Name: Ubud Palace
Address: Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Rating: 4.2

Iconic temple featuring art, Balinese dance performances in its courtyard & lush surrounds.

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The Ubud Palace has been a significant historical landmark in Bali since the 1800s, serving as a royal residence during that period.

Historical Significance

The palace was initially built during the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel, who ruled from 1800 to 1823.

First Construction

Due to volcanic and tectonic activity in 1917, many original buildings were destroyed, leading to the construction of most of the current structures in the 20th century.

Modern Reconstruction

While Indonesia doesn't officially recognize royalty, the current 'Ubud King' is King Sukawati, whose Balinese title is Tjokorda Putra Sukawati.

Current Ruler

While there's no formal dress code, it's considered respectful to cover your legs, upper arms, and feet when visiting the palace.

Dress Code

Ubud Palace

Ubud Palace, officially Puri Saren Agung, stands as a pivotal landmark, not merely for its architectural grandeur but for its enduring role in preserving Balinese arts. Unlike other royal residences, Ubud Palace actively fosters traditional dance and music, offering nightly performances within its courtyard, a legacy personally championed by the late Tjokorda Gede Agung Sukawati. The palace's design, a testament to Balinese artistry, showcases intricate carvings and meticulously maintained gardens, reflecting a deep connection to nature and spirituality. What sets it apart is the distinct style of its architecture, influenced by the Majapahit kingdom, yet uniquely Balinese, incorporating local materials and motifs. A lesser-known fact is that the palace continues to serve as a residence for the royal family, adding a layer of authenticity rarely found in similar historical sites. The palace's northern section, reserved for sacred rituals, remains largely inaccessible to the public, heightening its mystique and underscoring its spiritual significance within the community.

Introduction

Puri Saren Agung, also known as Ubud Palace, holds a significant place in Balinese history as the official residence of Ubud's royal family. The palace's origins trace back to the 17th century, with its establishment intertwined with the arrival of nobles from the collapsing Majapahit Empire of Java in the 15th century. These nobles sought sanctuary in Bali, bringing with them artistic traditions and the caste system, profoundly influencing the island's cultural landscape.

The palace's construction and expansion occurred over centuries, with King Tjokorda Putu Kandel significantly extending it between 1800 and 1823. A major earthquake in 1917 caused the complex to collapse, leading to its reconstruction in 1928 to promote tourism in Ubud. During the same period, the Tjampuhan hotel was built to accommodate palace guests.

Historically, palaces in Bali served as primary patrons of art, music, dance, and literature, a tradition that the Ubud palaces consciously continue. Today, Puri Saren Agung remains a repository of traditional Balinese culture, actively fostering artistic endeavors. While the Ubud royals no longer hold formal power, they still command respect based on their heritage and play a vital role in the local community, business, arts, and professional sectors. The palace stands as a testament to Bali's rich history and the enduring legacy of its royal families.

Puri Saren Agung History

Rsi Markandeya's influence on Ubud and, by extension, the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung), is profound, tracing back to the 8th century. His spiritual journey led him to Bali, drawn by the intense energy he felt at Campuhan Ubud, the present-day location of Gunung Lebah Temple. This marked the beginning of Ubud's recognition as a spiritually significant site. Rsi Markandeya's teachings extended beyond the spiritual realm, introducing innovative agricultural practices like terraced irrigation systems, which continue to shape Bali's landscape.

The name "Ubud" itself is derived from "Ubad," meaning medicine, reflecting the abundance of medicinal plants discovered in the Campuhan area during Rsi Markandeya's time. This connection to healing and well-being underscores the area's spiritual and practical importance, influencing the development and character of Ubud, including the palace.

The establishment of Pura Gunung Lebah by Rsi Markandeya and his followers solidified Campuhan's status as a sacred place, attracting Hindu devotees for meditation, cleansing rituals, and temple ceremonies. This spiritual foundation laid the groundwork for Ubud's growth and the eventual construction of the Ubud Royal Palace, which stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual legacy initiated by Rsi Markandeya. The palace, therefore, is not merely a historical site but a continuation of the spiritual narrative that began with Rsi Markandeya's arrival and his recognition of Ubud's unique energy.

