Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a 240-hectare cultural park complex that boasts the 150-meter high statue of Vishnu and the mythical Bird of Garuda made by Nyoman Nuarta. It is devoted to the Hindu God Vishnu, and his mount, Garuda, the mythical bird who became his companion. Planned to be established of a landmark or mascot of Bali, construction of the giant statue of Lord Vishnu who was riding his mount Garuda, as high as 120 meters is currently going on.

Designed to be the Indonesia’s tallest statue, Garuda Wisnu Kencana was inspired by Hindu mythology about the search for Amerta (the elixir of life). According to this myth, Garuda agreed to be ridden by Lord Wisnu in return for the right to use the elixir to liberate his enslaved mother.The idea was not without controversy, and religious authorities on the island complained that its massive size might disrupt the spiritual balance of the island.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Wisnu Kencana Culture park is a convenient stopover along Bali tour pacakage itineraries to Bali’s southtern region. A view of a breathtaking monument, classic attractions, fantasy experience and modern technology blends in and transpire as you explore this unique cultural park.

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park has a land area of about 60 hectares and located at an altitude of 146 meters above ground level or 263 meters above sea level. In the area there is also a Statue of Garuda which is directly behind the Plaza Wisnu is Garuda Plaza where the statue as high as 18 meters Garuda placed temporarily. At this moment, Garuda Plaza becomes the focal point of a large corridor of carved limestone pillars covering over 4000 square meters of open space i.e. Lotus Pond .

The colossal limestone columns and monumental sculptures of Lotus Pond Garuda make a very exotic space. With a space capacity capable of accommodating up to 7000 people, Lotus Pond has earned a good reputation as the perfect venue for holding major events and international events. There is also a statue of Vishnu's hand which is part of the statue of Lord Vishnu. This is one step closer to completing the complete Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. This work is placed temporarily in the area of Tirta Agung.

Good to Know and What not to Miss in Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Plaza Wisnu, on the highest level of grounds in the park, is where the statue’s upper part of Vishnu body is placed. Traditional Balinese dance is performed here, with the majestic statue as a background. By the statue is Parahyangan Somaka Giri – a sacred fount that purportedly bears magical healing powers. The water is rich in important minerals that have healing abilities.

Street Theatre is the main commercial area where tours begin and end. You will find a GWK Souvenir Shop, ‘Bali Art Market’ store, and a reflexology outlet here. The story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana is related here in carvings on four limestone walls. A Barong dance is also performed at this spot every day.

The largest outdoor venue in the park is Lotus Pond, contained by massive quarried limestone blocks. The 4,400sqm area can hold up to 7,500 people for dramatic big-scale events, such as music concerts, mega runway fashion shows, and much more. The garuda-head part of the statue makes a phenomenal background for events.

The most beautiful vista of the island in the area is found in the Indraloka Garden. It holds medium-scale events such as wedding parties, company gatherings, and more. The GWK Amphitheatre accommodates up to 800 people and features high-quality acoustics. A number of plays have been performed here. This was also the venue of the international ‘Bali for the World’ event in 2003 that was intended to resurrect Bali’s tourism industry after the Bali Bombing in 2002. Don’t forget to watch Bali’s famous Kecak dance performed here every day at 18:30!

Balairung Dewi Sri is the name of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park exhibition hall, derived from the goddess of rice and fertility. Fun free services are provided here such as nail painting, hair braiding, and more. Visitors are also welcome to watch a feature video on the making of the GWK statue or Panca Yadnya (Balinese Hindu five holy offerings). Visitors can purchase the video at the GWK souvenir shop. Tirtha Agung is the area where you will find the hands part of Vishnu statue.

A Balinese parade around the park is scheduled at 17:00 daily. Jendela Bali, a panoramic restaurant, is situated in the Street Theatre area. It provides authentic Balinese food and daily entertainment. The Berandas is a new addition to Street Theatre, serving an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The Vishnu statue on its own is planned to be at least 75 metres tall and the garuda statue should be around 70 metres tall. The weight of the statue will be approximately 4,000 tons. Some parts of GWK statue will be covered in gold foil. The project will take longer time for completion than initially planned due to Indonesia’s monetary crisis.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Entrance Fee

Visits to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park are subject to an entrance fee of IDR 40,000 for adults and IDR 80,000 for foreign tourists.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Location

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park located in Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan village, South Kuta sub-district, Badung district. It is about 10–15 minutes driving from Ngurah Rai International Airport, or about 15 to 20 minutes from Kuta, on the road from Jimbaran to Dreamland Beach, Uluwatu.