Located just across the street from the Royal Palace, Pura Taman Saraswati is one of Bali’s most eye-catching temples. Designed and purposefully built to honor the goddess of learning, knowledge and rivers, Dewi Saraswati, the temple is commonly referred to as the Water Palace.
Although the Water Palace is not as old or historically significant as some of the other temples and shrines scattered across the Ubud landscape, it certainly boasts an excellent reputation. Tourists are continuously amazed by the features of Pura Taman Saraswati. The entire palace was designed by the famous artist, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad in the early 20th century.
Before visitors reach the main temple in Pura Taman Saraswati, they stroll through two spectacularly landscaped water features, both boasting an incredible array of floating lotus blossoms all across the surface of the water. The pathway between the lotus blossoms eventually leads to an iconic Barong statue, and then to the actual main temple of the complex. A few steps need to be climbed to reach the temple, but the site is certainly worth it.
Each Thursday evening, the Water Palace hosts several traditional Ubud dance performances known locally as Barong shows. These performances are held at 19:30, and will set onlookers back about RP80,000 per person. If visitors want to stay for a night or two, Pura Taman Saraswati also offers accommodation for guests.
Need to Know
- What is it? a Water Palace dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom.
- Opening hours: dependent on visitor requirements
- Entrance fees: free for entrance into the Palace grounds, RP80,000 for Barong shows
- Where: Jalan Raya Ubud, opposite the Royal Palace in Ubud
- How to get there: tourists staying in Ubud can travel to Jalan Raya on foot. Taxis and buses allow transport from outside Ubud