*Ubud Palace: The Heartbeat of Bali’s Royal Heritage** 👑✨

#holidayitinerary Perched in the center of Ubud, **Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Palace)** is a living testament to Bali’s royal legacy, where intricate stone carvings, traditional dance performances, and lush gardens transport you to the island’s regal past. Built in the **1800s**, this palace remains the official residence of Ubud’s royal family—and it’s **free to explore**! --- ## **Why Visit Ubud Palace?** ✅ **Royal Grandeur**: Wander through courtyards adorned with **gold-leaf doors**, mythological statues, and pavilions where kings once held court . ✅ **Evening Dance Magic**: Watch the famous **Legong or Kecak dances** (nightly at 7:30 PM; tickets ~100K IDR) under starry skies . ✅ **Prime Location**: Steps from Ubud Market and Saraswati Temple—perfect for a cultural half-day . ✅ **Instagram Gold**: The **arched gateways** and banyan-shaded gardens are straight out of a fairy tale . --- ## **What to See & Do** 1. **Main Pavilion (Wantilan)**: The palace’s ceremonial heart, used for royal gatherings . 2. **Dance Performances**: Book ahead for **Legong** (graceful storytelling) or fiery **Barong** . 3. **Royal Heirlooms**: Spot antique **kris daggers** and gilded artifacts in display cases . 4. **Hidden Nooks**: Find the family temple and a **stone-carved "floating" throne** . --- ## **Visitor Tips** 📍 **Location**: Jl. Raya Ubud (opposite Ubud Market) . ⏰ **Hours**: Grounds open 24/7; dances at 7:30 PM . 🎫 **Entry**: **Free** (donations welcome); dance tickets sold onsite . 👗 **Dress Code**: Cover knees/shoulders (sarongs available to borrow) . **Pro Tip:** Visit at **sunset**—fewer crowds, golden-hour photos, and time to shop the market before the dance! --- ### **A Living Legacy** The palace still hosts royal ceremonies (look for **offerings** at the family temple). Fun fact: The current king, **Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati**, is a patron of Balinese arts—so your dance ticket supports local culture! **Ready to walk like royalty?** Pair your visit with **Saraswati Temple’s lotus pond** (next door) for the ultimate Ubud moment. 🌸