If you’re planning a trip to Bali and even remotely interested in culture, history, or just wanna soak in the real vibe of Ubud — Ubud Royal Palace is gonna come up over and over again. And there’s a reason for that. Actually, a bunch of reasons.
So, the first time I went, I didn’t expect much. Honestly, I thought it was just another temple or courtyard kind of thing tourists check off on a list. But the moment I stepped inside, everything slowed down. The whole place feels like it’s frozen in time — but in the best way. Like, old stone walls carved with intricate Balinese patterns, those distinct split gates (called candi bentar if you wanna get technical), and traditional shrines dotted all over the compound.
But here’s the thing: Ubud Royal Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung, isn’t just some museum of the past. Nope. It’s still a living, breathing part of Ubud’s royal family culture. Members of the royal family legit still live there. You’ll even spot them sometimes going about their daily lives — dressed in sarongs, totally chill, like the palace isn’t a big deal. Meanwhile, tourists are snapping selfies in front of the main gate.
What Even Is Ubud Royal Palace, and Why Should You Care?
Okay, let me back up a bit.
Ubud Royal Palace was built in the early 1800s during the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel (around 1800–1823), one of the earlier kings of Ubud. It served as the seat of power for the kingdom of Ubud, which was pretty significant at the time. Nowadays, while it’s no longer the political heart of anything, it’s still the cultural center.
Now, if you’re the kind of traveler who loves to dig into a place’s soul, then this place is pure gold. I’m talkin’ local architecture, philosophy, history, traditional dances, and that underlying rhythm of Balinese life that you can’t find on Instagram filters.
I learned that every part of the palace has symbolic meaning — where the family sleeps, where ceremonies happen, the direction gates face — it’s all based on Balinese cosmology. Like, everything’s arranged in a sacred layout called asta kosala kosali, kinda like the Balinese version of feng shui but deeply spiritual and tied to nature and harmony.
And honestly, the vibe? Peaceful. Humble. Not flashy at all. You’d think a royal palace would scream opulence, but this one whispers tradition.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Ubud Royal Palace?
You’d think early morning is the best time — and yeah, if you wanna beat the tour buses, it’s solid. But lemme be real with you — late afternoon is where the magic happens.
That’s when the light hits the palace just right. The carvings glow golden, shadows dance across the stones, and if you time it well, you can stick around for the evening legong dance. I’ll talk more about that in a sec, but trust me — it’s worth it.
Best days to go? Mid-week. Tuesdays or Wednesdays are usually quieter. Weekends and Mondays tend to get slammed, especially in peak season (June–September). And Bali’s wet season (roughly Nov–March)? Still gorgeous, but bring an umbrella — those surprise downpours are no joke.
Also — entrance is free. Yeah, you heard that right. No ticket needed to walk into one of Bali’s most iconic spots. You only pay if you stay for the nightly performances.
What to Expect Inside – Not Your Average Tourist Spot
Now let’s talk details. Inside the palace grounds, there are several pavilions (bale) and open-air structures. These were used for meetings, ceremonies, royal hangouts — you name it. Some parts are roped off, because hey, people actually live there. But there’s still plenty to explore.
You’ll see intricate wood carvings on the doors and beams — each one handmade by Balinese artisans. I remember staring at this one door for like 10 minutes, trying to figure out how someone carved that much detail into wood with basic tools. No machines. Just straight-up skill passed down for generations.
And the gardens? Stunning. Not overly manicured like in some resorts — they feel real. Flowers blooming naturally, moss-covered stones, and little shrines tucked into corners you might miss if you’re rushing through.
Also: watch your step. The stones can get slippery, especially after rain. I learned that the hard way. Wore sandals with zero grip, nearly wiped out in front of a group of Aussie tourists. Still got the bruise to prove it.
Don’t Skip the Legong Dance — It’s Honestly Hypnotic
Okay, back to the performances I mentioned. If you’re into cultural stuff — or even if you’re not — the Legong Dance is something you need to see once.
