If you happen to visit Karangasem, in the eastern part of Bali, you will understand that there are only a few tourist spots available. And most of the beaches are rocky and have black sand, not like the white sand beaches that scatter in the southern part of Bali.
Taman Ujung is one of a few places that you can visit while you are in Karangasem.
History
Taman Soekasada Ujung or Taman Ujung in short is a private water palace belonging to the family of the late king of Karangasem. The palace was built under the order of the last King of Karangasem Kingdom, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem in 1902 and finished in 1921.
The King uses three different architects when building the palace, van Den Hentz a Dutchman, the Loto Ang, a Chinese, and several Balinese architects who are usually called Undagi.
Admission fee
Even though it is privately owned by the king's family, it is already open to the public. If you want to visit, you have to pay Rp.25.000 for the ticket which is around $3 for the locals, and I think it is now the same for local and foreign visitors.
Inside the Palace
There are two main ponds in the palace, and there is one big building in the middle of each pond. And you have to cross a bridge to reach the building inside the pond.
- Balai Gili or Island Pavilions
The first one is called Balai Gili or island pavilions which is used as the nursery room and also the king's room during his reign. There is also a locked room now which is used as a praying room.
the view from inside out from the island pavilion
some of the old photos displayed there
the view of the island pavilion from different side of the pond
- Floating Pavilions or Balai Kambang
The building in the other pond is called Balai Kambang, and it was used as a place for the King to receive guests. It is called Balai Kambang as it looks afloat inside the pond. and to reach it you also need to cross the designated bridge.
- Balai Bundar or round Pavilion
This is is located next to the island pavilion, and this building is influenced by the Chinese culture from the Chinese architect.
- Balai Kapal or Ship Pavilion
What remains in this pavilion are only the concrete pillars. The pavilion is used by the king to watch the ships in the sea next to the water palace hence the name suggests. so that they can know if there are enemy ships coming. The pavilion is located on the hillside of the palace on the west side. You have to take long stairs to reach the pavilion.
the stairs to the ship pavilion from the middle of the palace
a closer look to the stair
the remaining of the ship pavilion
The view from the Ship pavilion overlooking the floating pavilion and the sea
There are some parts of the palace that I have not explored yet because it was getting dark and we have to go back home. If you are planning to visit the palace I think it is better in the morning because it is much cooler, and also there will be plenty of time for you to explore the whole area.
Other photos of the palace
