General Information
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. Spread across a vast landscape, GWK boasts the iconic statue of Lord Visnu riding the mythical bird Garuda and serves as a cultural park adorned with many attractions.
History of GWK
Established in 1992, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park Foundation envisioned creating a Bali Island landmark. I, Nyoman Nuarta, a co-founder and visionary, conceptualized the iconic masterpiece. Embarking on this ambitious journey, he transformed an abandoned limestone mine into a monumental cultural park in Ungasan village. Nyoman Nuarta gets guidance from a profound commitment to harmonizing humanity, the environment, and the divine, employing a combined land art and modern architectural landscape approach. The meticulous search for the ideal location spanned two years, culminating in selecting a barren hill in Ungasan.
Furthermore, the founders recognized the untapped tourism potential in this village, inspiring the GWK Foundation to initiate its rehabilitation. To bring the colossal sculpture to life, the foundation enlisted Nyoman Nuarta, a leading modern sculptor in Indonesia, to spearhead this monumental project. The cultural park opened to the public in 2000, unveiling sections of the Garuda Wisnu statue and conducting trials for various supporting facilities.
The Highlight:
- Colossal Statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana: Marvel at the monumental statue depicting Lord Visnu riding Garuda, a majestic representation of Indonesian mythology.
- Head Statue of Lord Visnu and Garuda: Admire the intricate details of the head statue, a testament to the skilled craftsmanship embedded in Balinese culture.
- Culture Park: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural park, featuring art exhibitions, traditional performances, and authentic Balinese architecture.
- Daily Culture Performances: Delight in daily cultural performances showcasing Indonesian dance, music, and ritual richness.
- Top of Statue Tour: Elevate your experience with a tour to the top of the statue, offering panoramic views of Bali’s southern landscapes.
- Authentic Balinese Cultures: Encounter the essence of Bali’s cultures through immersive experiences, art displays, and interactive exhibits.
- Restaurants and Boutique Shops: Indulge in Balinese cuisine at on-site restaurants and explore boutique shops offering local handicrafts.
- Shuttle Buses and Parking Slots: Conveniently access GWK with shuttle buses and ample parking slots, ensuring a hassle-free visit.
- Great Event Venues: Host or attend significant events in world-class venues within the GWK complex.
- International Standard Tourist Facilities: Enjoy facilities meeting international standards, ensuring a comfortable and enriching visit.
Best Time to Visit and Opening Time
GWK welcomes visitors daily with varied opening hours. The best time to visit is during cultural performances and events, adding an extra layer to your exploration.
Related Tour: Include GWK in your Uluwatu Tour, combining cultural richness with the scenic beauty of southern Bali.
Other Tourist Attractions Nearby
Extend your southern Bali exploration by visiting nearby attractions like Pandawa Beach, Gunung Payung, Melasti Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Dreamland Beach, Sakenan Temple, and the iconic Uluwatu Temple. Each destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
