Taman Ujung Water Palace

Shannon
Aug 13
3 min read

Updated: Aug 13

The Royal Retreat of Karangasem

Scenic view of a traditional building by a pond, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant pink flowers under a cloudy sky, creating a serene mood.

Taman Ujung Water Palace was commissioned in 1909 by I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, the last king of the Karangasem Kingdom, as a lavish retreat and symbol of his kingdom’s prestige. Spanning roughly 10 hectares, the palace was completed in 1921, blending Balinese tradition with Chinese and Dutch architectural influences. Its grand pavilions, sweeping bridges and mirror-like pools created an almost ethereal sanctuary where royalty could relax, host dignitaries and celebrate ceremonies amidst serene surroundings.

The architectural design of Taman Ujung is a striking blend of East and West. The central Gili Bale or floating pavilion, connected by elegant bridges, features a white façade reminiscent of Dutch colonial elegance, while surrounding structures showcase intricate Balinese carvings and Chinese-inspired details. Even the use of concrete, then a novel material in Bali, reflects the palace’s ambitious fusion of modern technology with timeless craftsmanship, making it a true architectural marvel of its era.

Tranquil garden scene with colourful flowers, a white bridge, and a traditional house by a pond, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Beyond its visual grandeur, Taman Ujung was designed as a stage for royal life. It hosted ceremonies, welcoming rituals for foreign guests, and private gatherings of the Karangasem court. The water gardens and pavilions were not merely decorative, they provided a contemplative and peaceful environment where the king and his advisors could strategize, entertain and connect with the spiritual essence of the land.

Stone Buddha statue sits serenely under a tree by a lake. A pavilion with a red roof is in the background. Lush greenery surrounds.

Despite its splendor, Taman Ujung faced the forces of nature. The eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 caused serious damage to parts of the palace, leaving some structures in ruins. Over time, weather and neglect took their toll. Restoration projects were later initiated to revive the palace’s former glory, painstakingly preserving the delicate blend of architectural styles while maintaining its historical and cultural essence.

Stone statue in a lush garden, surrounded by vibrant red flowers and green foliage. A serene pond with mossy sculptures in the background.

Today, Taman Ujung Water Palace welcomes travellers seeking both beauty and history. Walking across its bridges, exploring the floating pavilions and observing the reflections in its vast ponds transports visitors back to the early 20th century, when kings walked these grounds. The palace’s peaceful atmosphere, historical significance and visual elegance make it one of Bali’s most captivating but least visited royal sites, just a short drive from Candidasa.

Taman Ujung sits amid a constellation of East Bali attractions that reflect the island’s royal past. Nearby, Tirta Gangga Water Palace enchants visitors with its sacred pools and fountains, while Lempuyang Temple, perched high on Mount Lempuyang, offers the dramatic “Gateway to Heaven” view. Together, these sites form a corridor of culture, history and architectural brilliance that continues to draw explorers into Bali’s eastern heartlands.

Garden with statues on stone pedestals, lush green lawn, and pink flowers. A white pavilion and tall trees in the background, serene mood.

Taman Ujung Water Palace stands as a testament to the Karangasem Kingdom’s ambition, cultural openness and artistic vision. Its fusion of global architectural styles reflects a period when Balinese royalty engaged with international influences without losing touch with local traditions. However, despite its grandeur, the palace was largely abandoned in the 1930s, just a decade after its completion, due to political shifts under Dutch colonial rule, its remote location and financial challenges that made sustaining such a massive estate impractical.

🗺️ Location

Jalan Raya Taman Ujung, Desa Bunutan, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia

🚆 How to get there

Getting to Taman Ujung Water Palace from Candidasa it is a short 15 - 20 minute drive north into Bunutan Village. From Ubud head east past the rice terraces and winding mountain roads toward Candidasa then continue north to the palace which takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. From Kuta start early for a 3 to 4 hour journey through Bali’s heartlands past lush terraces rugged coastlines and sleepy villages to reach one of the island’s most majestic water palaces.

⭐ Attraction Info

The palace is open daily between 8am -6pm. As of 2025, the entrance fee is 100,000 IDR for international visitors and 35,000 IDR for domestic visitors. Parking fees are 10,000 IDR for cars and 5,000 IDR for motorbikes. Visitors are encouraged to wear modest clothing and comfortable footwear for exploring the grounds. Although the complex is big, there isn't too much to see and 30 - 45 minutes max will be ample time to walk around. I wouldn't personally go out of my way to see this palace on it's own but its a worthy inclusion if you're on the east coast for a day tour.