Ujung Water Palace, Karangasem

Original name: full Puri Taman Soekasada Ujung Karangsem Water Palace or abbreviated Water Palace Udjung
Working hours: 6 - 19 hours
Recommended duration of visit: 2 hours
Size: palace and park complex with three lakes and a large palace (10 hectares)
Foundation date: 1909
Altitude: 1000 meters
Coordinates: -8.464474, 115.631055
Address: Desa Ujung, Jalan Raya Taman, Tumbu, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia

General informatio

The island of Bali is famous for its many majestic castles, palaces, colorful water spots and other attractions built in a variety of time periods. One of the most beautiful structures that were built by the Balinese is the Ujung Water Palace, located in the vicinity of the residential region of Karangasem on the southeaste coastline of the island. The palace is famous for its amazing architecture and landscapes that combine elements of Balinese culture and mode luxury.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Water Palace view from the Ujung River basin[/caption]

The water palace called Water Palace Udjung is located right in the middle of the mesmerizing jungle, which is surrounded on one side by the Agung mountain ranges and on the other by the waters of Udjung. Therefore, when translated into Russian, the name reads “a palace built on the Ujung water.”

Territory includes:

majestic palace;
three huge picturesque swimming pools, which are surrounded by gardens with beautiful gazebos and paths;
architectural bridges co

ecting lakes, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Due to the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding area, weddings are held here, so if tourists are lucky, they can see a real Balinese-style wedding ceremony up close.

History of the construction of the palace

At the begi

ing of 1909, the king-ruler of Karangasem and part-time famous architect AnakAgung Anglurakh Ketut began construction of the first structures of the Ujung water palace. The palace was intended to embody Balinese culture, intersecting with elements of mode luxury, as it hosted meetings of dignitaries from all over the world, so he was personally directly involved in the ongoing construction along with ordinary workers. Being a keen architect, the king built the main buildings of the palace in just two years. Despite the speed of construction, the palace is the most beautiful landmark of the entire island. The palace was officially opened only in 1921 under the name “Soekasada Udjung”, when the entire territory was planted with rare palm trees and flowers that were brought from all over the world.

In 1963, most of the buildings were destroyed by the terrible eruption of Mount Agung, and in 1975 a powerful earthquake occurred, which tu ed the surviving remains of the buildings into ruins. But, even despite the great destruction, the palace was completely restored and has now become one of the main attractions of the island of Bali.

Legends associated with the palace

There are a huge number of legends that almost all Balinese still believe in on the island. Therefore, the Water Palace was also among them. According to legend, it was in this place that there was a pond in which sorcerers, black magicians and witches were drowned in ancient times. The place was considered very negative and residents avoided it. Therefore, the ruler, in order to correct the current situation, laid the first stone precisely on the territory about which there were terrible rumors. Thus, King Anak Agung Ketut Karangasem completely changed the opinion of the local people and brought him to the attention of other nations.

Features of buildings on the territory of the attractio

The territory of the beautiful palace has many gazebos where tourists can sit, relax or take refuge from the sweltering heat. On the territory of the park area there is a trading shop where you can buy fresh young coconuts, local cookies, tea, coffee and other Balinese delicacies. The entire territory of the palace has many green lawns, some of which tourists are allowed to sit on. Like other nearby ancient buildings located at the foot of Mount Agung, Water Palace Udjung is a unique multi-level structure, so if you climb the many steps to the very top, it offers beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]According to legend, the pond in which sorcerers, black magicians and witches were drowned in ancient times[/caption]

To the surprise of the tourists themselves, they are allowed inside the Palace, where they can admire the ancient decorations, fu iture and bed of the Balinese king. Photographs and paintings of the royal family still hang on the walls.

Rules of conduct on the territory

Absolutely everyone is allowed to be on the territory of the Ujung Water Palace. At the same time, the clothes of visitors can be anything. It is not necessary to wear a sarong here, as many sacred places in Bali require. To explore the entire park area of the palace, 2-3 hours are enough. It should be remembered that Bali, and in particular its southe coastline, is famous for its very hot climate, so it is recommended to take soft drinks and sun umbrellas with you, especially if you are traveling with children.

How to best get to your destinatio

Water Palace Udjung is located in the vicinity of Karangasem near the city of Amplapur. Entrance to the territory is paid, children are often given a discount. A few kilometers from the Ujung Palace there is another water palace called Tirta Ganga, so you can successfully combine walks if you have enough free time. After visiting the architectural buildings, you can enjoy the cool water of the ocean at the famous White Sand Beach, which is located just 15 minutes from the surrounding area of Ujung. The beach is famous for its unusually white sand, which looks like snow from afar. You can also visit the beach, which is radically different from White Beach due to the presence of black sand, which is located in the village of Kusamba.

The road to the Ujung Water Palace passes through a very picturesque and interesting place in Candidasa, where there is a pond with large lotuses. It is especially interesting to visit this area at dawn, when the flowers are just blooming. This fascinating spectacle will not leave any tourist indifferent.