A Complete Guide To Ubud Palace (by a local)

When you walk into Ubud Palace in the heart of Ubud Bali, you will instantly be hooked by its unique charm. It’s a cozy, historic spot, which is the home to the royal family since the 1800s, and feels like a hidden gem. You’ll love the intricate gates, quiet courtyards, and the lively Balinese dance shows every night.

It’s not a very big site, but its certainly a true balinese cultural site. I’m excited to share what makes this place worth a visit: from the dances and photo ops to nearby markets and eateries. If you’re into culture, food, or just a cool stop in Ubud, you’ll want to check this out!

Bali has become our new home and we especially love Ubud, which i find the heart and soul of Bali, with so many activities, cultural highlights and beauty. Ubud Palace has some of this unique soul of Bali and its a stop everyone should consider.

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Ubud Palace Entrance Fees – Its completely Free of charge
Dress Code – No Strict Rules
Location – Across the Ubud Art Market in the Center
Time Needed – 15-30 minutes
Best Time of Day – Evening with the Dance Show and Sunset
Ubud Palace Photo’s – Best pictures are at sunrise and sunset

Location of Ubud Palace

It’s in the heart of Ubud, with the Ubud Art Market right in front of it; it’s great to combine these 2 cultural highlights of Ubud.

History of Ubud Palace

When I learned about Ubud Palace’s history, I was amazed by how much story this small place holds. Officially called Puri Saren Agung, it was built in the early 1800s by Tjokorda Putu Kandel, a prince of the Sukawati dynasty, kicking off Ubud’s rise as Bali’s cultural hub. It’s been home to Ubud’s royal family ever since, even after a big earthquake in 1917 forced a rebuild.

What makes it special is its role in Balinese arts. Back in the 19th century, it drew artists and musicians, turning Ubud into a creative hotspot. The palace hosted performances, like the Legong dance, which you can still catch nightly. It’s tied to Balinese Hinduism too, with nearby temples like Pura Gunung Lebah, linked to the sage Rsi Markandya, adding a spiritual layer. Locals still respect it as a living cultural center, not just a tourist spot.

Today, it’s a symbol of Ubud’s heritage, blending royal history with art and tradition. You’ll see why it’s a must-visit when you walk through, it’s like stepping into Bali’s past. Though it’s not huge, its intimate vibe and cultural weight make it truly stand out.

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Ubud Palace Dancing Show

Held nightly at 7:30 PM in the courtyard of Ubud Palace, there is a traditional Balinese dance performance which is really special. Picture dancers in colorful costumes, moving gracefully to the rhythmic beat of traditional music, bringing Bali’s ancient stories to life. It’s a one-hour cultural experience that dives deep into local traditions.

Tickets cost IDR 100,000 / $6 USD, but they often sell out, especially during July and August, so grab yours with cash at the palace in the afternoon. I’d get there by 7:00 PM for good seats. Sometimes they offer dance or music workshops for a hands-on try. After the show, you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve connected with Bali’s heart in just an hour!

Ticket Counter for Legong Dance Ubud Palace

Restaurants Near Ubud Palace

This is Bali, probably one of the most popular restaurants in Bali, and our absolute go to place whenever we are in Ubud. The ambiance is truly fantastic once you walk in and go up the stairs. The decor, the incredible Balinese food and the amazing service all make you wanna stay and come back. I truly recommend the coconut mango shake, an absoute heaven.

Plant Bistro – for a healthy and tasty lunch or dinner. They serve all plant-based food in a lovely ambiance and location just a few minutes’ walk from Ubud Palace. The view is incredible from the terrace, the waiters are properly dressed, and you will be fully serviced. I absolutely love this place.

Recommended Hotels Near Ubud Palace

Saren Kauh Hotel Ubud Palace 8.9/10
This is a truly unique experience, as the accommodation is within the grounds of the palace. You get a complimentary ticket for the evening dance show and access to closed-off areas for normal visitors. We absolutely loved staying here, as the room was comfortable, the garden was beautiful, and the service was great.

