Taman Ujung Water Palace Bali Guide: Tickets, Highlights & Visiting Tips

The Taman Ujung Water Palace — also referred to as the Ujung Water Palace or the Taman Soekasada Ujung — was the masterpiece of the Karangasem royal family at the start of the 20th century. It was built to be a place for rest, prayer, celebration, and royal ceremony. The palace displays the magnificence of Balinese kings and the island’s historical ties to other cultures. Its style is a mixture of Balinese, European (Dutch architect Van Den Hentz), and Chinese architectural features, which gives a wonderful visual that is favorable to both local and global artistic tastes.

Taman Ujung, which was once the playground of kings, nobles, and diplomats, now reveals Bali's regal past to the tourists, who find themselves surrounded by large ponds, stone paths, carved stairs, and elegant temples. Every building and courtyard was planned so as to match the nature around it, thus giving the visitors the feeling of being in a nice, open-air palace which is vivacious by the gently blowing wind.

Fun Fact: The name "Taman Ujung — means “remote garden” in literal sense, which refers not only to its geographical situation at the edge of the island but also to its serene nature as the abode of the royals of Karangasem.

Seasonal Tip: The best light and reflections are to be had by visiting early in the day when the water is at its calmest, the crowds are at their smallest and the sun is just up, or in the late afternoon when the warm light turns the palace into a golden wonder.

• Royal Water Gardens: Huge ponds and pools of water that reflect the sky and create beautiful views.
• Palace Pavilions: The trendy architectural and natural elements meeting places.
• Reflection Photography: The water surfaces that reflect the scenery with a crystal-clear look are ideal for photography.
• Scenic Walkways: Paths with trees on both sides and cool places to walk, which are perfect for leisurely walking.
• Cultural Legacy: Ancient buildings influenced by the design of both Bali and the world.
• Volcanic Backdrops: The views of Mount Agung and the wide horizon further increase the beauty of the place.

No matter if you are walking, taking pictures, or just sitting by the water, Taman Ujung is always very beautiful physically and very attractive spiritually, which makes it a must-visit spot on your Bali tour package. 

Location: Karangasem Regency, East Bali, Indonesia
 Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours (some visitors stay longer for photography, exploration, or relaxation)

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

• Tirta Gangga Water Palace: Another iconic royal water palace with tiered pools and fountains.
• Lempuyang Temple (Gate of Heaven): Famous temple with dramatic volcanic vistas.
• Virgin Beach / White Sand Beaches: Hidden coastal beaches with calm waters and fine sand.
• Mount Agung Viewpoints: Scenic stops to admire Bali’s tallest volcano.
• Rice Paddies & Village Trails: Quiet countryside exploration nearby.

Day-Trip Tip: Combine Taman Ujung with Tirta Gangga and scenic coastline stops for an eastern Bali cultural and nature loop that fills a full and rewarding day.

Royal Water Gardens & Reflective Pools

The defining feature of Taman Ujung is its extensive water garden network — a series of pools and ponds designed to reflect the sky, sculptures, and architectural pavilions.

• Feature: Wide, calm surface water expanses
• Experience: Walk around paths lined with water — a perfect introduction to the palace’s calming aura
• Photography Value: Early morning or late afternoon light creates stunning mirrored images

Palace Pavilions & Carved Architecture

Scattered across the water gardens are elegant pavilions inspired by both Balinese tradition and broader artistic influences. These structures showcase:

• Carved stone accents
• Thatched or tiered roofs
• Open sides capturing views of gardens and water
• Spaces once used for royal respite and cultural performance
• Experience: Wander between pavilions while appreciating carved details and design harmony

Stone Bridges & Walkways

Connecting different sections of the palace are ornate stone walkways and bridges. These paths punctuate garden design and guide your journey through scenic highlights.

• Feature: Gentle transitions between courtyards and gardens
• Experience: Perfect for relaxed walking, exploration, and photography

Tree-lined Avenues & Garden Landscapes

Surrounding the central water features are manicured gardens and shaded pathways — ideal for contemplative walking.

