Amlapura's water-loving rajah, after completing his lost masterpiece at Ujung, had another go at building the water palace of his dreams in 1948. He succeeded at Taman Tirta Gangga, which has a stunning crescent of rice-terrace-lined hills for a backdrop.
This multilevel aquatic fantasy features two swimming ponds that are popular on weekends, and ornamental water features filled with huge koi and lotus blossoms, which serve as a fascinating reminder of the old days of the Balinese rajahs. Look for the 11-tiered meru fountain, and plop down under the huge old banyans and enjoy the views.
