TAMAN UJUNG WATER PALACE

Karangasem Regency in Bali is filled with many historical sites. Ujung Water Palace is one among them which was formerly a palace and now it is called Ujung Park or Sukasada Park. From Amlapura, it lies about 5 km away. The palace houses three large pools. In the middle of the pools, there is Gili Bale, the main building. It is connected to the edge of the pool by the bridge.

The palace was built by the King of Karangasem, Gusti Bagus Jelantik. The ownership of the palace was given to Karangasem Royal family. The construction of the building was finished in 1909 under the guidance of a famous architecture from China and the Dutch. It had faced nearly devastation by showers of hot ash in 1963 which was followed by the eruption of Mount Agung and an earthquake in 1979. Restoration of the building happened afterwards and retained its splendour and now it is one of the most features attractions in Bali for locals and visitors.

Taman Ujung was once a palace stretching across 10 hectares of land, situated in the village of Seraya Karangasem, a destination included in our Bali holiday package. When it comes to the history of this water palace, it’s entirely satirical to the beauty of this place. Though the popular belief goes that the palace was built as a residence for the members of the Karangasem dynasty, the reality is the opposite.

During the rule of the former Raja of Karangasem Dynasty, this palace was meant for penalizing people indicted of practiced Balinese witchcraft or black magic. In fact, the palace was one of the most torturous places in Bali during those days.However, with time, Taman Ujung Water Palace transformed to become one of the most attractive and sought-after places after the Dutch colonization of the Indonesian island in the year 1921.

Since that time, the water palace developed into a touristy spot to attract travelers from all parts of the world. Taman Ujung is replete with historical structures and three gigantic pools built against the majestic Mount Agung, Bali. The palace houses large water ponds in the middle of which, you will find Gili Bale, the central building that connects the edge of the pools through a bridge.

The palace is also called Sukasada Park or Ujung Park, and its beauty lies in the Balinese and European architectural style, not to forget the verdant gardens. Then, it’s not just the beauty of the palace that attracts thousands of tourists but also the scenic views around that make Ujung Water Palace the most sought-after tourist destinations in Bali.

The ornamented pillars, gardens, statues, and pool attributes are truly a visual treat for tourists visiting Ujung Water Palace. Much of its scenic attraction owes to the artificial, human-built structures, in the midst of natural vistas such as the verdant Bukit Bisbis range to the southeast and the Ujung Beach to the south.

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How To Reach

Since public transportation towards Taman Ujung Water Palace is not available as it is located far from South Bali, the place is hard to discover for people visiting the place the first time. Therefore, it is better to opt for a car rental service from the airport with a driver who knows the way around.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season from April – October because it is the dry season in Taman Ujung, Bali. The absence of heavy rainfall from April to October makes Bali more enjoyable and convenient for the tourists heading for the water palace. Bali has only two seasons, dry and rainy. It is better to avoid the monsoon months.

The place is open to the public from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm throughout the week and is a popular tourist destination in Bali. Therefore, visit Taman Ujung Water Palace in the early hours of the morning before 10 am if you would like some peace and quiet. You can also visit in the late afternoon, which is the best time to take photographs. Visit during weekdays instead of weekends.

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Other Essential Information

Location: Desa Ujung, Jalan Raya Taman, Tumbu, Karangasem, Tumbu, Kec Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia

Timings: The place is open to tourists from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.

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The Highlight of Ujung Water Palace

The scenic surroundings of Taman Ujung Water Palace together with its stunning Balinese architecture make it the most coveted tourist destinations in Bali. The century-old pillars, adorned stone pillars, and panoramic views sure to leave you mesmerized.

The entire palace grounds extend around 10 hectares and the foundation was initially laid, back in 1919, when Raja I Gusti Bagus Djelantik of the Karangasem dynasty ruled here. The Raja’s resting place is one of the best things to see at the water palace owing to its one-off, inimitable architectural splendor. The uniqueness is in the colorful, vibrant glass walls of the Raja’s resting place, symbolizing European architecture. Besides, from the Raja’s restroom windows, you’ll be able to see beautiful lotus flowers, which is a sight-to-behold.

The entire complex witnessed a succession of renovations, expansions, as well as pool additions, all around the main pool. However, it was not used as a royal bathing spot but a spot to punish people accused of Balinese witchcraft or black magic called leyaks and pangiwa.

The pool was called Kolam Dirah and was constructed during the regime of the former Raja of Karangasem dynasty in the year 1901. This pool is situated in the southeast end of the existing design, getting its name from the black magic or witch queen of the Calonarang myth.

Later, two more pools were built together with a couple of resting pavilions, the Taman Gili floating pergolas, and the king’s meditation quarters. The water palace grounds were later used as a retreat as well as a place to greet important dignitaries on their visit to the kingdom. 

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Tips for Visiting Taman Ujung

There are a couple of things to remember when visiting Taman Ujung. These are: 1. Carry the right amount of cash or your debit card if you would like to stay close to the water palace.

2. Wear light garments and carry umbrellas and raincoats if you are visiting the place during the rainy season.

3. Do not enter the pools except if you want to take a boat ride. 

4. Keep the place clean and do not litter the premises if you carry some dry food with you.

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