Bali was a big united kingdom centred in Klungkung up until the 17th century when it split into 9 kingdoms located in the different regencies of the island, each with their own palaces: Klungkung, Buleleng, Karangasem, Mengwi, Badung, Tabanan, Gianyar, Bangli, and Jembrana.
You can still visit royal palaces in Bali, plus recreational palaces the kings built and the summer residences of some governors and presidents. This guide has all the details!
Summary: Things You Need To Know About Palaces In Bali
- Our Top-3 favourite palaces in Bali are Klungkung Palace, Tabana Anom Palace, and Tirta Gangga.
- Palaces in Bali are called Puri.
- To enter, you will usually pay around 100,000 IDR (10 AUD) for bigger, known palaces in Bali, while non-touristy spots are free.
- Water palaces in Bali served as summer residences or meeting grounds. There are two main water palaces in Bali – Taman Ujung and Tirta Gangga.
- If going on a day trip, bring snacks, sunscreen, and dress respectfully. We do recommend having a private driver and an English-speaking guide.
Main Castles & Palaces In Bali To Visit During Your Trip
Klungkung Palace
A must-visit destination to learn about the last standing kingdom in the fight against the Dutch colonial rule.
This was the Residence of the King of the Klungkung kingdom, and the complex still preserves the Hall of Justice (Kertha Gosa) with traditional Kamasan paintings, as well as the original layout with ponds and pavilions.
Today, you can visit a museum here, too, to find royal artefacts, historical photos and notes, statues, music instruments, and more.
Where Is It? Klungkung Royal Palace, JL. Diponegoro, Semarapura Kangin, 80751 Bali, Indonesia, Central Semarapura, Klungkung, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80761, Indonesia
Taman Ujung Water Palace
Built at the beginning of the 20th century by the last king of Karangasem, Taman Ujung is a stunning water palace on the East coast of Bali with a beautiful view of the ocean.
You will see how the architecture was inspired by European and Chinese traditions, and three architects worked on the project (Balinese, Chinese, and Dutch).
Where Is It? Ujung Water Palace, Tumbu, Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80811, Indonesia
Karangasem Palace Puri Agung Karangasem
The palace in Karangasem Kingdom, now Karangasem regency, and the descendants of the royal family still own it!
The complex spans beautiful gardens, ponds with lilies, pavilions full of history, and photos from the past century. You can also look through rooms set up exactly like they were during royal times.
It is a great attraction to stop by and enjoy on a day tour to East Bali temples and beaches.
Where Is It? Jl. Sultan Agung, Karangasem, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia
Tirta Gangga Water Palace
The most famous water palace in Bali has hundreds of koi fish and stunning gardens. There is also a small museum with royal relics and photos.
This sanctuary of elegance and Balinese history is a must-visit when you’re travelling to East Bali and Haven’s Gates.
Where Is It? HHQQ+836, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat Jl. Raya Tirta Gangga, Ababi, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Peliatan Royal Palace
A lesser-known royal palace near Ubud with no crowds! Built in the 17th century, this Balinese-style castle is home to the Ksatria (royal in Indonesian) family – guardians of artefacts and weapons of Sukawati village.
You can visit it free of charge, and if you are lucky, you will get a tour with a member of the royal family.
Where Is It? F7J9+VP4, Peliatan, Ubud, Peliatan, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Puri Agung Pemecutan, Denpasar
Badung Palace – Puri Agung Pemecutan – is one of the non-touristy palaces in Bali to visit, offering a unique glimpse into the colonial era and the island’s history.
Two more palaces in Bali were part of the Badung Kingdom: Puri Agung Denpasar (impressive 3-peak gates) and Puri Agung Kesiman. The kings of Badung were killed by the Dutch during the war.
The palace has beautiful traditional gates, towering pagodas, statues, and carvings, and in the 17th century, it was the center of culture and administrative power of the kingdom.
Where Is It? Jl. Thamrin No.2, Pemecutan, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80112, Indonesia
Mengwi Royal Palace Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun Temple is a beautiful Balinese temple surrounded by a moat that blends traditional architecture with religious temples and tropical gardens. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but yet very few tourists visit it!
The property is massive is extremely well maintained: lawns, ponds, traditional pagodas and pavilions, fountains, and statues.
Pair the visit here with The Ogoh Ogoh Bali Museum – a local museum of handmade huge monster statues that are paraded every year on the Eve of Nyepi (The Silent Day).
