Near the coastal towns of Candidasa and Amed and surrounded by kilometers of verdant rice terraces is the village of Tirta Gangga, the site of the famous water palace, a maze of pools and fountains surrounded by a lush garden and stone carvings and statues. Built in 1948 by Gusti Gede Djelantik the last raja of the Karangasem, this site of reverence that takes up 1 hectare is made up of a network of lovely swimming pools and fountains fed by a holy spring and a maze of well-tended gardens and koi fishponds.  Beautiful rural areas that are well suited for short strolls or more vigorous treks through the rice paddies surround the entire grounds where it is easy to pass an entire day in scenic tranquility. It has been lovingly re-built and restored and has an air of authentic royal magnificence. The centerpiece of the palace is an eleven-tiered fountain and there are many beautiful carvings and statues adorning the gardens.