Taman Ujung is one of Bali’s water palaces and it’s a beautiful place in one of the most attractive regions of the island.
Unlike Tirta Gangga Water Palace, its sister site, it sees relatively few visitors in its location among the verdant rice paddies and lush greenery of the island and if you’re looking for a peaceful place to really soak up the culture of Eastern Bali, Taman Ujung is a great place to do it.
Where Is Taman Ujung Water Palace?
Taman Ujung is in the Karangasem Regency just outside Tumbu Village.
Address: Ujung Water Palace, Tumbu, Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80811, Indonesia
How To Get To Taman Ujung Water Palace
The best way to get to Taman Ujung Water Palace is to hire a private car and driver (500,000 IDR a day or $35 USD or $50 AUD) which can ensure you get to the water palace and once you’ve enjoyed the palace grounds, Taman Gili floating pavilions, elegant bridges, and restoration efforts of this historic site, ensure you get to other destinations in the area too.
We wouldn’t advise getting a Grab or Gojek out here as you may find you can’t get back easily when you’ve finished.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Taman Ujung Water Palace?
There’s no bad time to visit Taman Ujung in East Bali and while the palace grounds are probably best when it’s not raining, the lush gardens really come to live at the water palace during the rainy season.
However, if you visit during the dry season, you will find that it’s a bit cooler and less humid and walking around the island pavilion and other features of Taman Ujung is a little easier.
One thing we would say though is that if you visit the complex at golden hour, you will get the best photographs as the detail in the Balinese and European architecture is really brought out by the light.
You’re free to explore this historic site at your own pace during the opening hours and you’ll find that you often have its elegant bridges and attractive lakes and view of the floating palace to yourself and just a few domestic tourists.Â
Is There An Entrance Fee For Taman Ujung Water Palace?
Yes, the current entrance fee for Taman Ujung is a fairly hefty 100,000 IDR (that’s about $6.50 USD or $10 AUD).
We think it’s good value for money but there’s no doubt that a trip to Taman Ujung is quite pricey for East Bali.
The History Of Taman Ujung Water Palace
Taman Ujung was built in the early part of the 20th Century for the royal family of Karangasem Regency.
Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem was the king who commissioned the project and it’s one of the most attractive places on the island.
This royal water garden complex is one of the island’s largest historical landmarks but it’s actually quite new.
In 1963, this part of East Bali was witness to the eruption of Mount Agung and when hot ash sprayed over Taman Ujung, the water palace was burned to the ground.
It was rebuilt and restored and then another disaster in the rich history of the island, befell the Taman Ujung complex in 1979 – an earthquake.
Once again, the repair teams worked to restore the mix of Balinese and European architecture that gives the palace complex its unique and serene atmosphere.
When you explore Taman Ujung, you can see that the Karangasem Royal Family were the sponsors of the most stunning architecture in the Karangasem Kingdom.
What To Expect At Taman Ujung Water Palace
The floating palace complex covers an area of around 10 hectares and it’s not a long drive from Amlapura the regency seat.
It was originally built as a place to house and punish witches! And the main pool is named after Kolam Dirah, the witch queen of local legends.
However, by 1921 (two years after completion) it had become, as with other water palaces in Indonesia, the retreat of the royal family.
It also opened its doors to the public at this point and the site has been welcoming visitors ever since.
The place is laid out around three ponds with floating pavilions in the centre of each and you are free to take any paths around the palace grounds that you want.
You will enjoy the sight of statues, incredible architecture, garden and pool features and much more as you stroll around.
The name “Ujung” means “extremity” and it refers to the fact that this is one of the most Easterly points in Bali.
You can also find the Pura Manikan Temple on the grounds which is used for purification rituals by pilgrims seeking use of the sacred spring there.
There is also a popular lookout point on the hill above Taman Ujung where you can get great photos of the complex below.
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What To Do Near Taman Ujung Water Palace
It’s fair to say that this part of East Bali is not exactly overwhelmed with things to do and you will need a car to get to these “nearby” attractions:
Ujung Beach – this black sand beach is mainly used by local fishermen and you may find some plastic fishing waste on the shore because of this. If you get here early in the day as the catch is brought ashore, you can buy fish directly from the boats making it one of the cheapest places in Bali to pick up some seafood for your own kitchen. However, there are no local warungs here to cook it for you, unlike at Jimbaran Bay.
Tanjung Beach – you will find that if you Google this beach, you get results for Tanjung Benoa which is nowhere near the water palace. In fact. Tanjung Beach is just outside of the neighbouring village Seraya and it’s a black sand/rock beach with plenty of character. It gets almost no visitors, so if you’re in the mood to enjoy a peaceful sunrise, this is a great place to catch the sun’s rays at the break of day.
Patung Salak – this isn’t worth going out of your way for but if you’re heading down Jalan Raya Jasri in Subagan you won’t be able to miss this amazing statue in the roundabout in the centre of town. Just be careful of the traffic when you jump out to grab a snap for your Instagram feed.