Book the Saren Kauh Hotel through this link

Puri Kantor Legacy – Heritage Palace ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.6/10
I can’t recommend Puri Kantor enough for a luxury stay right across from Ubud Palace. The rooms are gorgeous, mixing Balinese style with comfy beds and modern touches, making you feel pampered. You’ll love chilling in the beautiful gardens, surrounded by tropical plants and calming water features, plus the restaurant serves quality Balinese dishes and Western favorites that hit all the right spots.

Book the Puri Kantor Legacy through this link

Ubud Palace and Art Market

The Art Market is right across the street from Ubud Palace and is a great addition.
I loved wandering through the Ubud Art Market. It’s such a unique spot! Called Pasar Seni Ubud, it’s a colorful maze of stalls bursting with handmade Balinese goodies like silky scarves, batik sarongs, carved wooden masks, and cool trinkets, from brass Buddhas to funky lamps.

What sets it apart is the artsy, high-quality feel—most stuff comes from nearby villages like Pengosekan, so you’re getting real local craftsmanship. The vibe is lively but chill, and haggling’s a blast; I’d start at half the price with a smile. The market’s split: one side’s got tourist treasures, the other’s where locals grab daily stuff.

Open 8 AM to 6 PM, I hit it early for better bargains—first sales are lucky! Being steps from the palace, it’s a cultural gem that feels like Bali’s creative heart. You’ll walk away with unique finds and a taste of Ubud’s artistic soul!

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Saraswati Temple – Water Palace

I had a great time visiting the Saraswati Temple, also called the Water Palace, just a five-minute walk from Ubud Palace, and it’s such a unique gem! Officially named Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati, this temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess of knowledge, was designed in the 1950s by the famous Balinese artist I Gusti Nyoman Lempad.

What makes it special is the stunning lotus pond out front, surrounded by gorgeous flowers and stone carvings – it’s like a postcard come to life. You’ll feel the true balinese spiritual vibe as you walk around.

Also when your in Ubud, don’t forget to do the Campuhan Ridge Walk – A great activity to do in the morning.

Conclusion: Ubud Palace

Ubud Palace is a special place in Ubud that has a lot of history and soul. It’s a small but special spot that captures Bali’s cultural heart. This historic gem, with its carved gates and pretty courtyards, feels like a quick dive into Ubud’s royal past. The dance show at night, the nearby art market, and the stunning Saraswati Temple just steps away make it a perfect stop for soaking up art, history, and some of Ubud’s vibes.

It’s not a huge site, but its charm and central location tie it all nicely together. You can easily pair it with a tasty meal at a nearby quality restaurant like This is Bali or Plant Bistro, or a stroll through some of Ubud’s many magnificent rice fields. When visiting Ubud Palace, you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve experienced a true slice of Bali’s magic!

🇮🇩 Bali Travel Essentials

Planning Bali doesn’t need to be complicated. These are the tools we actually use to travel Bali smoothly, whether we’re moving fast or traveling as a family.

📶 Mobile Data in Bali (Do This First)

Having data as soon as you land makes everything easier – maps, taxis, bookings.
We use Airalo eSIM in Bali because it connects instantly and works reliably across the island.

🚕 Airport Transfers (Arrive Stress-Free)

After a long flight, pre-booked transport saves time and energy.

We recommend Viator for Bali airport transfers. Drivers track your flight, and pricing is fixed, and you skip the horrible experience at the airport with all the “taxi drivers.”

🏨 Where to Book Stays

For hotels, villas, and guesthouses, we use Booking.com. For budget stays or social travel, Hostelworld works well and also offers private rooms.

🗺️ Tours & Experiences

To avoid low-quality tours or last-minute stress, we book through platforms with strong reviews. Klook and Viator are our go-to choices for Bali.

🛵 Getting Around Bali

Scooters are flexible, but only if you’re confident riding. If not, Grab and Gojek are safe and affordable in most areas. The simplest and greatest choice for a full day of exploring is to hire a 5⭐ private driver. For scooter rentals, we recommend and use BikAgo.

💧 Drinking Water and Food in Bali

Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water and avoid ice in small local spots. When eating at local warungs, always check if there are more people eating!

💰 Money & Payments

The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). We withdraw cash locally and always decline the ATM conversion. The Revolut debit card works very well in Bali.