Pura Taman Saraswati temple (also known as the Ubud water palace) is an old Hindu temple in central Bali that was built by one of the Ubud princes.
It may not be built on a lake like Danau Bratan temple, but there’s a nice lotus pond instead, and it also has some of the best stone carvings in Bali.
This temple is super easy to visit, and you can combine it with other nearby sights like the Ubud Royal Palace.
Where To Stay
Saraswati Water Temple
Saraswati Temple was built in the 1950s and it’s dedicated to the Hindu goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning, literature, and art).
My favorite part about this place would have to be the big ornate doorways with old traditional Balinese architecture and artistic wall patterns.
The designs on the doors are incredibly detailed when you get close to them. Tourists aren’t allowed to go through these doors to the main temple, but it still makes a great Insta photo spot!
My favorite is the west door (pictured below).
You can walk through the whole place in about 15 minutes, but it’s all free. Morning is the best time to come here because it gets pretty crowded with tourists by noon.
If you want to continue the cultural experience, there’s also a traditional Balinese dance performance held here at 7:30 PM every night, which costs 80k IDR (~$5).
There’s also a restaurant here called Lotus Cafe that looks over the pond, but the prices are a bit on the high side for Bali.
Hours & Fees
- Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free
How To Get There
Saraswati Temple is located in Ubud near the main market and town center, and right on top of a Starbucks cafe.
It’s a 5-minute walk from Ubud center, or a 1-hour drive from other areas in south Bali like Sanur, Canggu, and Kuta.
The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a private car and driver (both of these can be booked online).
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Renta
If you want to explore Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with an English-speaking driver, my top recommendation would be GetYourGuide.
Their price is 650k Rupiah ($45 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That’s the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol! It’s a great deal. They also offer affordable hotel transfers from the airport.
If you’d rather travel by motorbike, they have that too. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and include a helmet, raincoat, and free delivery in the south Bali area.
We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.
Book Now: Bali Private Driver / Scooter Rental
Ubud Hotels