Pantai Jasri – this is a beach with a great view but sadly, some of the most rubbish-strewn sands that we’ve seen. We like to sit on the sea wall here at sunrise and just enjoy the spectacular light show in the sky above Bali. This tropical island has the best sunsets and sunrises on Earth and sometimes, it’s nice to have one all to yourself.
Bali Chocolate Factory – this chocolate factory not only makes tasty chocolates for you to take home but it’s also one of the most Instargam-worthy spots in Bali and there are no queues of tourists vying for a spot unlike at Lempuyang Temple, for example. They also have a great onsite cafe serving everything from the best local hot chocolate to vegan burgers.
Where To Eat Near Taman Ujung Water Palace
There are a few restaurants and warungs in the local area, but none of them are within walking distance of the water palace. Our favourites include:
The Green Ujung Karangasem – this is a pleasant bar/cafe with outdoor seating. The service is so laidback that it’s positively horizontal, so please don’t turn up starving hungry, you’re going to have to wait for your food. However, we think it’s worth the wait and their grilled chicken is top-notch.
Warung Beach – this is a spacious local warung that serves fish satay and the lady who runs the place is very friendly. You’ll find that the prices are very reasonable and you certainly won’t run up a huge bill in Warung Beach. However, the satay is sometimes a little undercooked and you might want to ask them to cook it some more.
Lalapan Sambal Spesial – this is a small warung run by a local couple who will go out of their way to welcome you and make you feel at home. They sell grilled local fish and it’s very tasty. If you want a homely feeling to the place where you dine, you can’t beat this one.
The Cocoa Club by Sorga Chocolate – there’s no chocolate factory here but they do sell a lot of tasty chocolate. We’d also say that they do the best cup of coffee in the area too. It’s a very attractive place and you can get some nice Instagram shots here.
Warung Biker – this is a very popular Indonesian restaurant and if you get there when it’s crowded, you might find yourself sitting a bit close to the road where you can hear the traffic going by. The food, however, is first-class Balinese and the portions are huge and the prices are low, which is just the way we like it.
Where To Stay Near Taman Ujung Water Palace
There are also a few places to stay near the water palace though only the first one on our list is within walking distance of Taman Ujung:
Taman Surgawi Resort & Spa – this elegant three-star hotel offers large rooms that are always clean and comfortable. The building itself is well-maintained and you can get gorgeous views of the surrounding area. The pool area is very nice too and the perfect place to unwind at the end of a day touring around Taman Ujung.
Villa Puspanjali – this is a very simple local villa sitting right on the beach of Pantai Ujung. You get a nice view of the ocean in the morning and there are several other hotels within walking distance which means you can always get something to eat or drink in this area.
Hidden Heaven – Rumah Barong – this is a beautiful guest house on the beach and there are amazing views out over the ocean, particularly for sunrise when the golden hour light comes into play. They have a great yoga platform here too if you like to workout.
Jasri Bay Hideaway – this is a great beachside resort and it’s very attractive. It’s a bit pricier than some of the other hotels in the area but it is four-star and you can rent a private bungalow if you want the perfect couples getaway.
Secret Moon Beach House – many visitors to this amazing hotel call it a “slice of paradise on Earth” and that’s because it’s one of Bali’s best-kept secrets. It’s a bit more upmarket than most hotels in the area and you definitely get what you pay for here. It was built as a private villa for a wealth man and then diverted into a hotel project.
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How Long To Spend At Taman Ujung?
Taman Ujung isn’t the biggest site in Bali and while you’re welcome to spend as much time there as you like during opening hours, for most visitors, 30 minutes to an hour will be enough time to enjoy the water features and teh gardens.
Most people visit Taman Ujung as part of a longer trip to the North of Bali and it’s a convenient place to stop along the way and recharge your batteries.
As you can see in the article above there’s not a lot to do in the area around Taman Ujung but if you’re in the mood for peace and quiet and relaxation, then you will find yourself very content in this part of Bali.
What Is The History Of The Water Palace In Bali?
There are many water palaces in Bali and in Indonesia as a whole. They’re a throwback to the days before the country became a constitutional republic.
They were simply designed as retreats for the royal family where the king (sultan) could spend time with his family in private.
Of course, today, the royal families are no longer recognized in Indonesia but their legacy continues and you can meet members of the families at many of the water palaces in Bali and Indonesia including at Taman Ujung Water Palace.
How To Book A Holiday In Bali To See Taman Ujung Water Palace
If you want to see Taman Ujung then you ought to book a holiday in Bali through the Bali Res Centre.
They can arrange great prices for flights, hotels, tours, etc. and because they’re locally owned and operated, they can help you plan the perfect itinerary to get the most out of your visit to the island.
Final Thoughts On The Lush Gardens And Taman Ujung Water Palace Grounds
The striking balance of Balinese and European architectural styles at Taman Ujung Water Palace needs to be seen to be properly appreciated.
The three interconnected ponds and the bridges and paths between them are breathtaking and the stunning gardens on the site add an air of real island charm to things.
While it’s not the most imposing spectacle on the island and it is quite remote if you can fit in a visit to Taman Ujung Water Palace on your way to the North of the island, we’d strongly recommend that you do.
