Taman Ujung Water Palace (Taman Soekasada Ujung)

Out on Bali’s far eastern coast, a few kilometres from Amlapura, the last king of Karangasem built himself a garden at the end of the island. Taman Ujung, officially Taman Soekasada Ujung, spreads across roughly ten hectares of lawns, ponds and terraced stairways, with the sea on one side and the hills of Lempuyang on the other.

What makes it memorable is the mix. Balinese carved stone meets white European facades, clipped hedges and conifers grow beside frangipani, and a pavilion seems to float in the middle of the largest pool, joined to the shore by two long bridges. It feels more like a stately park than a temple, and the pace is slow: families picnic, couples pose for wedding photos and turkeys wander the paths.

Climb the western stairs for the view that ties it all together, a sweep of water, gardens, coconut palms and coastline.

History & meaning

The palace was the work of I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, the last ruler of Karangasem. It grew around the older Dirah pool, used by the previous king for purification rites, and was completed in 1921 after more than a decade of work (sources give the start as 1901 for the pool and 1909 for the palace). The king worked with Balinese undagi builders, the Dutch architect Van Den Hentz and the Chinese architect Loto Ang, which explains the blend of styles and the early use of concrete.

The 1963 eruption of Mount Agung and a later earthquake left the complex almost in ruins, and it stood neglected for years before a major restoration between 1998 and 2001. The Bale Kapal on the western rise is the one building said to survive from the original palace. The name Ujung means “end” or “edge”, a nod to its place on the island’s tip.

How to visit

• Open daily 07.00-19.00, with last entry around 18.00.
• Come early: there is little shade, and mornings are cooler and calmer.
• Carry cash in small notes for tickets and parking; card machines are not always reliable.
• Wear good shoes for the stone stairways up to the Bale Kapal viewpoint.
• The main pavilion holds a small photo exhibition on Bali’s royal families.
• Bring water and a hat; snack stalls are outside the gate rather than inside the gardens.

Etiquette & dress

Taman Ujung is a heritage park rather than an active temple, so no sarong is needed for the gardens. Light, modest clothing is fine. If you wander to the small temple near the shore, cover your shoulders and knees and do not climb on shrines.

Combine it with

• Tirta Gangga another royal water garden with stepping stones and fish ponds, about 15-20 minutes by car.
• Puri Agung Karangasem the royal palace in Amlapura, built by the same dynasty, about 15 minutes by car.
• Tenganan Village an old Bali Aga village known for double ikat weaving, about 40 minutes by car.

Sources

Prices and opening hours checked on 02/11/2026 against the sources below. They can change without notice, so confirm on site before you go.

• ANTARA Bali: Taman Soekasada Ujung Bali tambah fasilitas guna tarik wisatawan
• NOW! Bali: Taman Ujung Water Palace: The Garden at the End
• Bali.live: Taman Ujung Water Palace in Karangasem
• Lonely Planet: Taman Ujung
• Bali Holiday Secrets: Taman Ujung Water Palace Bali: Complete Guide
• Wikipedia: Ujung Water Palace
• Love Bali (Bali Provincial Government): Tourist levy inspection at Bali destinations