Attraction
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A village-owned forest of about ten hectares at the southern end of central Ubud, home to more than a thousand long-tailed macaques and three 14th-century temples.
Ubud Palace
Puri Saren Agung, the 19th-century palace of Ubud's royal family at the heart of town, known for its Lempad stone carvings and evening Balinese dance performances.
At a glance
- Type
- Royal palace
- Area
- Central Ubud, Ubud, Indonesia
Good to know
- Free courtyard entry
- Evening dance performances
- Central location
Why we recommend it
Ubud Palace, properly called Puri Saren Agung, stands at the centre of town, at the junction where Jalan Monkey Forest meets Jalan Raya Ubud, the main street running east to west through Ubud. It has been the official residence of Ubud's royal family, and members of the family still live in the compound. The present palace was built in traditional Balinese style during the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel, who ruled from 1800 to 1823.
The palace was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1917 and was restored quickly because the family was living there. In 1928 it began receiving foreign guests, which marked the start of Ubud's long relationship with visiting artists and travellers. Much of the stone carving in the courtyards was made by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, the sculptor and architect who also designed the nearby Pura Taman Saraswati, and his work is one of the main reasons to come inside.
Visitors can walk into the outer courtyards, where carved gates, guardian statues and pavilions show classic Balinese palace architecture. The inner residential areas are private. In front of the palace is a large Bengal fig tree, and to the north stands Pura Marajan Agung, the family's private temple. The palace's main pavilion has a stage backed by an ornate angkul-angkul gateway, and this is the setting for the traditional dance performances accompanied by gamelan orchestras that are held most evenings.
The evening dances are the best way to see the palace at its most atmospheric. Performances start at around 7.30pm and last about an hour, with a repertoire that includes Legong and Barong, and tickets are sold at the entrance; arriving early gives a better choice of seats. Ceremonies are also held in the courtyard, and on those days parts of the palace may be busy with family and community events, so be respectful of anything taking place. During the day the courtyards are quieter, and the palace makes a good first stop before exploring the rest of the centre.
Allow 30 minutes for a daytime look around, or an evening for a performance. The palace is a central landmark and the natural starting point for exploring town. Jalan Monkey Forest runs south from the palace towards the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary at its southern end, while Pura Taman Saraswati and Museum Puri Lukisan are also in the centre of town.
Ubud Palace FAQs
What is the official name of Ubud Palace?
Its official name is Puri Saren Agung.
Who built the palace?
The present palace was built during the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel, who ruled from 1800 to 1823.
Does the royal family still live there?
Yes. The palace is still owned by the royal family, who live in the compound, so the inner areas are private.
Who carved the stonework?
Much of the carving is the work of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, who also designed Pura Taman Saraswati.
Are there dance performances?
Yes. Traditional Balinese dances accompanied by gamelan are held in the evening on the stage of the main pavilion.
When did the palace first welcome foreign guests?
It began receiving foreign guests in 1928, after it was restored following the 1917 earthquake.
Where exactly is it?
At the junction of Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Raya Ubud in the centre of town.
What is nearby?
Jalan Monkey Forest leads south to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and Pura Taman Saraswati and Museum Puri Lukisan are also in the town centre.