Ubud Palace Bali: Exploring the Heart of Balinese Royalty

All You Need to Know Before Visiting Ubud Palace

Without the King of Ubud, Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel, Ubud Royal Palace wouldn’t exist. I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, who also created Ubud Water Palace, designed the stone carvings in the palace. He infused symbolism and Balinese philosophy in the grand entrance, decorated with intricate patterns and mythical creatures. From lotus flowers symbolizing purity to the symbol of good and evil in the Rangda and Barong carvings.

The earthquake in 1917 damaged some of the palace’s structure. The rebuilding took place shortly because of its status as the royal residence. In the 1970s, the area was expanded and turned into a bungalow. The reason? The Royal Palace had to accommodate the influx of tourists coming to Ubud. In early 2000, the palace’s original purpose as a home for the Ubud royalties was reinstated.

The palace has three zones, with only the outer and garden areas open to the public. During important ceremonies like ngaben (cremation ceremony), the royal family uses a different part of the palace for praying, making offerings, and receiving guests.

Tips for Visiting Ubud Palace

When is the best time to visit Ubud Palace? What about the dress code? Or is there an entrance fee for the Ubud Palace? We’ve answered all your questions into an infographic to make sure you have all the info you need in your pocket for the Ubud Royal Palace.

What We Like and What We Don’t About Ubud Palace

What We Like

• Lush garden. We love how the palace courtyard has many trees and plants. On a sunny day, the breeze helps to cool you down.

• The architecture. We love how every curve and carving is symbolic of Balinese philosophy.

• No entrance fee. We appreciate how everyone can enter for free.

• Traditional dance. We love how they show different Balinese dance performances every night.

• Centrally located. The palace is close to many other Ubud attractions, cafes, and restaurants.

What We Don't

• The palace can become too busy. The palace is always jam-packed with visitors during the daytime.

• No guided tours. We wish the palace provided guided tours to tell the rich history of the palace.

• Accessibility. Since the Ubud royal family still lives there, we cannot venture farther than the outer zone and the garden, while the courtyard area is small.

• No parking. You need to beat heavy congestion to reach the Ubud Central Parking and walk for six minutes to get to the palace.

Small seating area. The seating area is relatively small if you want to watch the dance performance.

Ubud Palace Opening Hours

Ubud Palace opens from 7 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week. But the palace is closed to the public during Nyepi (Silence Day) and when the palace holds important and private ceremonies.

Expert Opinion about Ubud Palace

Ubud Royal Palace, also known as Puri Saren Ubud, sits majestically in the center of Ubud and is a piece of Bali’s historical landmark. Like many reviews of Ubud Palace, we are in awe of the stone carvings depicting Balinese symbolism and philosophy.

Despite the palace not having a guided tour (honestly, we would like to have one because the palace has many interesting facts), you should include Ubud Palace as one of the things to do in Bali. Pop in after your brunch or late lunch and enjoy the short stroll in the lush tropical garden.