Rsi Markandeya Influence

Ubud Palace, or Puri Saren Agung, exemplifies traditional Balinese architecture through its design and use of materials. Built during the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel (1800–1823), the palace was later restored after the 1917 earthquake, maintaining its original architectural style. The palace integrates natural elements, reflecting a harmony with the environment, a key characteristic of Balinese architecture.

The structures are built with local organic materials such as thatch roofing, bamboo, coconut and teak wood, and stone. These materials are integral to Balinese architectural aesthetics, emphasizing a connection to nature. The palace's ornate carvings, many crafted by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, showcase mythological creatures, floral motifs, and scenes from Hindu epics, demonstrating the intricate detailing typical of Balinese design.

Balinese Hindu influences are evident in the temples and shrines within the palace grounds, dedicated to deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The design reflects Balinese spiritual beliefs, with symbolic placements of statues and offerings. Brightly colored tiles and doors in red, yellow, blue, and green represent different aspects of Balinese culture and spirituality. The stage for traditional Balinese dance performances features an ornamented angkul-angkul background, with traditional doors and guardian statues, further enhancing the architectural and cultural ambiance. The Tjampuhan Hotel, initially a guesthouse of the palace, mirrors this architectural style, employing dried coconut leaves, bamboo, and teak wood, illustrating the widespread use of these materials in Balinese structures.

Balinese Architecture

Ubud Palace is a prime venue for witnessing traditional Balinese dance performances, a cornerstone of Ubud's cultural scene. The palace hosts nightly shows, typically commencing around 7:30 PM and lasting approximately 90 minutes. Among the performances, the Legong dance is a celebrated style showcased at the palace. These dances narrate stories, such as the kidnapping of Princess Sita, blending theatrical elements with traditional movements.

While the Ubud Royal Palace is a popular location, it can get crowded, making ticket availability uncertain. The entry fee is approximately $7 USD (around 80,000 Indonesian Rupiah), but prices can vary. Arriving by 7:00 PM is recommended to secure a good viewing spot.

Beyond Ubud Palace, several other venues around Ubud offer Balinese dance performances, including Pura Saraswati Temple, Pura Dalem Ubud Temple, Bale Banjar Ubud Kelod, Padang Tegal Kaja, and ARMA, each with its own schedule and ambiance. The dances feature intricate movements inspired by nature and tradition, with dancers often starting their training at a young age. The performances include various styles, such as Barong, Baris, Condong, Legong, Cendrawasih, Frog, and Kecak, each telling unique stories through gestures and expressions.

Traditional Dance Performances

Puri Saren Agung, or Ubud Royal Palace, stands as the official residence of the Ubud Royal Family, embodying a legacy that intertwines with the cultural and historical narrative of Bali. Originally constructed in the 18th century, the palace was conceived to consolidate the Ubud area, offering a secure gathering place for the community to foster unity and trade. The Ubud Royal Family played a crucial role in preserving Balinese traditions, supporting local artisans, cultural events, and ensuring the essence of Ubud's heritage remains vibrant across generations.

Despite the Dutch colonization diminishing the family's royal status, their legacy endures, and the palace remains their home. While their power is now ceremonial, the Royal Family continues to be held in high regard by the local community. They serve as protectors of the region's cultural heritage, nurturing a deep love for the arts. The palace is not only a historical landmark but also a cultural center where ancient dance rituals are performed, and locals gather for ceremonies and festivals, connecting with their roots and celebrating their shared heritage. The Royal Family's benevolence extends to philanthropic endeavors, supporting educational initiatives and healthcare programs, fostering a sense of unity and offering guidance and support to the community.

Ubud Palace

Did You Know?

Historical Significance

First Construction

Modern Reconstruction

Current Ruler

Highlights from Reviews

Location