from all over Bali. And in the end, most of them choose to stay and settle in Ubud. Right after the job is done.
Ubud Royal Palace is not just the home of the Royal family. After the first ruler, King Putu Kandel passed away. King Cokorda Sukawati his successor ruled and sat on the throne. The palace back then fully functions as the central government. From that moment, it also becomes the eyewitness of how Ubud become popular in the world.
Ubud First Recognition
Ubud was first introduced to the world in the 1930s. During the reign of King Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati. He himself, Gede Agung Sukawati was also the last king. And his passion for art is the beginning of his success in introducing Ubud. During his leadership, the king opens his palace and invites the traveler to Bali and visit Ubud.
The story of how he promotes Ubud to the world is also interesting. Ubud is on the edge of an economic crisis when he becomes the King. In the 1930s, Ubud is still a remote area surrounded by rainforest. A number of foreigners traveling to Bali pile up only in the big city of Denpasar.
With the help of the King’s brother, he establishes a small guest house. Then the King comes to the big city with his excellent communication skill. He persuades and invites Walter Spies, the famous artist to live and work in Ubud.
Not only to persuade them to experience Ubud for the first time. He opens the palace and gives them the privilege to work inside the palace. The words of how stunning the village travels so fast. The beauty of the landscape in Ubud.
King’s hospitality provokes more and more artists to come and travel to Ubud. Some of the artists even collaborate with local artist in Ubud. Some artists spent years in Ubud, and among all of them is Antonio Blanco.
The Spanish painter finally decides to settle in Ubud. He fell in love and continue to work and live his dream in Ubud until the day he dies.
The Cosmology Philosophy
Sanga Mandala is the concept of the royal palace design. And it’s everywhere in Bali, something tourists will notice. Almost every home even the small ones uses the design. The cosmology orientation is the absolute reference in Balinese traditional architecture.
The philosophy is passed down from generation to generation. It rules every zone and layout of the building. Some activities that consider primary or vital places will be placed in a quiet area. Ubud Palace adopts this concept, it divides the palace into 9 different zones with different functions.
Ubud Palace Zone
Anak Saji or the front yard zone lies in the southwest corner of the palace. It’s surrounded by a 1-meter thick border wall and the place of preparation. Before the guests could enter the royal palace.
The yard was once is as a stage where the Royals enjoy the dance performance. The yard still hosts performances every night. In fact, it’s where the palace guests could watch the Balinese dance performance.
Semanggen lies on the eastern side of the yard. The zone is the place to perform a funeral ceremony for the royal family and their relatives.
Pewaregan – The place is also known previously as the king’s kitchen. The entire process of preparing a dish for the royal family is happening right there. While Lumbung is the place where they keep food and rice storage.
Rangki is the zone where King welcomes his guest. It is also a hall where important meeting takes place. While in the north zone, there is Saren Agung. It’s where the King’s wives lived.
Saren Kangin & Saren Kauh is on the east side of the palace. It was used as the King’s family residence. There are 2 buildings in this zone and one of the buildings is the family temple. Pamerajan Agung is the holiest zone in Ubud palace. The holy building was used to honor the forefather of King’s Ubud family members.
Ubud Palace Attraction
Ubud Royal Palace is one of the important palaces in Bali. The history and proof of the golden era in Ubud. The kingdom that not only exists back then in history. But also where the art and culture of Bali start developing. The diversity of communities, from artists to local people built a civilization in Bali.
Aside from the beautiful architecture of Ubud Palace. And getting a sense of how the Royals family used to live. Ubud Palace is also a venue to watch the Balinese dance performance. The traditional dance performance is held every day except for Nyepi day.
Just like every dance performance in Bali. The underlying theme of most traditional dances in Bali is usually adopted from Hinduism stories. Visitors will be able to watch as dancers perform Ramayana Ballet. The theme of the show is different each day. Don’t miss the dance performance in Ubud Palace.
See: Monkey Forest Ubud, Temple & Entrance Fee.
Facilities
Basic facilities like toilets are available around the premises. However, since the palace location is right in the center of Ubud. Guests coming with cars might hard to find a parking spot. Souvenirs and handicrafts vendors are plenty just across the street at Ubud Art Market.
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Address & Location
The Royal Ubud Palace location is in Jl. Raya Ubud No. 8, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571. It is just 200 meters or a 2-minute walk from Ubud Art Market.
