TAMAN UJUNG BALI WATER PALACE – The Complete Guide
Taman Ujung water palace is a former palace in Karangasem that consists of beautiful historic buildings and various large pools. Built in 1909 and designed by a Dutch and Chinese architect the water palace is a combination of Balinese, Chinese and European architecture. It is one of the largest historical landmarks in Bali and a beautiful place to explore. In our opinion is Taman Ujung water palace even better and more beautiful than it’s sister Tirta Gangga water palace. Find in our complete guide everything you need to know about Taman Ujung water palace.
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How to get to Taman Ujung water palace
Taman Ujung water palace is located in the village of Seraya in the Karangasem regency in East Bali. It is located approximately 5 kilometres from Amlapura, the capital of Karangasem. You can perfectly combine a visit to this beautiful water palace when staying in Amed, Manggis or Candidasa. The best way to get around is with a rental scooter if you’re comfortable driving around yourself. Otherwise a private driver is a great option as well.
Entrance fee Taman Ujung water palace
In 2022 the entrance fee for Taman Ujung Karangasem Bali is 75.000 IDR per person. If you have KITA’s it is 50.000 IDR per person.
Best time to visit Taman Ujung water palace
We always advice to visit the Bali hotspots as early as possible. This will not only result in beating the crowds but it’s also way cooler than wandering around the gardens during the middle of the day. Of course later in the afternoon is also an option. But if you also want to have the highest chance of having clear views on Mount Agung volcano, then early morning is the best.
Best tours to explore east Bali
If you want to explore the best of East Bali then it is highly recommended to book your tours in advance. Of course you can also explore the area by yourself if you are comfortable driving a motorbike. But if you book your tour you don’t have to think about anything else, you can just enjoy and take pictures. All of these tours include air conditioned transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes also lunch and the entrance fees. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
- East Bali 2 day tour. Discover the beauty of East Bali during this 2 day tour including a visit to Lempuyang Luhur temple, Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung water temple, the black sand beaches and a Chocolate Factory visit.
- Snorkeling Trip to the Japanese Shipwreck in Amed. Explore the underwater world and visit the Japanese Shipwreck Point and snorkel in between a variety of reef fish, coral, and other marine life.
- Hike Mount Batur and go diving at WWII shipwreck in Tulamben.
- Lempuyang and Besakih temple tour. Visit some of the best temples that Bali has to offer. Lempuyang temple with the famous view on Mount Agung, the mother temple Besakih, Tirta Gangga water palace and a delicious lunch.
- Beginner’s dive experience in Amed Bali. Learn the basics of scuba diving and take a dive with an instructor in Tulamben Bay on the north-east coast of Bali.
- 3-Day PADI Open Water Diving Course Amed. Get your diving certificate and see the Coral Triangle, an area with the highest biodiversity of marine species near Amed.
- 3 days tour; Hike Mount Batur, explore east Bali, Lempuyang temple, Ubud and Nusa Penida. Get the best of Bali and Nusa Penida during this 3 days tour. Watch the sunrise on Mount Batur, see the best of East Bali, Ubud and visit beautiful Nusa Penida island.
- USAT Liberty Wreck Dive and Tulamben Bay Amed. Explore some of the best dive sites off the north-east coast of Bali and get up close to the USAT Liberty wreck on a dive experience at Tulamben Bay Amed.
- Bali Instagram tour; visit Lempuyang temple, Tirta Gangga, Tukad Cepung waterfall, jungle swimg and rice terraces Ubud
History of Taman Ujung Bali
The Taman Ujung Water Palace was founded in 1909 on initiative of the King of Karangasem, Raja Anak Agung Anglurah. It took several years to build the complete floating palace with the construction being completed in 1921. The combination of Balinese, Chinese and European architecture is visible throughout the palace and carries a long history with it.
What to expect at Taman Ujung water palace
Taman Ujung water palace is also known as Ujung Park or Soekasada Park and was in the Dutch East Indies era also known by the Dutch name Waterpaleis. The whole area covers about 10 hectares of land and consists of various large pools and historic structures.
The unique blend of Balinese and Chinese architecture is unfortunately not exactly the same as how it was built back in 1909. Taman Ujung water palace has been partly rebuilt and restored after it was almost entirely destroyed by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Agung and the eastern shoreline, Taman Ujung water palace is a great place to admire the interesting architecture in combination with lush nature surroundings. It is a nice stroll around the gardens and only if you want to visit some of the buildings from closer you have to walk some stairs. Locals also use the walkways to have a relaxing walk or jog before sunset time.
Exploring Taman Ujung water palace
When entering the complex you will cross a bridge first from where you can have impressive views on Mount Agung when it’s a clear day. Then you will quickly see the first sight of the water palace which is on the main pool with white building.
This building is named Gili Bale and is connected to the edge of the pool by a bridge with beautiful arches and detailed stone carvings. Inside there are a couple of rooms with carvings, paintings and photos of Royal Family Members.
In Taman Ujung water palace you can see three large separated ponds. One pool situated in the southern area and two pools located in the north area. In the middle of the south pond you can see a building called Bale Bengong which is a typical Balinese style building without walls, only pillars and a roof.
A wide paved walkway lead you around the garden and different palaces. Along the way you can explore the interesting blend of architecture inspired by several cultures. The western style was implemented for the gazebo, the arches are inspired by the Middle Eastern culture and the beautiful detailed carvings are inspired from the Balinese culture.
Great photography spots at Taman Ujung Bali
If you don’t mind climbing some stairs then definitely make your way to the top area of the pillar building without roof. The stairs make a perfect scene for photography but the view from the top is also impressive.
The Taman Ujung water palace is surrounded by a lush garden with stone carvings and statues. The interesting architecture which blends with nature has many interesting photo spots. Therefore we think the water palace is an absolute photographers delight and even some of the best instagram spots in Bali. So if you love to take pictures in a dress, then make sure to bring it to Taman Ujung Bali!
Taman Ujung water palace or Tirta Gangga water palace?
Everyone has a different taste so it’s always a personal opinion to say which one is better. If you have the time to explore both water palaces then we would definitely recommend that. But, if you’re short in time and you would like our personal opinion then we would advise to go to Taman Ujung water palace instead of Tirta Gangga water palace. The reasons is that Taman Ujung Bali floating garden is bigger and thus there is more to explore. Plus there are more photo spots at Taman Ujung.
Tirta Gangga only covers and area of about 1.2 hectares while Taman Ujung covers about 10 hectares of land.
More things to do in East Bali
When you’ve finished exploring beautiful Taman Ujung Bali water palace then there are plenty of other things to do in East Bali.
For some relax time you can go to some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, Virgin beach. This beach has soft white sand and some of the clearest water you can imagine. It’s perfect for swimming because there are no big waves and the water is shallow. Along the beach there are also several warungs where you can get food and drinks.
For more temple exploration you also can’t miss the famous Bali heaven gates, Pura Lempuyang Luhur.
And for impressive views on Mount Agung volcano, go to Bukit Cinta for some of the best, unobstructed views. Go with sunrise to have the highest chance of having clear views on the volcano.
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I hope you enjoyed this complete guide about Taman Ujung water palace.
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