Ubud Water Palace
Content
All You Need to Know Before Ubud Water Palace
The elaborate stone carvings depicting Balinese culture through mythological figures and the lotus pond should justify why you need to visit the Ubud Water Palace. Built in 1951, a renowned artist named I Gusti Nyoman Lempad was responsible for creating the artistry at the temple dedicated to Sarasvati, the Goddess of knowledge, arts, and culture.
What We Like and What We Don’t About Ubud Water Palace
What We Like
The atmosphere. Forget the noise from Ubud’s main street because the frangipani trees and the lotus pond instantly give a peaceful vibe once you come in.
The architecture. The symbolism is unmatched! For example, the lotus pond represents purity because Goddess Sarasvati is often portrayed holding a lotus. The stone carvings depict Balinese moral values through mythological creatures like dragons, cosmic turtles, and the underworld.
The dance performance. Every evening, starting at 7 PM, the temple hosts a traditional dance show in front of the main gate (Kori Agung). The ticket price is IDR 100K/US $7.
Easy access. There’s no need to work on your map skills since Ubud Water Palace, the temple, sits at the center of Ubud.
The booking system. We appreciate that you can buy the ticket in advance on the official website, choose your date of visit, and then show your ticket at the entrance.
We appreciate the booking system for securing a place since the temple limits the number of visitors.
What We Don't
The limited access. You cannot enter the inner area of the temple since visitors can only walk around the courtyard.
The crowd. The palace still feels crowded even when the temple already implements limitations for visitors.
The heat. The temple can be extremely hot during the day. Though the frangipani trees offer some kind of shade, it’s hard to find shelter at the temple unless you go to the restaurant.
No historical materials. There is no leaflet/placard detailing the temple’s history.
Quite expensive. The US $3 entrance fee seems pricey since you cannot check the inner part of the temple, and the courtyard is small.
Ubud Water Palace Location + Opening Hours
Ubud Water Palace Opening Hours:
The Ubud Water Palace or Saraswati Temple opens daily from Saturday to Thursday from 8 AM to 7 PM. On Friday, the palace opens from 8 AM to 9.30 PM. The temple closes on Silent Day and during private ceremonies.
The best time to visit the temple is right after they open to avoid the crowd or late afternoon while you wait for the dance performance.
Expert Opinion about Ubud Water Palace
Despite the heat and the crowd, it’s hard to resist the temple's charm. Some reviews about Ubud Water Palace often focus on the lotus pond. But we adore the chill vibe, the historical context, and the symbolism in the carvings and architecture.
Ubud Water Palace is a superb introduction to the Balinese temple if you’ve never come across Balinese temples. Once you travel the island, you will find similar styles with more elaborate carvings and a richer history. We wish the inner palace area to be accessible to the public with the price of the entrance fee. We can’t imagine the beauty of the architecture and art I Gusti Nyoman Lempad created on the inner temple ground.
FAQ
What cultural performances take place at Ubud Water Palace?
The Ubud Water Palace hosts different traditional dance performances every evening starting at 7 PM. The dance takes place near the lotus pond and in front of the main gate. While the schedule may change, this is the rundown of the weekly dance performances:
Monday: Joget Dance
Tuesday: Ladies Orchestra and Dance Troupe
Wednesday: Ramayana Balet
Thursday: Barong Dance
Friday: Legong Dance
Saturday: Janger Dance
What is the dress code for visiting Ubud Water Palace?
While you won’t find any rules regarding the dress code, it’s important to wear clothing covering your knees and shoulders when entering the temples in Bali. So, you’ll need to leave the sleeveless tank top and hot pants in the closet if you plan to visit Ubud Water Palace.
Can I take photos at Ubud Water Palace?
Absolutely! The three Kori Agung and the lotus ponds make excellent backdrops. Photographers will find the detailed and meticulous carvings as hypnotic objects.
If you want your photo taken, an additional IDR 100K per person fee for a one-time photo plus the entrance fee. They also have package photos of 3 for IDR 100K and additional photo printing for IDR 40K/photo.
Is there parking available near Ubud Water Palace?
You can park at Ubud Central Parking and then have a 7-minute walk to Ubud Water Palace. The parking area opens from 9 AM to 10 PM since the spot functions as a morning fruit market. You will not find any parking spot if you come before 9 AM.
Are there any restaurants or cafes near Ubud Water Palace?
Since the temple sits in the most strategic area, you can find the best restaurants in Ubud, like Donna if you crave Mediterranean and Latin American food, and Café Lotus within the temple grounds if you need authentic Indonesian and Balinese food. Need to grab a quick brunch or coffee? Some of the best cafes in Ubud, such as Milk & Madu, are just a few feet from the palace.
Are guided tours available for Ubud Water Palace?
Unfortunately, you can’t find specific guided tours on-site. That’s why we encourage you to find information online before/after your visit. But if you book a tour with a travel company and make Ubud Water Palace a stop, the tour guide can give you the historical context and the meaning of the carvings of the temple.
What are some nearby attractions to visit after Ubud Water Palace?
Beyond the Ubud Water Palace, don’t forget to explore the Ubud Art Market to go through handmade crafts from local artists you can buy as souvenirs. Get ready to haggle when you find something you like! The Sacred Monkey Forest makes a great place to shelter from the Bali heat. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud’s main street, head to Campuhan Ridge Walk for a quiet walk among the Ubud hills and greeneries.
Hi everyone! My name is Catur, and I was born and raised in Central Java. I moved to Bali in 2011 but left the island in 2016 before returning in 2018. Bali feels more than a home to me, and maybe that’s why my name feels like a premonition. Catur means four, both in the Balinese and Javanese languages. It is spoken like ‘c’ in chess, which is also the meaning of my name in Indonesian.
