- Location: Tumbu, Karangasem Sub District
- Year of construction: 1909
- Total area: 10 hectares
- Opening hours: 10: 00-18: 00
- Admission: $ 3.75
The water palace of Ujung is located in the eastern part of the island of Bali , in the Karangasem region. Refers to the Seraya settlement. This palace complex is built on three artificially created ponds, between which are laid bridges and gazebos, a regular park is broken. In the north of the royal residence is a small temple of Pura Manikan.
History of the creation of the water palace Taman Ujung in Bali
Today's eastern region of Bali, Karangasem, was once an independent kingdom. During the Dutch period, the local rajas did not resist the conquerors, preferring to live with them in peace. As a result of this friendship the water palace Taman Ujung was born.
Construction began at the very beginning of the last century, in 1909. The last Raj of Karangasema Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut has written for the future summer residence of the best architects of the Netherlands and China. The palace was the main passion of the raja: he helped the workers, thought through all the details with the designers, made the necessary adjustments during the construction.
For the construction was chosen a European style, which was combined with Balinese and Chinese elements. At the same time, a garden was broken with several ponds of regular geometric shape. Through them, beautiful stone bridges with unique carvings are thrown, they are the pride and the visiting card of the park.
In the second half of the 20th century, the water palace of Ujung was severely damaged, twice: first with the eruption of the nearby Agung volcano in 1963, and the second time during the 1975 earthquake. It was completely restored in the early 2000s, and opened its doors to tourists in 2004.
Differences Taman Ujung from Tirth Gangga
At 10 km inland from Bali from Ujung is the Tirta Gangga water palace, more popular with tourists, it is newer and has a number of significant differences. Comparing these two attractions , you can choose which one to walk from, or it makes sense to visit both.
Advantages of the Ujung Water Palace in Bali:
- A large area of the park and a smaller number of tourists. Here you can walk, enjoying the peace and quiet, without pushing to the ponds through the crowds. Here you are waiting for secluded summerhouses, beautiful paths, on which you can not meet a single person for a whole day, especially on a weekday.
- Location on the shore of the ocean. The park is broken on the hillside, climbing over it with spacious terraces. From the upper viewing platforms, you can enjoy stunning views of the palace itself and the ocean below. After walking through the park, you can go out to a small beach with white sand and swim in the coastal waves.
- An interesting mixture of styles. Many travelers note the similarity of Taman Ujung with popular European parks in both architecture and landscape design.
How to get to Ujung Water Palace in Bali?
If you are not very well oriented on the island , it is better to visit the palace with an organized tour from Ubud or other major cities. Independent travelers are faced with the road to reserve a map of the area. We must go to Karangasem, and to orientate to the city of Amlapura, from which the highway is only 5 km. The turn to the palace is indicated by the sign "Seraya". In front of the entrance for cars and motorbikes there is ample parking.