Puri Saren Agung – a palace dating back to the early 19th century, the official residence of Ubud’s royal family, where the tradition of home hospitality in the area began over eighty years ago.
The palace was built in the early 19th century during the reign of Rajah Cokorda Putu Kandel — more than eighty years ago, when Bali began to attract bohemian artists from all over the world. It was here that the tradition of Ubud’s home hospitality first took root – a tradition that is now an integral part of its charm. Puri Saren Agung — a royal palace, still welcomes guests.
A Palace from the Early 19th Century
The Puri Saren Agung palace complex dates back to the early 19th century, to the period of the reign of Rajah Cokorda Putu Kandel (1800–1823) — long before Ubud became known outside of Bali, let alone a major international tourist destination. For today’s image of Ubud as a fashionable cultural center, it’s important to remember that the palace existed in this location for a good hundred years before foreign artists first arrived here.
The Starting Point of Ubud Hospitality
More than eighty years ago, when Bali began to attract bohemian artists from all over the world, the tradition of hosting guests at home was born within the palace — a direct historical predecessor to today’s villa and boutique hotel industry that Ubud is famous for. This isn’t a metaphor or a tourist legend: it’s a documented fact that Ubud’s current reputation as a place where travelers can stay literally in the private homes of hosts dates back to this royal court.
An Active Residence and Repository of Art
The palace remains the official residence of the Ubud royal family and simultaneously a living repository of Balinese art, traditional dance, and literature: part of the complex is open to the public for free, and evening Legong dance performances in the palace courtyard remain one of the most authentic cultural events in town.
An Honest Note About Scale and Amenities
It’s worth stating plainly: guests wishing to spend a night in the palace are offered only a few simple stone bungalows right within the palace grounds – without a pool or the extensive resort infrastructure you can find in neighboring Ubud hotels. This is a conscious choice for those who come here specifically for the opportunity to stay inside an authentic royal complex, rather than for the comfort of a modern hotel—and a disappointment for those expecting luxurious service from a place with such history.
What’s Next
To choose Ubud hotels with nature views, refer to the guide “Ubud Hotels with Views of Rice Terraces and Jungles”.
Prices, service inclusions, and hotel program details may change—please check the current information before booking.
