Ubud Palace is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Ubud. It’s the historic home of the town’s royal family and a showcase of traditional Balinese architecture right in the heart of the action.
If you’re planning your itinerary and looking for things to do in Ubud, the palace is a quick, easy stop that offers both cultural and historical value. Visitors can explore the public courtyards during the day and return in the evening for the famous Legong Dance performance.
Here’s a complete guide on what to expect when you visit — from opening hours and entrance fees to what to wear, the best time to go, and nearby attractions worth adding to your day.
Quick Overview of Ubud Palace
Ubud Palace, officially called Puri Saren Agung, is the historical residence of Ubud’s royal family. It’s right in the centre of Ubud, across the road from the Art Market, so you can’t really miss it.
Don’t expect a grand, sprawling complex like the palaces you might see in India or Europe. Ubud Palace is actually quite small, but it’s still one of the most important cultural landmarks in town. You’ll find traditional Balinese architecture, ornate stone carvings, and well-kept gardens.
Parts of Ubud Palace are open to the public during the day, while other sections are still used by the royal family.
In the evenings, the courtyard transforms into a stage for nightly Balinese dance performances, most famously the Legong Dance – more info on that below.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Jalan Raya Ubud No.8 |
| 🎟️ Entrance Fee | Free |
| 💃 Legong Dance Price | IDR 100,000 per person |
| ⏰ Opening Hours | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (general entry), 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (dance) |
| 🕒 Recommended Visit | 15–30 minutes for sightseeing; 1 hour for dance performance |
| 👕 Dress Code | No sarong required; modest, respectful clothing recommended |
Where is Ubud Palace?
The Ubud Palace location is as central as it gets. You’ll find it on Jalan Raya Ubud, right across from Ubud Art Market.
It’s within walking distance of most restaurants, cafe, and shops in the area. If you’re staying anywhere in Central Ubud, you can get there in a few minutes on foot.
If you’re coming from outside Ubud, the easiest way is by car or scooter. From central Denpasar, it’s about a 1–1.5 hour drive depending on traffic.
Our days tours that include Ubud will stop at the palace, so you can also easily visit it as part of a larger itinerary.
- From Canggu: 1.5 hrs (30 km)
- From Nusa Dua: 1.5–2 hours (42 km)
- From Sanur: 1 hr (25 km)
- From Seminyak: 1.5 hrs (30 km)
- From Uluwatu: 2–2.5 hrs (60 km)
What is Ubud Palace famous for?
Ubud Palace is famous for being both a functioning royal residence and one of the best-preserved examples of Balinese architecture in the area.
Built in the early 1800s during the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel, it served as the political and cultural centre of Ubud for generations.
Today, it’s still home to the descendants of Ubud’s royal family. Visitors come to see its traditional Balinese pavilions, intricately carved wooden doors, and stone guardian statues — all set in landscaped courtyards that give a glimpse into Bali’s aristocratic past.
It’s equally well known for its cultural performances. Every evening, the front courtyard becomes a stage for traditional Balinese dances, with the Legong Dance being the most famous.
This has made Ubud Palace one of the best attractions in Bali to experience local performing arts in an authentic setting.
Ubud Palace Opening Hours
\Ubud Palace is open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can walk through the public areas at any time during those hours, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing in Ubud.
The Ubud Palace closing time is 6:00 PM for general entry, but the gates reopen around 7:00 PM for the nightly dance performances. If you’re only here for the show, you don’t need to arrive earlier — but if you want to explore the palace itself, make sure you come before closing.
Mornings are generally the quietest time to visit, with fewer tour groups and better lighting for photos. Afternoons can be busier, especially between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM when day tours tend to roll in.
Ubud Palace Entrance Fee
There’s no charge to explore the public courtyards and gardens of Ubud Palace during the day. This makes it one of the handful of free things to do in Ubud, especially if you’re looking for something cultural that doesn’t eat into your budget.
You won’t need to book in advance or get a ticket for daytime visits — you can simply walk in during opening hours. Only the outer sections are accessible to the public, as the inner areas are still used by the royal family.
While entry is free, it’s worth noting that the palace is relatively small. Most people spend 15–30 minutes here unless they’re taking photos or combining the visit with the Ubud Art Market across the road.
