Visit the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia

Indonesia is home to various local kingdoms, many of them own royal palaces. Here are 6 palaces in the archipelago that are magnificent and will take your breath away.

Ubud Royal Palace

This exquisite palace with strong Balinese architecture was the center of the Ubud Kingdom during Indonesia’s ancient kingdom reign. Ubud was and still is Bali’s hub for art and culture, a feat reflected in the sophisticated palace that still holds various cultural performances regularly, from traditional music to theater and dance.

The ancient royal family lineage of Ubud still lives in this palace, but some parts of the building are open for tourists, where they can observe the traditional impressive interior and decoration with Balinese-style stone carvings.

Istana Maimun

Istana Maimun is an old palace and its impressive architecture has lured a lot of visitors. Designed by an Italian architect in 1888, the architecture displays a mix of Italian, Malay, Indian, and Islamic styles.

Covering the area of 2,772 square meters, the palace features 30 rooms that were uniquely designed to showcase the architecture. The most striking feature of the Maimun Palace is the arcade of the roof that imitates the popular Middle Eastern, Turkish and Indian styles. The palace that is used to be the residential place of Sultan Deli now serves as one of the main tourist attractions in North Sumatera.

Kerta Gosa Royal Palace

Kerta Gosa is an historical landmark in Semarapura. Semarapura is the main town of the Klungkung regency in East Bali. Kerta Gosa forms part of the Puri Semarapura Royal Palace complex. The palace is also referred to as Puri Klungkung.

It features two main structures. A grand hall or the namesake Bale Kerta Gosa has ceilings filled with Kamasan or wayang-style paintings. The Bale Kambang ‘floating' hall or pavillion is surrounded by a blooming lotus-filled moat. The Kerta Gosa complex dates back to 1686. It was commissioned by Dewa Agung Jambe, then ruler of the Klungkung kingdom. The site has undergone a series of restorations, the latest in 2014. The palace and its grounds are a national heritage site. However, you can visit and roam the wondrous grounds by purchasing tickets for under a dollar.

Taman Sari Water Castle

During the 1700s, this water castle served as both a fortress and recreational site for the royal family of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. The beautiful palace complex with refreshing large pools also has rooms to meditate, study, and rest.

The huge compound comprises of four areas, including the iconic bathing complex, an artificial lake, and gardens. Now, the palace is preserved as a tourist attraction, and visitors can explore parts of the delicate palace from outside and inside.

Candi Ratu Boko

Most of the relics from Hindu-Buddha kingdoms in Indonesia are in ruins, as their governance dates back to as early as the 4th-century. Candi Ratu Boko is among those who remain enough to be observed and studied. Archaeologists conclude that this site was a palace for the Mataram Hindu Kingdom in the 8th-century.

The exquisite building is perched on top of a hill, embellished with stone carvings of the Hindu gods and figures. The structure is made of stones and those who have visited would agree that the historical site has a charming mythical feel.

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Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon

Built in 1452 by Prince Cakrabuana, Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon is one of the most amazing and well maintained palaces in West Java. The frontyard of the palace is surrounded by red bricks, which is one of the most exceptional features of the palace.

When visiting the palace, you will be able to see an extensive collection of historical objects and paintings. One of the most precious collections in the palace is the Singa Barong wagon, which belonged to Sunan Gunung Jati. Although the wagon is no longer of use, it is regularly cleaned during the first day of the Islamic month of Syawal.

Source Internet