Pura Taman Saraswati is a water temple dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning and the arts — a fitting patron for Ubud. It sits just off Jalan Raya Ubud, a couple of minutes’ walk from the palace, and is approached along a straight walkway between two large ponds filled with lotus.
The temple was built in the mid-20th century under the patronage of the royal family, and its red-brick gateways and carved stone are by well-known local artists. The inner temple is reserved for worship, but the forecourt and lotus ponds are open to visitors.
In the evening the temple courtyard becomes one of Ubud’s dance venues, with performances against the backdrop of the lit gate.
Top things to do at Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati)
Walk the lotus causeway
The path between the ponds is the classic view. The lotus flowers are usually open in the morning and close up in the afternoon heat.
Look at the carvings
The gates and shrines are decorated with intricate stone carving — look for figures from Hindu epics among the floral motifs.
See an evening performance
Several dance troupes perform here on different nights. Tickets are sold on the street outside.
How to get to Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati)
- On Jalan Kajeng, just off Jalan Raya Ubud, a couple of minutes’ walk west of Ubud Palace.
- Walk from anywhere in central Ubud; parking is very limited.
- Come early in the morning for open lotus flowers and fewer people.
- Cover shoulders and knees; a sarong is needed to enter temple areas.
- Continue up Jalan Kajeng for a short walk into the rice fields behind town.
Best tours & tickets for Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati)
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati) and make the most of the day:
Day tour from US$30 Bali: Saraswati Temple & Ubud Monkey Forest with Waterfall
A day that ends in the heart of town: a waterfall and rice terraces, the Monkey Forest, then the lotus-pond temple of Saraswati and the Ubud market.
- A waterfall and rice terraces
- The Monkey Forest
- Saraswati Temple and Ubud Market
Show ticket from US$6 Bali: Ubud Palace Legong Dance Show Entry Ticket
Bali’s most refined classical dance, performed at Ubud’s royal palace with a live gamelan orchestra. Arrive early for a seat with a clear view of the stage.
- Legong dance at the royal palace
- Live gamelan orchestra
- Gold-leaf costumes and carved gateways
Yoga class from US$21 Bali: Ubud Yoga and Healing Meditation
A 90-minute session in Ubud combining pranayama breathing, energy cleansing and sound and mantra healing — an easy way to try the town’s famous yoga scene.
- Pranayama breathing
- Energy cleansing with sound and mantras
- Short and central
