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In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the beautiful Saraswati temple in Ubud in 2026. As one of the main temples in Ubud this really is a MUST do activity. But visiting Saraswati is not as simple as it sounds. Ubud can be a pretty tricky place to get around. Also finding out all of the latest details can be challenging too.
We have done the legwork for you. In this article we will share opening hours, top tips, prices and plenty more to help you plan an awesome trip. We have also shared some EPIC places to stay around Bali to help you find the perfect accommodation for you. Pretty please use our booking links. We use affiliate links that help us earn a small commission if you book – and at no extra cost to you.
Saraswati Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple located in the center of Ubud town in Bali. If you are staying in Bali this is a MUST DO
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on things to do in Ubud
How much does it cost to visit Saraswati temple?
It is FREE to visit Saraswati temple – there is no entrance fee for this attraction.
What is there to do at Saraswati temple in Ubud?
Don’t miss our FULL guide to Bali Temples
Saraswati is a small and beautiful complex with lotus ponds and a beautiful temple. You can see the temple from the outside but tourists are not able to explore inside the temple. At the entrance to Saraswati there is a cafe called Cafe Lotus and a Starbuck Coffee shop. Saraswati is a great spot to grab a coffee, take a scenic stroll and take some beautiful insta shots.
The symmetrical layout of this temple, and scenic lotus ponds make this a very photogenic and beautiful spot. As a relatively small attraction in Ubud, it is only likely to take 10 – 20 minutes to explore and enjoy the Saraswati temple (the public area is only 60m in length and 40m in width). But there are also some other great things to do a short walk away.
There is also a traditional Joged Dance show every monday at 7.30pm – 8.30pm (Performed by Cepuk Wirasa dance group). The live music and costumes are very impressive – this is very impressive in the ambiance of a beautiful Balinese temple.
Saraswati temple is a Hindu temple and a site of religious significance to locals. You don’t need to adhere to a dress code to visit the public area (around the ponds). However Balinese temples do normally require visitors to wear a Saree and keep shoulders covered.
TOP TIP If you’re looking for some empty photos or just want to enjoy this spot at the most tranquil time – get here early. The best time to visit the Saraswati temple is just after it opens around 7am. At this time of the day it is cooler, the light is gorgeous and the temple is generally pretty empty allowing for photo-perfect shots!
How do you get to Saraswati temple in Ubud?
Don’t miss our in-depth article on how to get around in Bali
Address: Saraswati Temple, Jalan Kajeng, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Saraswati Ubud temple opening hours: Daily 7am – 5pm
1 walk to Saraswati
If you are staying in Ubud the best way to get to Saraswati temple is to walk. Ubud Is a relatively small town only a few kilometres across. It is also a very beautiful area to walk around. It takes around 20 – 30 minutes to walk the length of the central Ubud town. There are also lots of other things to explore nearby if you are walking to Saraswati temple – you can see the Ubud Palace, Ubud art street and plenty of cafes and coffee shops too!
2 Take a taxi to Saraswati
The best way to get taxis in Ubud is to use the Grab taxi app. Expect to pay around 50,000IDR or more to travel across Ubud town by taxi (remember they may need to journey further due to the one way system). Be aware that taxis can be quite slow to respond in Ubud – this can be due to the popularity of the area, the amount of traffic and demand for taxis.
3 Drive to Saraswati
You can also drive to Saraswati temple by bike rental or car rental. Bike rental in Bali is pretty cheap, typically costing 100,000IDR – 200,000IDR per day (roughly £5 – £10 per day or $6 – $12). Remember to wear a bike helmet and stick to the local rules. Car rental in Bali is also very cheap, normally costing 200,000IDR – 400,000IDR per day (roughly £10 – £20 or $12 – $24). Make sure you are fully qualified to drive in Bali (an international license is recommended).
TOP TIP: Be careful, the roads around Ubud town are narrow and busy. Bikes occasionally ignore the one way systems which can be risky.
You may also be interested in our FULL GUIDE on Bali by motorbike
Directions to Saraswati temple in Ubud
There is a clockwise one-way system operating on the ring road around Ubud town. To get to Saraswati temple you will need to drive north up Jalan Monkey Forest. Some sections can get very busy with traffic at times – so the journey through Ubud can take 20 – 30 minutes by car.
It is not possible to drive to Saraswati from the east along Jalan Raya Ubud due to the one way system – so you will either need to loop south round town (and back up Jalan Monkey forest) or approach from the north.
Can you park near the Saraswati Ubud temple?
If you are planning to travel to Saraswati temple by car or bike it is important to be aware that parking is quite limited in the area. Many of the roads in the area officially have parking restrictions (even if people do just park on the road side anyway). There is some bike parking opposite to the Ubud palace but you will need to drive further away to find car parking in the area. Ubud Monkey forest has plenty of parking. There are some sections where cars and bikes can park on Jalan Monkey forest – but parking can be limited and busy along this section.
What is the history of Saraswati temple?