Legong Dance at Ubud Palace
The Ubud Palace Legong Dance is one of the most popular cultural performances in Bali. It’s held in the palace’s open-air courtyard, with the ornate gates and traditional pavilions serving as the backdrop.
The show usually starts at 7:30 PM and runs for about an hour. It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes early if you want a good seat, as it’s open seating and fills up fast during peak season.
The Ubud Palace dance tickets cost IDR 100,000 per person and can be bought at the palace entrance in the afternoon or from ticket sellers nearby. If you’re already in Ubud during the day, it’s worth grabbing your tickets early to avoid queues in the evening.
The performance itself is a mix of intricate hand gestures, expressive facial movements, and elaborate costumes, accompanied by a live gamelan orchestra. Even if you’re not into dance, the setting and atmosphere make it a memorable way to spend an evening in Ubud.
How to Get to Ubud Palace
Ubud Palace is right in the middle of Ubud, making it one of the easiest attractions to include in your itinerary. Here’s how to get there depending on your travel style.
By Private Car and Driver
The most comfortable option is booking a private car and driver for the day. You’ll get picked up from your hotel, dropped at the palace, and taken to other attractions without worrying about parking or navigation. This is also the best choice if you’re planning a full Ubud day tour.
By Scooter
Renting a scooter in Bali is the cheapest and most flexible way to get to the palace, especially if you’re already staying nearby or traveling alone.. Traffic in central Ubud can be heavy, and parking around Jalan Raya Ubud is limited, so be prepared to walk a short distance from your parking spot.
👉 Rent a scooter with Bikago (includes drop-off)
👉 Get an International Driving Permit
What Do You Wear to Ubud Palace?
Unlike visiting an active temple, Bali temple etiquette doesn’t really apply at Ubud Palace. It’s not primarily a place of worship, so you don’t need to wear a sarong or sash.
That said, it’s still a cultural site and the home of Ubud’s royal family. Out of respect, avoid overly revealing clothing.
Light, casual wear is fine for the daytime, and something comfortable is best if you’re coming for the evening dance performance.
If you plan to take photos, keep in mind that the palace’s architecture and carvings make for a nice backdrop, so you might want to wear something that looks good on camera.
Tips for Visiting Ubud Palace
Ubud Palace is easy to fit into a day of exploring Ubud, but a few practical tips will make your visit smoother. Whether you’re here for a quick walk-through or staying for the evening performance, these pointers will save you time and hassle.
- Keep cash on hand for performance tickets, drinks, or small purchases.
- Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and softer light for photos.
- Buy Legong Dance tickets earlier in the day to avoid evening queues.
- Don’t make a special trip just for the palace — include it in a full Ubud day tour.
- Use an ND filter on your camera if visiting during midday to handle harsh sunlight.
- Parking is limited; look for side streets with managed parking areas. Expect to pay IDR 10,000–20,000.
- Be respectful when photographing staff or performers — ask before taking close-up shots.
Is Ubud Palace Worth Going?
Yes — but with realistic expectations. Ubud Palace is small, so it’s not the kind of attraction you’d travel across the island just to see.
It’s best treated as a quick cultural stop while you’re already in Ubud. Spend 15–30 minutes walking through the courtyards, then move on to the Art Market or other nearby sights.
If you want the full experience, come back in the evening for the Legong Dance. The performance, combined with the palace backdrop, makes it one of the more atmospheric cultural events in Bali.
Ubud Palace Reviews
Online reviews for Ubud Palace are mixed. Some visitors love the architecture, cultural value, and central location, while others find it underwhelming or too crowded. Here’s a breakdown of what people are saying.
The Food
- Visitors appreciate the glimpse into Balinese royal culture and the traditional architecture.
- The intricate carvings, stonework, and historical significance are highlights for many.
- Its location in the heart of Ubud, near the market and cafes, makes it a convenient stop.
- The evening Legong Dance is often described as magical and worth attending.
- Even those who aren’t blown away by the scale say it’s worth a short visit if you’re nearby.
The Bad
- Many note that the palace is smaller than expected and much of it is closed to the public.
