Water Palace Soekasada Ujung in Bali Built in 1921
Away from the main road in East Bali is the magnificent Water Palace Soekasada Ujung Water Palace (or Taman Soekasada Ujung in Indonesian; or Soekasada Ujung Water Palace in English). Water Palace Soekasada Ujung construction started in 1909 and finished in 1921, this palace is much less known to tourists than that of Tirtagangga. Its geographical location adds a plus to the beauty of the site: on one side you can see the blue of the ocean, and on the other the Gunung Agung volcano. Paid access (around 3 EUR + parking 0.50 EUR).
rheins, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the background, the sea, the mountains and the rice fields provide an extraordinary setting for this refined park. A decor that looks like paradise, a real architectural gem as you only see in Bali!
History and architecture of the Ujung Water Palace
Bali’s Ujung resort has the official name “Taman Sukasada Ujung”. It is the private property of the royal family of the late King of Karangasem. It was built in 1909 by a Dutch and Chinese architect, for the raja (king) of Karangasem. The complex therefore combines Balinese and European architecture through its three ponds connected by bridges, steps and paths. It was founded in the same period as its neighbor the Tirta Gangga Water Palace.
In 1963, the eruption of Mount Agung then in 1975 the earthquake severely damaged the palace which was renovated to perfection. In 1921, the Taman Ujung Royal Estate became officially open to the public and became known as a Royal Water Garden Complex.
Tropenmuseum, part of the National Museum of World Cultures, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Ujung Water Palace has undergone many changes over time, various expansions and additions around Kolam Dirah Pool, the only pool existing at the time. This basin was a place of punishment for partisans accused of witchcraft. The Dirah pool takes its name from the legendary witch of Calonarang.
Location
Situated in Karangasem (east of Bali).
Visit the Ujung Water Palace
The Ujung Water Palace is one of the most beautiful sites in Bali with its green garden and its large lawns, its large pools, its many statues and open-air sculptures, its parasols and the palace’s play of light and shadow.
Taman Ujung Soekasada’s main pool has a sculpted bridge that provides access to the “Gili Bale”, the main building set over the water.
Step inside the palace to marvel at the vistas from the windows, doorways and walkways.
Ujung’s Taman Sukasada Palace is set against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Agung volcano to the north, the sea to the southwest, and an expanse of verdant rice fields to the east.
rheins, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Many Balinese newlyweds go here for their photographs and many lovers come to hug as the breathtaking decor inspires romance. The park has very beautiful panoramas that can be reached by climbing up the steps.
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You can spend 2 hours there or you can relax a whole afternoon there, there are even pedal boats and boats to relax on the pools.
The entrance to access the Ujung Water Palace is IDR 50,000, approximately 3.5€. It is open from approximately 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sources: Villa Carissa Seminyak, PinterPandai
Photo credit: Manuae (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