Where Is It? F54C+J55, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Tabanan Anom Palace
The oldest Tabanan palace, Anom Palace, is one of the best museums and palaces in Bali to learn about the essence of Balinese culture and the main historical events.
Apart from the gardens and pavilions of the palace, you should visit the massive Panggung Terbuka Garuda Wisnu Serasi statue on the other side of the road – it is one of the most impressive architectural works in all of Bali. It is also often used as a stage for traditional performances.
Make sure to get a tour and clear out about 2-3 hours in your schedule.
Where Is It? Jl. Gunung Agung No.5, Dajan Peken, Kec. Tabanan, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82113, Indonesia
Puri Anyar Royal Palace Kerambitan
In fact, this is the “newer” royal palace for the Tabanan Kingdom, located near the older Puri Agung Kerambitan palace (where the descendants of the royal family still live).
Puri Anyar Palace was mainly used for housing guests and holding receptions. Another version says that this new palace was simply built for the second son of the 12th King of Tabanan.
Locals say this palace has seen the fewest renovations and changes over time, so it is worth visiting as a testament to the skills and beauty of traditional architecture. It also has a 300-year-old tree in one of the courtyards.
Where Is It? F35M+396, Baturiti, Kerambitan, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82161, Indonesia
Singaraja Royal Palace
The most northern palace in Bali, Singaraja Royal Palace, aka Puri Agung Singaraja, is now a historical and cultural center carrying the legacy of the Buleleng Kingdom.
You can visit the living quarters of the king and his wives, explore the gardens, and learn about the history of the family that also founded the Lovina city as we know it today.
Where Is It? Jl. Mayor Metra No.12, Paket Agung, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81118, Indonesia
Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung Ubud)
The palace in the very centre of Ubud is known to foreigners as Ubud Palace, while its Indonesian name is Puri Saren Agung Ubud.
This is still a royal residence, but certain parts of the palace are open to the public as a historic landmark and a museum. You can also stay for the Legong Dance performance in the evening here.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Puri Agung Gianyar
This more than 300-year-old royal palace in Bali (built end of the 18th century) was the seat of the King of Gianyar. It is built following the best traditions of Balinese architecture.
However, tourists can only admire the stunning 3-peak gates and outer walls of the palace. You should stroll across the park in front of the palace, too; it has pretty bonsais and sculptures.
Where Is It? Jl. Ngurah Rai-Gianyar No.99, Gianyar, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80511, Indonesia
Puri Agung Bangli
Puri Agung Bangli palace was built in the 16th century and later became the center of the new Bangli Kingdom when Bali was divided into nine separate areas.
A non-touristy attraction, and local villagers mostly use it for important ceremonies and events. However, you will also find a lot of royal relics here, from arts and carvings to lontars – manuscripts on palm leaves.
Where Is It? Jl. Nusantara No.1, Cempaga, Kec. Bangli, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80614, Indonesia
Negara Palace, Puri Agung Negara Jembrana
One of the “newest” palaces in Bali, the royal set in the Jembrana Kingdom was only built in the 19th century.
The compound houses a great collection of photos and artifacts from the royal family, and you can learn lots of interesting facts on a little tour.
Where Is It? Central Banjar, Negara, Jembrana Regency, Bali 82218, Indonesia
Istana Kepresidenan Tampaksiring
It is the only Presidential summer residence and palace in Bali with guided tours.
The palace was completed in 1963 for President Sukarno after Indonesia became independent from the Dutch colonial rule, and is still used for meetings and holidays.
Beautiful, manicured lawns, fish ponds, massive trees, statues, a temple, and ritual baths – the complex is massive and will make a great walk!
Where Is It? Jl. Dr. Ir. Soekarno, Manukaya, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
FAQs
What Is The Prettiest Place In Bali?
There is no single prettiest place in Bali – the island of the Gods is a paradise on Earth. If we have to pick one, we would probably say that UNESCO heritage sites like Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are incredibly beautiful and still keep the true charm of Bali.
Does Bali Have Castles?
Bali doesn’t have castles like Japan or European countries, but it has a dozen of stunning royal palaces remaining from the times when Bali was divided into 9 kingdoms.
Is Ubud Palace Worth It?
Yes! Ubud Palace is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained royal palaces in Bali, with a rich history and amazing entertainment at night. Visit in the morning to avoid crowds.
Final Thoughts On Castles & Palaces In Bali
While Bali doesn’t have medieval castles, the royal palaces in Bali, dedicated royal temples, and massive water palaces built in 16 to 19th centuries carry so much history and architectural beauty that you have to visit at least a few!