- Without a guide or background knowledge, there’s little information to explain what you’re seeing.
- Crowds, noise, and lack of upkeep in some areas can make the visit feel less appealing.
- Parking can be difficult, and some visitors found the environment dirty or poorly maintained.
- Some felt the effort to get there wasn’t worth it for the short time needed to see it.
Ubud Day Tour
Our Ubud Day Tour is one of the most popular trips we offer. It includes three different itinerary options covering some of the best attractions in and around Ubud, so you can pick what suits your interests.
The tours are fully private and fully flexible. You don’t pay per person like most online bookings — you get the whole vehicle for one flat rate. That means you can bring up to six people without extra charges (entrance fees not included).
You’ll have a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV and an English-speaking local Balinese driver who knows the roads and the area. Whether you want to focus on temples, waterfalls, rice terraces, or a mix of everything, your driver can adjust the day to fit your pace.
Where to Visit Near Ubud Palace?
If you’re planning your itinerary, there’s no shortage of things to do in Ubud within walking distance or a short drive from the palace. Here’s what you can easily combine with your visit:
Within Central Ubud
- Ubud Art Market – Directly across the road, perfect for picking up souvenirs and local crafts.
- Ubud Water Palace (Saraswati Temple) – Known for its lotus ponds and photogenic gates.
- Prianka Ubud Art Market – A smaller, quieter alternative to the main market.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk – A scenic walking trail with views of Ubud’s greenery.
- Blanco Museum – The flamboyant home and gallery of artist Antonio Blanco.
- Ubud Monkey Forest – A sanctuary for long-tailed macaques with temple ruins and jungle paths.
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) – A 9th-century archaeological site with intricate stone carvings.
Further Outside Ubud
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Bali’s most famous stepped rice fields.
- Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation – Coffee tasting with sweeping jungle views.
- Alas Harum – A coffee plantation with swings, glass-bottom sky bike, and photo spots.
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall – A tiered waterfall perfect for photos.
- Tibumana Waterfall – A quieter waterfall with a swimming area.
- Tegenungan Waterfall – One of the most accessible waterfalls near Ubud.
FAQs about Ubud Palace
Is Ubud Palace free to enter?
Yes. Entry to the public areas of Ubud Palace during the day is free. Only the outer courtyards are open to visitors, as the inner sections are still used by the royal family.
How much is the Ubud Palace dance ticket?
Tickets for the nightly dance performance cost around IDR 100,000 per person. You can buy them at the palace entrance in the afternoon or from nearby ticket sellers earlier in the day.
How long is the dance at Ubud Palace?
The performance lasts about one hour, starting at 7:30 PM and finishing around 8:30 PM.
What is the meaning of the Ubud Palace dance?
Most performances are the Legong Dance, which tells stories from Balinese history and mythology. The movements, costumes, and expressions each have symbolic meaning tied to Balinese culture.
What is Ubud Palace dress code?
There’s no strict dress code since it’s not primarily a place of worship. However, out of respect, avoid overly revealing clothing.
Is Ubud Palace a temple?
It’s not a Bali temple. It’s actually a royal palace, not a functioning temple, though some sections have shrines for ceremonial purposes
Who lives in Ubud Palace?
Members of Ubud’s royal family still live in the inner sections of the palace, which are closed to the public.
Why is Ubud Palace famous?
It’s famous for its traditional Balinese architecture, historical significance as the royal residence, and as a venue for nightly cultural dance performances.
How old is Ubud Palace?
Construction began in the early 1800s during the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel. That makes it over 200 years old.
Is Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple the same?
No. Saraswati Temple (Ubud Water Palace) is a separate location about a five-minute walk away.
What time does Ubud Palace close?
For general visits, the palace closes at 6:00 PM. It reopens at 7:00 PM for the dance performance.
Can you take photos inside Ubud Palace?
Yes. Photography is allowed in the public areas, but avoid blocking pathways and be respectful if photographing staff or performers.
Do you need to book Ubud Palace tickets in advance?
Not for daytime visits. For the evening dance, you can usually buy tickets on the same day. In peak season, getting them earlier in the afternoon is a good idea to secure your spot.