They hold nightly traditional Balinese dance performances right in the palace courtyard. Starts around 7:30 PM, but get there a bit early for good seats. You’ll see these young dancers — usually teenage girls — dressed in vibrant gold and red costumes, moving in ways that seem… inhuman. Like, the eye movements alone are next-level. Super precise. Super expressive. Every gesture tells a story.
To make your trip smoother, consider a Bali car rental with driver so you can focus on the views, not the roads.
And the music? It’s live gamelan. You’ll hear that clanging, hypnotic rhythm echoing through the stone courtyards. Honestly, by the end of it, you feel like you’ve time-traveled or stepped into a dream or something.
Tickets cost around IDR 100,000–150,000 (roughly $6–$10 USD), and you can buy them at the palace gate earlier in the day or through local tour guides.
Bring cash. A lot of places still don’t take cards — especially for stuff like this.
What to Wear to Ubud Royal Palace (Don’t Be That Tourist)
Okay, this might sound obvious, but a lotta folks still miss the memo: Dress modestly. Even though Ubud Royal Palace is open to tourists and not technically a temple, it’s still a deeply sacred place for locals.
Cover your shoulders. No short shorts. Lightweight pants or a sarong are great. I usually keep a sarong in my daypack anyway — super versatile and respectful.
If you forgot one, no worries — plenty of vendors nearby sell them cheap. But it’s always better to come prepared.
Also, footwear? I mentioned earlier about slippery stones. Bring something with grip. Flip-flops are fine, but if it rains, you’ll be skatin’.
Is Ubud Royal Palace Worth Visiting If You’re Short on Time?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Still yes, but here’s why.
Even if you’re only in Ubud for a day or two, the Royal Palace is central — you’re probably gonna walk past it anyway. It’s right across from the Ubud Art Market (more on that later), and surrounded by cafes, shops, and galleries. So it’s super easy to work into your day.
I’d say you only need 30–45 minutes to look around if you’re in a rush. An hour if you’re taking it slow. Add another 90 mins if you’re staying for the performance.
Totally doable. And you’ll walk away with a better understanding of Balinese culture than you’d get scrolling through social media or reading travel blogs (yeah, I get the irony here).
Places to Eat and Chill Nearby (Because You’ll Be Hungry After)
So once you’re done soaking in all that history and cultural goodness, your stomach’s probably gonna start growling. You’re in luck — Ubud is packed with awesome eats, and the palace is right smack in the middle of it all.
My go-to? Warung Biah Biah — just a 5-minute walk from the palace. Super local, super affordable. Try the nasi campur or tempeh manis. It’s not fancy, but the flavors are on point.
Wanna splurge a bit? Head to Casa Luna. It’s been around forever, and it’s got that artsy, chill vibe that Ubud’s known for. Great for smoothies, brunch, and writing in your travel journal if you’re that kind of person.
Or grab an iced latte at Seniman Coffee Studio — hipster as heck, but legit good coffee. And yes, they’ve got Wi-Fi.
Tips Nobody Tells You (But You’ll Be Glad You Knew)
Alright, here’s the part I wish someone had told me before I went.
- There’s no formal guided tour inside the palace, so if you want context, download a self-guided tour app or do a quick YouTube dive beforehand. Otherwise, it’s just a pretty courtyard.
- Mornings are good for photos (less crowded), evenings are good for vibes.
- Don’t bother driving — parking is a nightmare. Just walk or take a scooter taxi.
- Be patient with street hawkers. They’re everywhere, especially outside the palace. A polite “no thank you” in Bahasa — “tidak, terima kasih” — goes a long way.
That’s just scratching the surface, honestly. The Ubud Royal Palace isn’t flashy or loud. It’s humble, deep, spiritual. It kinda sneaks up on you. You might go expecting a photo op, but leave feeling a bit more grounded — like you’ve seen a glimpse into the soul of Bali.
Check Also: Ubud Monkey Forest
