The palaces have long been the largest landholders in Ubud. They used to manifest this role in a largely “custodial” way, managing vast tracts of rice-growing land for the benefit of the community and the temples. In pre-colonial Bali, palaces were the primary patrons of art, music, dance and literature. The Ubud palaces consciously continue this tradition. They act as repositories of traditional culture, and develop artistic endeavors throughout the area, much to the benefit of both Ubudians and visitors. The Ubud Royal Palace is one of the most prominent places in Ubud, as it is located on the main Jalan Raya Ubud road and intersection. The palace can also be regarded as the focal landmark of Ubud. The Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort & Spa is one of the most luxurious Seminyak Bali Resorts. Located on Seminyak Beach, Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa offers spacious suites and luxury rooms, each with their own private terraces and balconies and terrazzo bathtubs. This unique hotel offers body treatments and yoga and many more spa treatments, so that the guests can get the best pampering.
A visit to the Puri Saren is on many of the itineraries to the Ubud area. It has well-preserved Balinese architecture and charming garden settings, and is best known among lovers of Balinese arts as one of the main sites to view dramatic evening dance performances. The performance stage, with a backdrop of ornate angkul-angkul traditional gate and guardian statues, hosts nightly dance performances with gamelan orchestras. The palace provides a great setting with a gorgeous entrances and exotic architectural elements. Tickets to these performances usually start to be sold in the afternoon. The front section of the palace is open to the public. Walkthroughs for viewing and photos during the day are complimentary. The Puri Saren Ubud Palace currently also serves as a cultural repository of arts, dance and literature. The palace’s stage and meeting halls are also host international events, such as the opening ceremonies of the annual Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.