The Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is located almost in the geographical centre of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. Despite this, the huge statue of Wisnu and Garuda, one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, can be seen from many vantage points around the island.
GWK Cultural Park
GWK Cultural Park is less of a cultural attraction and more of a tourist destination. Devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu and his avian companion, Garuda, the construction of the 120.9 m statue of Vishnu riding Garuda was completed in 2018. The entire park has a land area of about 60 hectares. The monument was somewhat controversial. Religious authorities on complain that the massive size disrupts the spiritual balance of the island and that its commercial nature is inappropriate. Other groups approve of the project because of its commercial nature, enticing tourists to what was otherwise barren land.
The story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana is inspired by Hindu mythology. Lord Visnu sets out in search for amrita, the elixir of life. Garuda agrees to be ridden by Lord Visnu in return for the right to use the elixir. He desire the elixir to liberate his enslaved mother.
The Garuda figure is Wisnu’s means of transport and a symbol of loyalty and devotion. It is akin to devout sacrifice to god and espouses freedom and independence to improvise to create and appreciate culture. This appreciation is particularly in the form of art. It also stands within the park as a symbol of freedom from any limitation and violation of human rights.
Visiting The Park
From the carpark you’ll need to catch a bus to GWK Bhagawan Plaza where the ticket office is situated. If it’s a hot day, it’s worth purchasing the combination ticket that includes a golf buggy ride to the top of the hill where the GWK statue is situated. Otherwise it’s a 900m walk (around 10 – 15 mins) if you take the most direct route.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue
Once at the plaza, you’ll be able to marvel at the 121m high statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana but that’s about all. Access inside the giant statue is allowed, however, there’s nothing in here to see. Unless, that is, you pay an additional fee to go up the elevator to the museum and viewing platform. There is precious little information about what the museum contains and how long it might take to go through. We gave it a miss.
Instead we enjoyed the walk back down the hill and in through the cultural park. Giant mountains made of stone stand guard around the central plaza and lotus ponds. They give the impression that the park was carved out of the mountain itself. Through the narrow alleyways that lead in between the sculptured rock mountains, are fetching views back to the GWK statue. We can also catch glimpses of the lotus ponds and Garuda Plaza.
Wisnu Plaza
A set of steps leads up to Wisnu Plaza from Garuda Plaza where there is yet another giant statue of Wisna. The plaza has lovely leafy surrounds, but given the hot day and our time here is marching on, we continue down to Plaza Kura Kura.
Plaza Kura Kura is a delightful, almost hidden, tropical garden, complete with pond. More statues and symbols make up and surround the fountains and we pause briefly to take in the scenery and rest in the shade.
We spend a little over 90 mins here and I’d happily give the close up of the GWK statue a miss to more fully explore and enjoy the park and gardens. Overall, I don’t feel that the visit is a particularly cultural experience but I did enjoy it.
Good To Know
GWK Cultural Park is located in the middle of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. The entrance fee only covers entrance to the park and does not include entrance to the museum and viewing from within the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue itself.
GWK Cultural Park is open from 9am – 9pm daily.
Sightseeing in Bali is best done with a guide. We toured with Toris (WhatsApp +62 859-3448-1212).
Would I Return?
No. Not as a tourist, although the park would make a lovely outing for a picnic with friends.
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