Place to see · Sidemen
Taman Ujung: pools, pavilions and Mount Agung, often deserted
Taman Ujung is a water palace built from 1909 to 1921 by the last king of Karangasem: large pools, bridges, white pavilions and gardens on a slope facing the sea, with Mount Agung behind. Almost destroyed in 1963 and restored since, it is often deserted on weekdays.
- Updated on
- 3 min read
- By Kylian Dev
In short
Facts as of · sourced figures
Three large pools linked by bridges and walkways, a central pavilion in the middle of the water, and steps climbing to terraces with the sea on one side and Mount Agung on the other. The style blends Balinese architecture with early-20th-century European influences.
Contents
Key points
- A pleasure palace, not a temple: you wander the gardens freely.
- Mount Agung rises behind the pools, best seen in the morning.
- On weekdays the site is often almost empty; at weekends local families come.
- The fee is posted at the entrance; allow 1 to 1.5 hours on site.
The palace was commissioned by I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, the last king of Karangasem, who also had the Tirta Gangga water palace built. The 1963 eruption of Mount Agung, followed by an earthquake, nearly destroyed it; it was restored around the turn of the 2000s.
Taman Ujung lies on the road between Sidemen and Amed: see Sidemen to Amed.
What you see at Taman Ujung
Three large pools linked by bridges and walkways, a central pavilion in the middle of the water, and steps climbing to terraces with the sea on one side and Mount Agung on the other. The style blends Balinese architecture with early-20th-century European influences.
- The central pavilion and its bridges, in the middle of the main pool.
- The terraces at the top of the site, for views of the sea and the Agung.
- The statues and fountains along the paths.
- The lawns, where Balinese families picnic at weekends.
Getting there from Sidemen
From Sidemen, drive down to the east coast and follow the road to Amlapura, the Karangasem capital; Taman Ujung is south of town, near the sea. With a driver, it is a natural stop on the way to Amed. Parking is in front of the entrance.
- Leave the Sidemen valley heading east and join the coast road.
- Follow signs for Amlapura, then Ujung, south of town.
- After the visit, carry on to Amed along the coast road.
When to go
In the morning, for the light on the pools and a clear view of Mount Agung. The site opens during the day; hours can change during festivals, so check on site. On weekdays it is often deserted; at weekends and on public holidays it fills with local families, which has its own charm.
| Moment | Crowd | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday morning | Light | Agung often visible |
| Weekend | Local families | Park atmosphere, picnics |
| Midday | Variable | Little shade on the terraces |
What to pair it with
Taman Ujung pairs with the road to Amed, where Jemeluk bay is good for snorkelling in the afternoon. Going the other way, you head back to the Sidemen rice fields. Tirta Gangga, the same king’s other water palace, is also on the road to Amed.
- Jemeluk: Amed’s bay, coral a few metres from shore.
- Sidemen rice fields: walking below the Agung.
Frequently asked questions
Taman Ujung or Tirta Gangga?
Tirta Gangga is smaller, better known and busier. Taman Ujung is larger and calmer, with the sea. Both fit into the same day on the road to Amed.
Do I need a sarong?
It is not a temple: modest clothing is enough. A sarong is generally not required.
How long does it take?
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours, including the climb to the terraces. Heat and photos add time.
Sources
Figures and rules checked on October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Entry rules and fees change: always check them on the official websites before you leave.
