Puri Saren Ubud, also known as Ubud Palace or Puri Saren Agung, is the official residence of the Ubud royal family, built in the early 19th century by King Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel. The palace serves as the administrative center of the Ubud kingdom and the center of cultural and spiritual activities for the local community.
The architecture reflects a classical Balinese style rich in symbolism and spiritual philosophy. The palace complex comprises various buildings, such as bale (pavilions), wantilan (meeting halls), and pura (places of worship), designed based on the principles of harmony with nature and the cosmological balance of Balinese Hinduism. The primary building materials are red brick, sandstone, teakwood, and thatched roofs, creating an authentic and natural atmosphere. Intricately carved ornaments adorn the walls, doors, and pillars, featuring motifs depicting Hindu mythology and the local natural world.
Puri Saren Ubud is also a center for the development of Balinese arts and culture, particularly traditional dances such as Legong and Barong, which are performed there. In addition to serving as a royal residence, the palace serves as a public space for traditional ceremonies and Ubud community social activities. The palace’s layout adheres to the concept of Tri Hita Karana—harmony between humans, the environment, and God—with a division of sacred and public areas.
The palace’s strategic location in the heart of Ubud also makes it a key tourist destination, offering a closer look at Balinese culture and history and the beauty of its traditional architecture.
Puri Saren Ubud is a significant cultural heritage site, combining historical, spiritual, artistic, and social functions as the center of Balinese royalty and culture in Ubud.
The Uniqueness of Puri Saren Ubud
The uniqueness of the carvings and ornaments at Puri Saren Ubud lies in the rich symbolism, intricate details, and philosophical meanings typical of traditional Balinese architecture. The ornaments on the walls, doors, and pillars often depict stories from Hindu mythology, such as dragons, kala (guardian giants), and lotus flower symbols. This adds aesthetic value as well as protective and spiritual significance.
The building is adorned with intricately carved wood, red brick, and sandstone, creating an authentic and durable impression. The roof made of palm fiber or alang-alang (alang-alang) reinforces the traditional feel. The gates (candi bentar and paduraksa) are artistically carved and feature guardian statues believed to ward off evil spirits and also signify royal status.
The spatial layout and ornamentation adhere to the principles of Asta Kosala Kosali and Tri Hita Karana, which emphasize harmony between humans, nature, and God. Each carving and relief has a spiritual and aesthetic function that aligns with this concept of balance. Halls such as the Bale Agung and Wantilan are not only decorated with intricate carvings but also create a sacred atmosphere for art performances and traditional ceremonies, combining practical function with high artistic value.
Ornaments include statues of deities, lotus ponds, and small gardens: These elements add visual dimension while reinforcing the sacred aspect and the balance of natural elements within the palace complex. The uniqueness of the carvings and ornaments at Puri Saren Ubud lies not only in their artistic beauty, but also in the depth of philosophical and spiritual meaning embedded in every detail, making it a fascinating and valuable piece of Balinese cultural heritage.
