Saraswati Temple Ubud – A Tranquil Water Palace in the Heart of Bali
If you’re exploring Ubud, you definitely shouldn’t miss one of its most iconic landmarks — Saraswati Temple Ubud. This beautiful water temple, also known as Pura Taman Saraswati, is dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the Balinese Hindu goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and arts.
Located right in the center of Ubud, just a short walk from Ubud Palace and the traditional art market, Saraswati Temple perfectly blends spirituality, art, and nature. Surrounded by blooming lotus ponds and traditional Balinese architecture, this peaceful temple allows travelers to truly appreciate Bali’s deep cultural and religious heritage.
The Story Behind Saraswati Temple Ubud
The temple was designed in the early 1950s by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a famous Balinese artist and architect. He created a masterpiece featuring intricate carvings and elegant Balinese gates (candi bentar) that reflect the beauty of local Hindu traditions.
Moreover, Saraswati Temple Ubud, also called the Water Palace, was commissioned by the Ubud royal family to honor the Goddess Saraswati. The temple’s stunning lotus ponds and intricate carvings never fail to captivate visitors. Today, travelers from around the world come to experience its peaceful energy and timeless charm.
What to Expect at Saraswati Temple
Upon entering Saraswati Temple Ubud, you’ll immediately notice two large ponds filled with vibrant pink lotuses. These flowers beautifully reflect the temple’s orange-brick shrines and gates, creating a picturesque and calming scene.
As you walk along the central pathway, you’ll cross the lotus ponds toward the main temple area. Every corner displays detailed carvings and statues that showcase the richness of Balinese craftsmanship. Because of its combination of water, stone, and lush greenery, Saraswati Temple offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere — making it one of the most photogenic temples in Bali.
While the inner sanctum is reserved for prayers and religious ceremonies, visitors are welcome to explore the outer courtyards and admire the temple’s art, carvings, and overall layout.
Saraswati Temple Ubud at Night
As the sun sets, Saraswati Temple transforms into a lively cultural venue. Each evening around 7:30 PM, the temple hosts Balinese Legong Dance performances, accompanied by traditional gamelan music.
The performance takes place in front of the lotus pond, and the warm lights beautifully illuminate the temple’s golden carvings. Therefore, watching this show not only entertains you but also gives a deep insight into Bali’s artistic heritage.
Location and How to Get There
📍 Address: Jalan Kajeng, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
📍 Google Maps: “Pura Taman Saraswati Ubud”
Because the temple is centrally located, you can easily reach it on foot from Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market.
If you hire a Bali private driver, it’s easy to combine Saraswati Temple with other nearby attractions such as:
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Campuhan Ridge Walk
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Goa Gajah Temple
Best Time to Visit Saraswati Temple Ubud
Ideally, you should visit early in the morning (8–10 AM) or late in the afternoon (4–6 PM) when the light is soft and the lotus flowers are in full bloom.
If you plan to enjoy the Legong Dance, it’s best to arrive before 7 PM to secure a good seat near the pond.
Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
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Entrance Fee: Free (donations appreciated)
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Balinese Dance Ticket: IDR 80,000–100,000 per person
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Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Even though admission is free, a small donation is a thoughtful gesture to help with temple maintenance and religious activities.
Photography Tips
Saraswati Temple Ubud is one of Bali’s most Instagrammable temples, and capturing it right makes all the difference.
Here are some simple tips to enhance your photos:
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Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
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Use the lotus pond as a reflection foreground.
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Be respectful — don’t block pathways used by locals for prayer.
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Dress modestly; avoid sleeveless shirts or short skirts.
Why You Should Visit Saraswati Temple Ubud
A Cultural and Spiritual Experience
Unlike other crowded temples, Saraswati Temple offers serenity and spiritual calm. It’s the perfect place to slow down and feel connected to Balinese tradition.
Beautiful Traditional Architecture
Every carving, gate, and pond tells a story of devotion and harmony. The details reflect centuries of Balinese artistic excellence.
Easy Access in Central Ubud
Because of its location next to Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple fits perfectly into a half-day Ubud cultural tour.
Perfect for Photography Lovers
Its lotus ponds, golden carvings, and elegant design make it one of the most photogenic temples in Bali.
Combine with Other Ubud Attractions
To make the most of your trip, combine Saraswati Temple Ubud with these top nearby attractions:
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Tegallalang Rice Terrace – iconic rice field views
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Ubud Monkey Forest – home to hundreds of playful monkeys
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Goa Gajah Temple – an ancient cave temple rich in history
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Tegenungan Waterfall – a refreshing natural spot
All these destinations can be comfortably explored with our Bali private driver service.
Book Your Ubud Cultural Tour Today
Experience the spiritual charm of Saraswati Temple Ubud and the artistic beauty of Bali’s culture with our private tour service.
We’ll take you to the best temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces safely and comfortably.
Chat us on WhatsApp to plan your perfect Ubud day trip today!
