Garuda Wisnu Kencana, or GWK for brief, is the name of a social park on Bali’s uneven southern coastline renowned for the recurring building and construction of a massive statuary of Vishnu riding on the back of a ‘garuda’ (a superordinary eagle-like being).
The social park has actually turned into one of the favorite places in Bali for art and also social performances, events, and also conferences. GWK, at 145 metres, will certainly be one of the world’s highest statues as well as erected on the top of the hill, with a wonderful scenic view of Bali.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is embeded in 250 hectares of land in Ungasan, southern of Bali, and also is dedicated to accept along with preserve the art, cultural, cooking, as well as spiritual aspects of the island. The Garuda is a Hindu mythical bird, Wisnu is the Indonesian for Vishnu and also kencana means a carriage. Bali’s future landmark of a 145-metre high copper-steel-brass sculpture is put right here; it is of Vishnu riding on the back of his ‘garuda’ with 64-metre lengthy wings.
Nyoman Nuarta, a Balinese sculptor, started the task in 1997 and also it has actually promptly become one of Bali’s sights despite the fact that it is presently only around 25% complete with the existing upper part of Vishnu body, garuda’s head, and also Vishnu’s hands. At some point, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statuary will have the ability to be seen within a span of 20km from Kuta, Sanur, as well as Nusa Dua.
GWK Cultural Park is about 260 metres above water level, resulting in must-see incredible views forgeting the island and the ocean. Facilities right here consist of an arena, an event gallery, al fresco locations, 2 dining establishments, a keepsake store, an art market, a massage centre, ATV as well as Segway services, in addition to daring tasks.
Good to Know and What not to Miss
Plaza Wisnu, on the highest degree of grounds in the park, is where the sculpture’s upper part of Vishnu body is placed. Traditional Balinese dance is performed below, with the impressive sculpture as a background. By the statue is Parahyangan Somaka Giri– a sacred fount that allegedly births magical healing powers. The water is abundant in essential minerals that have healing capacities.
Street Theatre is the major business location where scenic tours begin as well as end. You will certainly discover a GWK Keepsake Store, ‘Bali Art Market’ shop, and also a reflexology outlet below. The story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana is related right here in makings on four limestone walls. A Barong dancing is also performed at this place every day.
The largest outside place in the park is Lotus Pond, contained by large quarried sedimentary rock blocks. The 4,400 sqm area can hold up to 7,500 people for remarkable big-scale events, such as music concerts, mega path style programs, and also a lot more. The garuda-head part of the sculpture makes an amazing background for events.
One of the most stunning panorama of the island in the area is discovered in the Indraloka Yard. It holds medium-scale events such as wedding event celebrations, company events, as well as more. The GWK Amphitheatre accommodates as much as 800 individuals and functions premium acoustics. A variety of plays have actually been performed below. This was also the venue of the international ‘Bali for the Globe’ event in 2003 that was intended to reanimate Bali’s tourism sector after the Bali Battle in 2002. Do not forget to watch Bali’s well-known Kecak dancing performed below each day at 18:30!
Balairung Dewi Sri is the name of the GWK exhibition hall, stemmed from the goddess of rice as well as fertility. Enjoyable free solutions are provided below such as nail painting, hair braiding, and a lot more. Site visitors are also welcome to see a function video clip on the production of the GWK sculpture or Panca Yadnya (Balinese Hindu 5 divine offerings). Visitors can buy the video at the GWK memento store. Tirtha Agung is the area where you will certainly locate the hands component of Vishnu statue.
A Balinese parade around the park is set up at 17:00 daily. Jendela Bali, a panoramic restaurant, is situated in the Road Theater area. It offers genuine Balinese food and everyday amusement. The Berandas is a new addition to Street Theatre, serving an all-you-can-eat buffet.
The Vishnu sculpture by itself goes to least 75 metres tall as well as the garuda statue need to be about 70 metres high. The weight of the sculpture will certainly be approximately 4,000 lots. Some components of GWK statuary covered in gold aluminum foil.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:00
- Location: Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is located in Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan village, South Kuta sub-district, Badung district. It is about 15 to 20 minutes from Kuta, on the road from Jimbaran to Dreamland Beach, Uluwatu.