Ujung

Water Palace / Vodní palác

Ujung Water Palace, which is called Taman Soekasada Ujung by the local people, was built in 1919. However, the launching of this water palace complex was performed in 1912. The late King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik who reigned in Karangasem between 1909 and 1945, constructed the water palace. Ujung Water Palace was majestically built to welcome and to serve important guests and Kings from neighboring countries, and for the pleasure of the King and his royal family.

Taman Soekasada Ujung has been announced as a cultural tourist object for it is noted as one of several cultural heritages existing in Karangasem regency. The complex of this water palace is the combination of Balinese and European architectures. There are 3 large ponds inside the area. In the middle of the main pond, there is a building that is connected to the edge of the pond by 2 bridges.

On the highest level of this complex, there is a great statue of „warak“ (rhinoceros). Beneath the warak there is a Bull statue. From this high place a marvelous view of sea, hills with lush and green forest, the beauty of Mount Agung combined with the green terraced rice fields can be seen. The grand Ujung Water Palace was damaged by the explosion of Mount Agung in 1963 and suffered further destruction during the great earthquake in 1979. However, a reconstruction and revitalization project was performed for the recovery in an effort to bring back the glory of this water palace complex. Although it is not as great as it was, the amazing views of its past can still be seen here.

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