Ubud Royal Palace
📍 Address: F7V7+72R, Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
Ubud, the heart of art and culture on Bali Island. Right in the center of this town lies a famous landmark that serves as a starting point for Ubud tourism: the ‘Ubud Royal Palace’ (Puri Saren Agung). It was once the palace of the Sukawati royal family, who ruled this land, and even today, descendants of the royal family still reside in the back of the grounds, making it a truly invaluable active royal palace.
Upon entering the grounds, you’ll be greeted by elaborate red-brick gates adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful Balinese Hindu decorations. While the private areas for the royal family are off-limits, the front courtyard, which is open to the public, can be explored by anyone for free. The public area is not particularly vast, so even with a leisurely stroll, it only takes about 10-15 minutes. It’s an ideal spot to casually drop by during shopping at Ubud Market or a walk through the town.
Despite its compact size, stepping inside reveals a mystical space imbued with historical charm. If you’re lucky, you might even witness traditional Balinese ceremonies, such as royal funerals, allowing you to feel the vibrant energy of a culture and faith that are very much alive and evolving.
Immerse Yourself in Traditional Dance and Gamelan at Ubud Royal Palace by Night
The true charm of Ubud Royal Palace begins after sunset. Every evening, the front courtyard of the palace becomes a stage for performances of Balinese traditional dance (such as Legong Dance) and Gamelan music. The admission fee is 100,000 Rupiah, and children aged 5 and under are free. To experience authentic art against the backdrop of a historic royal palace at such an affordable price is a luxury unique to Ubud.
Tips for Securing Good Seats and Viewing Precautions
Traditional dance performances are highly popular among tourists, and tickets can be purchased on the day of the performance from staff around the palace. Seating is ‘first-come, first-served’ rather than assigned. Therefore, if you want to experience the powerful performances, the delicate movements of the dancers’ fingertips, and the energy of the Gamelan ensemble up close, arriving early is essential. For Saturday performances, for example, 80% of the seats might already be filled 15 minutes before the start, so it’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to secure a good seat in the front with a clear view.
Also, since the venue is outdoors, sudden downpours can occur. It’s wise to bring rain gear as a precaution, not just during the rainy season but also the dry season. Even at night, the outdoor venue can feel hot due to trapped heat, so for travelers with small children, it’s important to consider strategic seating, such as choosing an aisle seat from which you can easily exit if needed. Be sure to enjoy the fantastic show set in this wonderful location with thorough preparation.