• Feature: Lush trees, tropical foliage, and soft lawns
• Experience: Enjoy darker shade and cooler air — great for midday breaks or scenic strolls

Panoramic Backdrops & Views

From select vantage points atop gentle rises or inner courtyards, you can frame views of the water palace with volcanic peaks on clearer days.

• Feature: Elevated views and scenic horizons
• Experience: Best enjoyed as golden hour approaches

Pro Tip: Buying a day ticket gives you full access to explore all corners of the palace, take photos, relax in gardens, and spend more time at the scenic ponds.

Best Visiting Tips

• Early Morning: Tranquil scenery and fewer visitors — best for reflective photography.
• Midday: Cooler shade paths are enjoyable; bring sunscreen.
• Late Afternoon: Golden hour light enhances gardens and water reflections.
• Weekdays: Usually less crowded than weekends, offering peaceful exploration.

From Ngurah Rai International Airport: approximately 2-2.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and route.

From Ubud or Denpasar: around 60–90 minutes with scenic countryside views.

From Eastern Bali Towns: Usually less than 60 minutes from the Amlapura or Candidasa regions.

Transport Options

• Taxi / Ride-hailing: Most convenient for direct palace access.
• Private Driver or Tour: Best if combining multiple cultural sites in one day.
• Scooter Rental: Works for confident riders on longer routes.

• Dress Respectfully: While not a sacred temple, modest attire and respectful behaviour are appreciated.
• Take Your Time: Explore different angles — reflections change with the sun’s position.
• Water & Snacks: Bring a bottle and light snacks (or plan a café stop nearby).
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and shades help on sunny days.
• Photography Spots: The bridges, reflection pools, and pavilions all offer unique frames.

• Local Warungs: Traditional Balinese eateries nearby serve familiar favourites at friendly prices.
• Cafés & Refreshments: Simple cafés serving coffee, juice, and light meals — ideal after palace wandering.
• Craft Stalls: Small souvenir stands may be found near the entrance area or on the drive toward the palace.

Morning:

• Arrive at Taman Ujung Water Palace early for calm reflections and cool air.
• Walk along water gardens and explore palace pavilions.

Late Morning:

• Grab lunch at a nearby warung serving fresh local dishes.

Afternoon:

• Head to Tirta Gangga Water Palace — another iconic water palace with tiered fountains and stepping pools.
• Enjoy photo ops, water walls, and cascading terraces.

Evening:

• Return to your base or explore a local beachside sunset, such as Virgin Beach or Candidasa Bay.

Taman Ujung Water Palace is a lovely mixing of nature and old architecture — a place where the water looks like the sky, the gardens show the past, and the paths ask for slow walking. This palace, instead of being a busy tourist place, presents a quiet and nice view along with a rich cultural experience that will remain with you for a long time after the visit.

The marvellous water gardens, nice pavilions, paths with trees on both sides, and beautiful views make it one of the best in Bali, with the cultural aspect being overlooked. A history lover, safari photographer, or a person looking for quiet places to escape — Taman Ujung is the place to go for all of them since it very well gives an overwhelming yet very close feeling at the same time.

1. Capture reflections in the water gardens during different times of day.
2. Explore palace pavilions and enjoy architectural details.
3. Walk tree-lined avenues for scenery and shade.
4. Photograph panoramic views of water, gardens, and volcano backdrops.
5. Combine with nearby cultural stops for a rich East Bali day.

Taman Ujung Water Palace is a reminder of Bali’s past ruled by kings, its spiritual equilibrium and the plan for the island's landscapes of artists. The quiet water surfaces that reflect the sky, the refined architectural layers, and the vastness of the garden combined make it a place that is both splendid and inviting. Taman Ujung is a visit that is exceptionally enriching for those who are looking for a deeper and quieter cultural connection with Bali — the one that is not about beaches or nightlife but rather about the spiritual side of the island and its slow-paced living. 

Visiting the Taman Ujung Water Palace, whether you are watching the ponds, taking pictures of the beautiful scenery, or just relaxing in this historic haven, you will not only be presented with the best moments of wonder, peace, and memories but also with the whole lot of the water palace experience.