Ubud Palace, Royal palace in Ubud, Indonesia
Ubud Palace is a royal residence featuring multiple courtyards defined by intricately carved wooden pavilions and traditional Balinese decorative details throughout the grounds. The complex blends private living quarters with open performance spaces designed for regular cultural events.
Construction of the palace began in the early 1800s under the reign of Tjokorda Putu Kandel as the primary residence for the ruling family. Over time, the complex evolved to accommodate public cultural functions while maintaining its role as a working royal home.
The palace remains a working residence where traditional Balinese dance performances bring the courtyard to life throughout the week. These shows offer visitors a direct connection to local artistic traditions and how they continue to function in the royal household today.
The grounds are open to visitors during daylight hours, with early morning and late afternoon offering the most peaceful experience when crowds are lighter. Evening dance performances occur multiple times weekly and have limited seating, so arriving early for the show time helps secure a good vantage point.
Stone carvings throughout the complex feature playful figures like frogs and demons that were created by the celebrated sculptor I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. His detailed work adds an artistic and whimsical layer that many visitors overlook while focusing on the main architectural elements.
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