BALI GARUDA WISNU KENCANA
A majestic cultural park and home to Bali's iconic Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, symbolizing environmental preservation and serving as a premier tourist destination.
Explore Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, a magnificent and popular tourist destination in Bali that seamlessly blends cultural richness with breathtaking landscapes. Home to the colossal Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, one of the tallest in the world, this iconic landmark stands 121 meters above ground level, offering panoramic views of Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Tanah Lot. Crafted from a blend of copper and steel by sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta, the statue, inaugurated in 2018, symbolizes a mission to preserve the environment and the world, proudly serving as an emblem of Bali.
Located in southern Badung, merely 20 minutes from Kuta, GWK is easily accessible from Ngurah Rai Airport and hotels in Nusa Dua, perched atop stunning limestone hills. This expansive 240-hectare park is a hub of activity, featuring a variety of entertainment and attractions. Visitors can enjoy daily cultural performances, including the renowned Barong Dance and traditional Balinese music, held at venues like the Amphitheater and Street Theater.
Beyond its artistic and performance spaces, GWK boasts impressive facilities such as the vast Lotus Pond, Festival Park, an Exhibition Hall, the panoramic Jendela Bali Restaurant, and souvenir shops. The park also brings to life the epic story of Garuda, carved into stone reliefs within the Street Theater, recounting the mythical bird's deeds and its alliance with Vishnu. Additionally, the sacred Parahyangan Somaka Giri spring, emerging from barren limestone, is revered for its healing properties and its role in traditional rain summoning rituals. For convenient travel, transportation services to GWK can be arranged through Bali Tour.
What's Included
- Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue (main attraction)
- Lotus Pond (grand performance venue for up to 7500 people)
- Festival Park
- Amphitheater (800 seats with first-class acoustics for art performances)
- Street Theater (outdoor stage for music concerts, fashion shows, and other performances)
- Exhibition Hall
- Jendela Bali The Panoramic Resto (restaurant with Jimbaran Beach views)
- Plaza Wisnu art shop (selling Balinese handicrafts)
- Souvenir shop
- Daily cultural performances (e.g., Barong Dance, traditional Balinese music)
- Natural rock pillars
- Parahyangan Somaka Giri (sacred spring)
Notes
- The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, designed by I Nyoman Nuarta, stands 121 meters high and 271 meters above sea level, offering visibility up to 20 km.
- The statue was officially inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on September 22, 2018.
- The cultural park is an ideal location for a variety of performing arts, exhibitions, conferences, or religious visits.
- The story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana, derived from the Mahabharata, is presented through stone reliefs in the GWK Street Theater.
- Transportation services to Garuda Wisnu Kencana are available through Bali Tour, offering competitive prices and experienced drivers.