We obviously can’t get enough of Bali’s beautiful water palaces! After strolling around the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, our driver / guide Made drove us to another gorgeous water garden in Karangasem — Taman Ujung Water Palace, also known as “Taman Sukasada Ujung.” Two water palaces in one day seems monotonous but because both places were spectacular, we didn’t mind at all! Besides, they had their own unique and distinct charm, so they were both worth the trip.
This magnificent water palace was built by the King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Djilantik, also known as Anak Agung Anglurah, the father of the King who built Tirta Gangga. This served as the residence of the royal family of Karangasem, where the King dwelled with his wives and children. Can you imagine living here, with the superb view of the gardens, ponds, and mountains?! I can think of many ways to entertain myself in such a grand place! The King’s kids were quite lucky — they had all THIS as their playground!
The palace was also built as a place to welcome and entertain the King’s most important guests from all over the world.
Taman Ujung Water Palace reflects the Balinese and European style of architecture. This attraction is a peaceful and picturesque paradise with its large ponds, gazebos, pillars, bridges, and gardens. Being surrounded by nature and standing in awe of the beautiful view was both a calming and amazing experience. It also helped that when we went, which was a late Thursday afternoon, for the most part of our visit, it felt like we owned this grand kingdom. We got to be royals for a day!
If you’re feeling fatigued right now, all you have to do is scroll down and look at the photos of the tranquil scenery. These may just make you want to teleport to Bali right now!
We got to peek inside the private rooms of the royal family and saw their old family photos on the walls, as well as the furniture that they used.
Another interesting part of this room were the very precise and detailed stone carvings on the walls, pillars, and ceilings. Wow! So much work has been put into this place! I read somewhere that it took 12 years to build!
Meanwhile, I shall interrupt your leisurely reading with a continuation of our photo shoot. You can’t blame me for posing like there’s no tomorrow! Look at this place! Everywhere you look, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for a dramatic photo!
Ujung Water Palace looks placid and well-kept now, but just like Tirta Gangga, it also endured a few tragedies such as the eruption of the nearby Mount Agung in 1963, and the Seririt and Culik earthquakes in 1978. Now, it looks as good as new, and looking very fit for a king!
While walking around, we had close encounters with some animals. It was amusing to bump into a chicken and her chicks, a goose, and turkeys, but we also had to be careful because they looked like they could attack anytime! The chicken was overprotective of her babies, the goose had a “don’t mess with me!” look, and the turkeys? Oh my gosh! Those are ridiculously huge turkeys!
It was really hard to choose a favorite spot in Taman Ujung Water Palace because all of them gave us views that are beyond belief! Of course, the higher we went, the more we were blown away by the scenery. There were a lot of steps to climb and it was quite hot that day, so we did feel a little tired, but when we saw what was waiting for us on top of the staircases, we really couldn’t complain!
From down below, we saw a long flight of steps leading up to a structure that resembled a Roman forum.
Made told us earlier that this is the most popular spot in the entire water palace. He mentioned that a lot of couples hold their engagement shoots here. Curious, we decided to have ourselves a little workout and walk up the forum.
As I said earlier, the higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the view! When we finally reached the top (after a lot of panting), we understood why it was the most loved spot in the place. From here, visitors can feast their eyes on the amazing view of the entire water palace, the sea, the rice paddies, and the mountains, including Mount Agung. It was just… wow! Words fail me, really.
I have read some blogs and articles that compare Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung Water Palace, and some have said that the latter is not as impressive or as grand as the former. To each his own, but in my opinion, I found Taman Ujung Water Palace to be just as marvelous. In fact, I feel like there was more to see here than in Tirta Gangga (though I loved both water palaces!), which is probably why the entrance fee is IDR 15,000 more expensive. The views here were stellar and the ambiance was great. I certainly wouldn’t mind having an engagement shoot here, if given a chance!
