The Mayura Water Palace was built in 1744 by the Balinese ruler of Lombok as a royal pleasure ground and meeting hall. At its centre is a raised pavilion (bale kambang) sitting on a platform surrounded by an artificial lake — the 'floating pavilion' that gives water palaces their character. The lotus-filled pond, the old frangipani trees, and the thatched bale create a shaded, atmospheric space.
The palace grounds are open to visitors and make a pleasant contrast to the traffic-heavy streets of Cakranegara outside. The structure is smaller and less elaborate than Bali's famous water palaces, but it has a genuine historical weight. It is directly opposite Pura Meru and easily combined with a visit to the temple.