Ultimate Guide to Exploring Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Bali

Ever wondered if you could visit a park enduring one of Asia’s biggest statues with mythological stories backing it? Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park of Bali is a 240-hectare cultural park complex that flaunts the 150-meter high statue of Vishnu and the mythical Bird of Garuda. The load of the statue is believed to be approximately 4,000 tons. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, and Garuda, his mount – the mythical bird who became his companion.

About Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Built with the intent to establish it as a landmark or mascot of Bali, the construction of the huge statue of Lord Vishnu riding his mount Garuda is 120 meters tall. Being Indonesia’s tallest statue, Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is inspired by Hindu mythology for Amerta (the elixir of life) and according to this myth, Garuda agreed to be ridden by Lord Wisnu reciprocally for the right to use the elixir to liberate his enslaved mother. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Wisnu Kencana Culture Park could even be a convenient stopover on your Bali package while touring the Bali’s southern region. 

History of Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park features an acreage of about 60 hectares and located at an altitude of 146 meters above ground level or 263 meters above water level. The Garuda plaza holds the statue of Garuda temporarily, which is 18meters tall and is located right behind the Wisnu Plaza. The Garuda Plaza has an outsized corridor of carved limestone pillars covering over 4000 square meters of an open space called the lotus pond.

The colossal limestone columns and monumental sculptures of Lotus Pond make a really exotic space. With an area capacity capable of accommodating up to 7000 people, the Lotus Pond has earned an honest reputation because it is a huge venue for holding major international events. The largest outdoor venue within the park is Lotus Pond, contained by massive quarried limestone blocks. Many dramatic big-scale events, like music concerts, mega runway fashion shows, and much more are held here. There’s also a statue of Vishnu’s hand in the GWK culture park and is placed temporarily within the earth of Tirta Agung.

Plaza Wisnu is where the statue’s upper section of Vishnu’s body is placed. With the Parahyangan Somaka Giri statue as a background, the traditional Balinese dance is performed. The statue holds a sacred fount that purportedly bears magical healing powers. There are minerals in this water which provides healing abilities.

Things to do in Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Street Theatre is the foremost commercial area where you can find a Garuda Wisnu Kencana Souvenir Shop. The story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana is carved on four limestone walls. A Barong dance is additionally performed at this spot every day.

The most beautiful prospect of the park is the Indraloka Garden. It holds medium-scale events like wedding parties, company gatherings, and more. The Garuda Wishnu Kencana Amphitheatre accommodates up to 800 people and features high-quality acoustic activities that are performed here. ‘Bali for the World’ international event also happened here in 2003 and resurrected Bali’s tourism industry after the Bali Bombing in 2002. 

What Not to Miss at GWK Cultural Park

Balairung Dewi Sri (the goddess of rice and fertility) is the name of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park exhibition area and hosts fun free services that are provided here like nail painting, hair braiding, and more. Visitors also observe a feature video on the making of the GWK statue or Panca Yadnya (Balinese Hindu five holy offerings) and can purchase the video at the GWK souvenir shop. 

A Balinese parade around the park is scheduled at 5:00 pm on a daily basis. Jendela Bali is a panoramic restaurant, that is situated within the Theatre area and serves authentic Balinese food and daily entertainment. 

Some parts of the GWK statue are getting to be covered in foil. The project will take a longer time for completion than initially planned thanks to Indonesia’s monetary crisis.

How to get to GWK Cultural Park

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park located in Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan village, is about a 10 to 15 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and about 15 to 20 minutes from Kuta.

Entrance Fees for GWK Cultural Park

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park charges an entry fee of IDR 40,000 (195 INR approximately) for adults and IDR 80,000 (390 INR approximately) for foreign tourists. 

Best time to visit GWK Cultural Park

The best time to visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is late afternoon at about 4:00 pm when the sun is not very hot. You can also visit it at the time of sunset at 6:30 pm as there is a Kecak performance around that time.

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park housing Asia’s biggest statue will give you an out of the world mythological experience on your Bali tour. Finding this guide useful? Create numerous happy memories with our loved ones, plan your Bali vacation now with Pickyourtrail! Check out some of the best Bali holiday packages that Pickyourtrail offers and book your dream vacation now!