You’ll be impressed from the moment you step into Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK). The 60-hectare heritage site is home to various attractions, including a Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, an Amphitheater, a Kecak Dance Performance, and a Lotus Pond. If you’re planning your first trip there, here’s what you need to know about GWK.

How to Get to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

There are many options for transportation in Bali to the GWK Bali location from your hotel. Choosing a hotel in the southern part of Bali, such as Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Ungasan, Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, will allow you to get there more easily. Furthermore, what is the transportation available to get to GWK?

Rent a motorbike

In Bali, motorbike rental is available at an economical rental rate. You can rent a motorbike for between IDR 75,000 and IDR 150,000 for 24 hours. Please remember to wear a helmet and get an international driving license when you drive.

Rent a Car with a Driver

To make it easier to travel, you might want to consider renting a car with a driver. The perk of this way is there is no need to find parking when visiting GWK. You may arrange for a driver to pick you up when you’re finished having fun at GWK Bali if you choose to use a car rental service. It’s much more convenient than driving your vehicle.

Book a Taxi

Taxi services are widely available in southern Bali, and you can choose from Bali’s conventional Taxi or an online taxi. There are two types of online taxis in Bali: car and motorbike, in case you were wondering. A taxi is the best option to avoid the hassle of bargaining with a rickshaw driver.

garuda wisnu kencana cultural park statue Source: Unsplash

What’s Garuda Wisnu Kencana Looks Like?

While GWK is a cultural park, it’s more like a complex of cultural attractions than a single venue. There are four main areas, each of which has its own attractions. The complex is designed as a cultural park with a large open grass field and a surrounding garden. The main attraction is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue. There’s also an amphitheater, a Kecak Dance Performance, and a Lotus Pond. At GWK, you can witness a specially crafted Kecak dance performance designed exclusively for GWK Cultural Park. This traditional Balinese dance involves a troupe of approximately 50 men.

The centerpiece is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, one of the tallest and largest statues in the world. The statue is designed to be majestic and awe-inspiring, symbolizing the Hindu god Vishnu riding on the back of Garuda. Vishnu is depicted in a standing position, holding attributes such as a mace, lotus, conch, and discus, which are symbols of his power to create, sustain, and regulate the universe. Garuda is shown in a position as if he is soaring up into the sky, with wings spread wide and head lifted high, GWK Bali.

The statue and the park serve not only as a tourist attraction but also as a cultural symbol that showcases the artistic and spiritual heritage of Bali and Indonesia. It represents the harmonious relationship between humans and the divine, highlighting themes of protection, guidance, and the preservation of the universe.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Location: Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364

garuda wisnu kencana in bali Source: GWK

The History of Garuda Wisnu Kencana Bali

GWK cultural park construction project began in 1992 on 60 hectares of land, initiated by The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Foundation. The project aims to make GWK Bali the most iconic landmark in Bali and beyond. One of the founders of the GWK Foundation is I Nyoman Nuarta and he was the drafter and architect of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue.

Finding the perfect location for the construction of the GWK Cultural Park was not simple. After conceptualizing the project, the Foundation took two years to find an appropriate location. Before the establishment of the GWK Cultural Park, the Ungasan hill in Bali served as a limestone mining site, positioned at an elevation of 146 meters above sea level or 263 meters above ground level.

The park’s centerpiece is a massive statue depicting the Hindu deity Vishnu riding Garuda, a mythical bird-like creature. In Hindu mythology, Vishnu is a preserver and protector god, while Garuda is his mount, often symbolizing moral and spiritual strength. This mythology has a special resonance in Indonesian culture, where Hinduism has been a significant religious influence, particularly in GWK cultural Park in Bali.

Since its completion, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana has become a significant tourist attraction in Bali. It not only offers visitors a glimpse into Balinese art and culture but also serves as a symbol of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and artistic achievements.

garuda wisnu kencana statue bali Source: Instagram

How Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue Build?

The GWK culture park is home to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which is one of its greatest attractions. The renowned Balinese sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta crafted the statue using copper and brass. The icon’s name symbolizes the deity Wisnu riding the mythical bird Garuda.

Construction of the statue took 25 years to create and cost USD 100 million. Its initial design envisaged a height of 126 meters and a width of 60 meters, but the finished sculpture was 121 meters tall and 65 meters wide. The GWK statue, which is presently 75 meters tall, would stand at 121 meters if the pedestal were included. The iconic Statue of Liberty in the USA is 46 meters tall from the bottom of her copper structure to the torch. And 93 meters tall from ground level to the torch. There is a significant gap of 30 meters between the GWK statue and the Statue of Liberty as a result.

