Taman Ujung Water Palace or also known as Soekasada Park once was a former Karangasem Palace. It lies on 10 acres of land, within a walking distance of Ujung beach. The former palace has the best panoramic landscape with Mount Agung as the background.
The palace itself has been around for more than 100 years. And unlike most palaces in Bali, it has a unique design. If most palaces display Balinese characteristics with their traditional carving and statues. Taman Ujung Water Palace mix Balinese, Chinese, and Dutch-style architecture in their building.
Taman Ujung Water Palace Entrance Fee
Taman Soekasada Ujung Water Palace charges international guests Rp100.000 for the entrance fee. Moreover, there is an additional charge for activities such as the paddle boat ride. The ticket is Rp20.000 for 1 person. And you could pay for the entrance ticket by cash or card.
| Taman Ujung Water Palace Entrance Fee | |
| International Tourist | Rp100.000 |
| Paddle Boat | Rp 20.000/person |
| Parking fee | Rp2.000 (motorcycle) / Rp5.000 (car) |
See: Guide To Explore The Heaven Gate, Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple.
Taman Ujung Water Palace Soekasada Opening Hours
Soekasada Park is open from 7 AM to 7 PM from Mondays to Sundays. The best time to visit this spot is early morning. As the temperature will get unbearable at midday.
| Ujung Water Palace Opening Hours | |
| Monday – Sunday | 07:00 – 19:00 WITA |
See: Tirtagangga Water Palace, Activities & Pool.
Ujung Water Palace Magic Pond
Ujung Water Palace went through remodeling in 1909 to bury its dark history. In the past, there is only one pond. And the pond is believed to be supernatural. It could know people that possess a black magic force and guilty people.
Formerly, the king will just throw the accused one into the pond. And let the pond give justice to the people that’s been betraying him.
In other words, the remodeling is a clean slate of any dark story of the Karangasem empire. The king then asked 3 architects, Dutch, Chinese, and Indonesian to turn the site to be the king’s resting palace.
Museum & The Royal Documentation
Located at the center of the pond, there is a mini-museum. Where visitors could learn more about the site’s history. The Kings, and all photographs of the royal family adorn the wall. With story and details of each photo are written right below it. Some photos even capture important events during the king’s reign.
Go to a room that once was the King’s master bedroom. From the King’s room, visitors could see the white and pink lotuses floating on the pond. On special occasions, pilgrims often come and pray in the bedroom for the deceased King. As the room consider sacred, women in a period are not allowed to enter the room.
Balai Kambang
A square shape building lies in the center of a pond. The Balai Kambang is hard not to notice. As it’s compelling as it sounds, the building has an important role during the King’s reign. An uncountable supper and important meetings are held here. A fierce argument during meetings and laughing through celebrations.
The building has witnessed a lot of events back in the glorious time when the King rule. Even it includes a trial and dispute settlement judged by the king.
Paddle Boat & Feeding Fish
The garden and old buildings are not just the only things to explore in Taman Ujung Water Palace. Visitors with children could enjoy activities such as riding a paddleboat. Go explore the center of the pond. Paddle the boat and stop in the middle to appreciate the building’s architecture.
The paddleboat cost another Rp20.000. And while in there, don’t forget to feed the fish in the pond. Fish food is available at the entrance gate for Rp2.000.
Bisbis Hill
The building and the ponds are not the only beautiful things in Taman Ujung Water Palace. The palace has the best spot to see the Karangasem area from the higher floor. Within a short walk, its location lies higher than the main building. And this is where the spot to see the entire palace without any barriers.
This building once also functions as a meditation site. However, there is some damage to the building as a result of the Mount Agung eruption in 1963. From this building, the visitors could see Bisbis hill. While taking a break after exhaustion exploring the entire palace.
Prewedding Venue
The pre-wedding photoshoots have become very popular among domestic and international tourists. Take advantage as it possesses a mountain and wide 360-degree panoramic view. The site allows guests to use the venue to capture beautiful photos for the prewedding occasion.
There is an additional charge to take a pre-wedding photoshoot here Rp150.000/person. But don’t worry, the venue offers breathtaking scenes. Besides, it has been known long as the best spot to have pre-wedding photos among locals.
See: Guide To Explore The Oldest Besakih Temple.
Facilities
Basic facilities like toilets are available on the premises. A line of food vendors selling snacks and coconut water is located next to the entrance gate. And there is ample spot for visitors to park vehicles with an additional parking fee of Rp5.000 for cars.
However, there are no cafes and restaurants around the area. But small warungs selling local delicacies are plenty. The menu is quite varied like meatball soup, satay, rice with assorted veggies and chicken, and grilled fish warungs next to the beach. Prepare enough cash, as the nearest ATM is 4 KM away from the site.
See: Indonesian SIM Card Price & Coverage.
How To Get To Taman Ujung Water Palace
Taman Ujung Water Palace used to be an off-radar tourist spot. But that has changed recently. From any tourist area in South Bali, Kuta, and Seminyak it will take 2 to 3 hours to get here. Unfortunately, there isn’t any public transportation that reaches this destination.
Damri bus from Bali Airport to Amed only stops at Tirtagangga Water Palace. Then, from Tirtagangga Palace it still takes around 10 KM to go. However, this bus now is not operating anymore. Luckily car rental with or without a driver is plenty, especially in south Bali. The price range for a rental car with a driver and fuel is Rp500.000-Rp700.000 for 10 hours. While for motorcycle rent, the price starts from Rp50.000 to Rp100.000 for day rent.
That is to say, is enough to explore some spots in the Karangasem area. First, is the Tirtagangga Water Palace, the famous gate of heaven Lempuyang temple. Then the historical Taman Ujung Water Palace, and lastly the beautiful Virgin Beach.
See: Bali Airport, Airport Transfer Guide & Bus Schedule.
Address & Location
Taman Ujung Water Palace located in Tumbu village, Jl. Raya Taman Karangasem district, Bali 80811.