Isn’t this place just dreamy? (insert heart eyes emoji here). Do you now wish that you could teleport to Bali — particularly to Ujung Water Palace — right now?
Thoughts on Taman Ujung Water Palace:
- This is located in Karangasem in East Bali, which is 2 hours away from Denpasar and the more popular sites like Seminyak and Ubud. Just like with Tirta Gangga, a trip here is recommended if you are staying in Bali for a long time, such as a week. or two.
- This place is best combined with a trip to the nearby Tirta Gangga, as well as other sites worth seeing in East Bali. Do allot a full day for this!
- As I mentioned earlier, some of the best areas in this place can be reached by climbing up staircases, so be prepared. If you are going with older guests, or if you feel that you or someone in your group isn’t physically equipped to go up long flights of stairs, don’t worry because the water palace is huge, and there are plenty of spots you can enjoy without having to ascend stairways. 🙂
- On hot days, wear something comfortable and light. You will sweat. A LOT.
- Go with someone you love. 😉 This place has romance written all over it!
Taman Ujung Water Palace
Address: Tumbu, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia
Entrance fee: IDR 35,000
How to get there: Rent a private car with driver / tour guide. I recommend Galih Bali Tour
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
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Such a beautiful place..with every post that I read about Bali I am getting more and more confused about how many days I should plan for this place. There seems to be so much to explore here. Any tips?
neha recently posted…10 must visit spots in Chittorgarh fort Rajasthan
One full day should be good for visiting this + Tirta Gangga. 🙂 It’s far but worth seeing!
Water palaces sound so magical! I loved getting to hear a bit of the history. Plus, your pictures are just stunning!
What a gorgeous looking place to spend some time. I’ve heard a lot of people say some great things about Bali. Nice photos, too!
Add me to the list of people saying great things about Bali! It’s one of my favorite places!
What a beautiful temple! I wished I’d have known about it before we visited Bali – I would have loved to have seen it for myself. It just looks so quiet, pretty and peaceful!
Vicki Louise recently posted…35 Of The Best Festivals Around The World
If you ever return to Bali again, make this part of your itinerary! 🙂 You are absolutely right. It’s quiet, pretty, and peaceful. One of my favorite places in Bali!
Yup I think we are making our way to Bali next year. It looks so peaceful here though! Was it busy? It looks so empty from your shots. That’s the best
Stacey recently posted…Self Drive Island Tour of Barbados by a Local
It wasn’t busy at all! 🙂 It was very peaceful when we visited. There were a few people but it never felt crowded. 🙂
Oh wow. These water palaces look like a lot of fun to explore. I love seeing a different side to bali
You could spend hours here and have a great time! 🙂
What is better than a palace? A Palace by the water! Wow this looks really romantic and gorgeous! I can imagine you wandered around there in awe! I’d definately put it on the list when I ever make it to Bali
I agree with you about it being romantic and gorgeous! I couldn’t stop taking photos!
Wow, this is another beautiful water palace on Bali! I have been to Taman Ayun and Tirta Gangga this spring but it seems I missed another amazing one. What a romantic place.
More reason to go back! 🙂 Taman Ayun is okay, I prefer Tirta Gangga 🙂
I must admit both palaces look stunning! I’m not sure if I would visit both, but they seem to be a great place to spend the afternoon, exploring and relaxing.
Maja | Mexatia recently posted…Croatian Winter Comfort Food: What To Eat During The Winter
Both palaces are worth checking out and they’re pretty close to each other. 🙂
Gosh the water palace’s look so beautiful, would love to travel to Bali some day. What I enjoyed and intrigued about most is the garden planters that surround the palace! Very pretty and tranquil!
Jimmy and Tina recently posted…Low Carb Keto Cheeseburger Salad
Bali has so many beautiful water palaces! If you like nature, you’re going to love Bali!
What a wonderful palace and so ideally located! The interiors seems to be well maintained.
I am desperate to go to Bali. Hope it happens soon.