Puri Saren Agung in the heart of Ubud - carved gates, royal courtyards, and the lively art market just across the road.
The Ubud royal palace has stood at the town's main crossroads for generations and is still home to the local royal family. Wander the courtyards past intricately carved stone gates, gold-trimmed pavilions, and shady banyan-filled gardens - a living piece of Ubud's history right in the centre of town.
Most evenings the palace courtyard becomes an open-air stage for classic Balinese dance - Legong, Barong, and scenes from the Ramayana, performed by candle and lamplight to a live gamelan. It's one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Ubud's living culture, right where it has always been staged.
Directly opposite the palace, the Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni) is packed with stalls of handwoven textiles, woodcarving, baskets, paintings, and souvenirs. It's the classic spot to pick up a keepsake - bargaining is expected and part of the fun, so take your time and enjoy the browse.