The Mayura Water Palace is right in the midst of Cakranegara. As its name implies the palace, built in 1744 to serve the Balinese court, centres around a large orthogonal pool. Mayura was the location of an important battle between the Dutch people and the Balinese, who were supported by Sasak allies. After Holland’s invasion of Lombok in 1894, the Dutch ground forces camped down at Mayura, which proved to be a tactical blunder. The Balinese, with firearms, sneaked up to the compound’s outer walls and picked off the defenders. Several cannons, next to Balinese statues, are admonishers of the victory-or defeat-depending your sympathies. Al large open pavilion, the Bale Kambang, sits in the midst of the pool, accessible by a causeway. This court of justice and meeting hall is an island of tranquillity next to Cakra’s busy high street. Boys fish from here while other people cool off, swimming in the pool.
(narasumber)
(narasumber)