Saraswati temple is one of the most prominent and significant temples in Ubud town (Also known as the “Ubud Water Palace” or Pura Taman Saraswati and officially known as Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati). This temple is dedicated to Saraswat who is the Hindu goddess of knowledge and learning.
Although Saraswati temple is an impressive ornate traditional Balinese temple it is actually relatively new. Its construction was completed in 1952 under the direction of the famous Balinese sculptor I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. He was commissioned to build several palaces and temples in the area by the Sukawati Royal Family. Saraswati temple is located around 170m from the Ubud Palace.
What else is there to do near the Saraswati temple?
Don’t miss our ULTIMATE 10 day Bali itinerary
There is plenty to do near Saraswati temple. At the entrance to the temple you can visit the highly cultural Starbucks Coffee shop. Alternatively check out the Lotus Cafe. It is on the pricey side for Ubud – but it does have a nice terrace with temple views. A few minutes walk from the temple you can visit the Ubud Palace. This is also a small and beautiful attraction in Ubud. Don’t miss the Goa Gajah cave temple near Ubud.
Saraswati is also very close to the Ubud morning market (on Jalan Raya Ubud near the Ubud Palace) and the Ubud walking street markets and art markets. Saraswati is around 1.3km from the Ubud Monkey forest (walk for around 15 minutes south down Jalan Monkey Forest). Monkey forest is a great way to see Long Tailed Macaques close up and explore an area of tropical forest. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and spas nearby too.
In the Ubud area you can also visit waterfalls, rice terraces, coffee plantations and the Ubud Butterfly Farm. There are also some STUNNING luxury resorts in the area offering amazing food, stunning accommodation and breathtaking infinity pools. Ubud really does have it all!
What are the best places to stay in Ubud?
Planning to splash out? Don’t miss these dreamy 5 star hotels in Ubud
Here are our TOP PICK hotels in Ubud. We have stuck to places that are in Ubud town itself (and therefore walking distance from Saraswati temple and other attractions). We have also listed places in approximate order of price to help you find the perfect place for you.
1 Poshtel Ubud
£5 – £10 dorms only
This is a super trendy hostel with an 8 bed mixed dorm available. We love the fun Asian style. Excellently located in the center of Ubud, around a 5 minute walk from Saraswati temple. This is a great option for solo travelers on a budget.
2 Yoga’s House
£10 – £15 double room
Great name – great guest house! This place offers amazing value for money and it is located right in the heart of Ubud – close to everything you could want or need. They have a spacious light double room with a balcony and small lush gardens and lots of character. This hotel is a great option for a solo backpacker or couple on a budget.
3 Putu’s Paradise Guest House
£15 – £20
Awesome option on the low budget end. Lovely home style accommodation with lush gardens. Right next to the monkey forest. This guest house is great value for money. Double and twin rooms available – private bathrooms, outdoor seating and a lovely tropical garden.
4 Liyer Spirit House Ubud
£20 – £50
Looking for a unique stay in Ubud at a low cost? Check out the Liyer Spirit House. Packed with character and Balinese artwork this hotel is most famous for its appearance in the movie Eat Love Pray. There are beautiful gardens, a small outdoor pool, outdoor seating areas and comfortable double and twin rooms available with ensuite bathrooms and bathtubs. They can also add an additional mattress to rooms to accommodate families.
5 Ubud Lestari Bungalows
£20 – £50
It’s amazing how much you can get for your money in Bali. The Ubud Lestari is a stunning rice terrace hotel with an outdoor pool and spacious suites including bathtubs. Double and twin rooms available. Excellent location on Jalan Monkey Forest in the heart of Ubud not too far from Saraswati temple.
6 Pondok Serayu
£30 – £40
This is a very beautiful small hotel with spacious rooms and balconies. This hotel offers convenience, comfort and great value for money. You can book breakfast too. Excellent location right next to the Ubud Palace and Saraswati temple.
7 Sapodilla Ubud
£50 – £120
This super stylish hotel combines lush green nature with luxurious and tranquil accommodation. Suites are beautifully furnished with plenty of natural light and ensuite bathrooms with elegant freestanding bathtubs. There is a large outdoor swimming pool (the also offer a great breakfast – check whether this is included when you book)
8 Kebun Indah Ubud
£50 – £160
Kebun Indah is a very impressive hotel for the prices. We love the beautiful wooden Balinese style of this lush property. As a 4 star hotel there are great facilities and service here. We are particularly impressed with the spacious two bedroom suite (that has a double and a single bed). The beautiful ensuite bathroom has a bali style bathtub.
9 Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites
£200 – £400
This remarkable hotel offers luxurious 5 star accommodation right in the heart of Bali. You get a lot for your money here. We are super impressed with the stylish spacious villa with a private pool. If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Ubud – this offers some of the BEST value for money for this level of luxury. This is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic splash out.
10 Goya Boutique Resort
£200 – £1,000
This magnificent 5 star resort has a wide range of rooms and suites to choose from. There is a decadent Asian interior design with comfortable furniture and plenty of space to relax. They offer villas with private pools and open air bathtubs. There is also a stunning rooftop infinity pool with mountain views. Also a great location in Ubud town.