As for now, The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue has become an icon of Bali Island. It’s one of the most significant sculptures and the most challenging artwork, reflecting the significance of local Balinese culture. 

GWK FAQ

Should You Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park? Is Visiting GWK Recommended?

Especially for those aiming to delve deeper into Balinese culture. GWK Cultural Park stands as a vital component of any Bali vacation, offering more than the awe-inspiring statue. With its culinary offerings and dance performances, it promises a fulfilling day out.

While the value of a visit can depend on personal interests and preferences, GWK Cultural Park offers a unique blend of cultural education, artistic appreciation. And natural beauty that many find to be a memorable part of their Bali itinerary. Whether you’re interested in culture, art, or simply seeking a remarkable sightseeing experience, GWK stands out as a noteworthy destination.

What Does the Update for Entry to GWK Cost?

Regular Entrance

Gives you access to all the Garuda Wisnu Kencana main areas, including exhibitions, art displays, and cultural performances.

  • On-site: IDR 150,000 per person
  • Online booking: IDR 125,000 per person

GWK Statue Tour (Entrance + Inside GWK Statue)

Step inside the majestic GWK statue and enjoy sweeping views from the 9th and 23rd floors.

  • On-site: IDR 350,000
  • Online: IDR 300,000

Barong Show Entrance

Catch the lively Barong performance at the amphitheater in the evening.

  • Show Performance only: IDR 100,000
  • Combo (Entrance + Show): IDR 200,000

There’s an Ultimate Bundle

Includes park entrance, statue tour, Barong show, refreshments, and full attraction access.

  • Price: IDR 400,000 per person

Buggy Shuttle (Just an Optional)

A quick ride from the entrance to the statue. This can be perfect if you want to skip the uphill walk.

  • Price: IDR 40,000

How Was the Construction Cost for the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK)?

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, featuring a monumental statue of the Hindu god Vishnu riding his mount Garuda, is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. As of my last update in April 2023, estimates placed the construction cost for the entire GWK Cultural Park, including the statue, at around USD 100 million. This figure covers the cost of the statue itself. Which is one of the tallest of its kind in the world. As well as the development of the surrounding park. The statue stands at a height of 121 meters, making it one of the most significant cultural projects in Indonesia, designed to be a symbol of the island’s heritage and spirituality. The park spans over 60 hectares and includes not just the statue but also a cultural park that features exhibition halls, a large amphitheater. And other facilities intended to promote Balinese art and culture.

From Where Can You View the Statue Upon Arriving at Bali Airport?

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is visible from Bali Airport, greeting you upon arrival.

Garuda wisnu kencana statue Source: Pexels

You can Also Watch Kecak Dance in GWK

Craftsmen have specifically designed the Kecak Garuda Wisnu Kencana dance exclusively for GWK Cultural Park, unlike any other Kecak dance. This colossal dance performance combines Kecak dance, the world-famous Indonesian dance, with Ogoh-Ogoh, a gigantic puppet representing the mythical Garuda creature. 

Read more about the Kecak Dance.

The tale of Kecak Garuda Wisnu Kencana is based on the Mahabharata Tale. About the journey of Garuda, a birdlike being seeking the sacred elixir Tirta Amerta to free his mother from enslavement. God Wisnu (Vishnu), who is the keeper of the elixir, was moved by Garuda’s compassion, he agreed to assist Garuda in exchange for his loyalty. In addition to the beauty of the Kecak dance, you will experience the wonder of the Ogoh-Ogoh Garuda here. 

You can witness the distinctive Kecak Garuda Wisnu Kencana performance exclusively at GWK Cultural Park.

Final Words: Is It Worth Going Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park?

As we tell above, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is a must-visit place if you’re in Bali. It’s the best place to experience Balinese culture and enjoy the extravagant Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue. Furthermore, I highly recommend watching the Kecak dance, as it delivers a spectacular performance that you shouldn’t miss.

Looking for a beachfront hotel near GWK? Here SADARA Nusa Dua Resort is a Boutique Beachfront Resort in Nusa Dua-Bali with only 25 minutes to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. A resort that’s perfect for you who want to sense the Balinese hospitality and the beauty of Tanjung Benoa beaches.