Garuda Wisnu Kencana
private tour bali
You must have heard about it, or at least seen it from afar if you have been to Bali. Garuda Wisnu Kencana is the giant statue in Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. The statue is 122 meters high and you can see the statue protruding from many places on the island.
The Garuda Visnu Kencana statue is located in Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park and was designed by Nyoman Nuarta and inaugurated in September 2018. The statue stands on a large pedestal and is designed after the Honduran history of Garuda’s quest for the elixir of life (Amrita). It is the tallest statue in Bali and can be seen from many locations. The monument is still quite young and was inaugurated in September 2018 by the mayor of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
It has been a very long and expensive job to build this tall statue. The construction took a total of 28 years and the costs are around 100 million US dollars. In 1997, construction of the large hodoe statue started, but due to the economic crisis, construction came to a standstill at the end of the 1990s. Construction resumed in 2013 and was finally completed in 2018. Not everyone was enthusiastic about the plans for the tall statue, the proponents hope to turn it into a new international tourist attraction and the opponents think the height and size of the statue is out of proportion to the island.
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a beautiful cultural park in the hills of the south coast of Bali. can be found in the hills. The park stands for the construction of the huge statue. The park is also very popular among culture lovers, both locally and internationally. There is much art to admire and cultural performances, exhibitions and conferences are held here.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a park of about 250 hectares. The purpose of the park is to highlight the cultural, artistic and culinary sides of Bali. The park is located at an elevation of about 260 meters above sea level in Uluwatu. The park is located on the coast, so you have breathtaking views of the ocean from the park. In the park you will find an amphitheatre, a gallery with art, restaurants, souvenir shops, an art market and a massage center.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
As you arrive at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, you’ll be greeted by the impressive sight of the monumental statue of Vishnu and Garuda, one of the tallest statues in the world, standing majestically at 120 meters. The entrance to the park features traditional Balinese architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens that set the tone for your visit. I’ll park the car, and before I let you go, take a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere around you. Make sure to grab your entrance ticket, and be prepared for an unforgettable cultural experience that lies ahead.
Explore the Monumental Statue
The highlight of your visit is undoubtedly the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue itself, which represents the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. The statue is a symbol of freedom, strength, and the connection between humans and the divine. You can walk around the base and take in its intricate details, which depict various stories from Hindu mythology. There are designated viewpoints for stunning photographs, so don’t miss the opportunity to capture this magnificent structure from different angles. Be sure to check out the smaller statues surrounding the main statue, which tell the story of the Garuda’s quest to retrieve the elixir of life.
Cultural Performances and Exhibitions
After visiting the statue, head to the park’s performance area, where you can enjoy traditional Balinese cultural performances. The park hosts various shows throughout the day, including the famous Kecak dance and other theatrical performances that reflect Bali’s rich artistic heritage. The performances typically feature vibrant costumes, traditional music, and captivating storytelling that brings the island’s culture to life. Check the schedule when you arrive to make sure you catch a show that interests you; this is a perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of Balinese culture while enjoying an entertaining performance.
Discovering the Art and Craft of Bali
As you explore further into the park, you’ll find several exhibitions and art galleries showcasing local crafts and artworks. Here, you can witness skilled artisans at work, creating beautiful sculptures, batik textiles, and intricate wood carvings that represent the island’s artistic traditions. Many of these artworks tell stories rooted in Balinese mythology, so take the time to engage with the artists and ask about their techniques and inspirations. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, this is the perfect place to purchase authentic pieces that reflect Bali’s rich cultural tapestry.
Enjoying Local Cuisine
No visit to Garuda Wisnu Kencana would be complete without indulging in some delicious local cuisine. The park features several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Balinese dishes. Be sure to try Nasi Campur, a mixed rice dish served with various side dishes, or Satay Lilit, a delicious Balinese-style satay made with minced meat and spices. These eateries provide a lovely setting to relax and refuel after a day of exploration. Don’t forget to try some local desserts, such as Pisang Goreng (fried bananas) or Klepon (sweet rice cakes filled with palm sugar), which are delightful treats to savor.
What to expect visiting Garuda Wisnu Kencana
When visiting Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, here’s what you can expect:
Iconic Sculptures: The main attraction is the gigantic statue of Garuda and Wisnu, one of the largest in the world, towering at over 120 meters. The craftsmanship and detail are breathtaking.
Cultural Shows: GWK offers traditional Balinese cultural performances throughout the day, including Kecak dance, Barong dance, and more. These are an enriching experience to witness local culture.
Spacious Grounds: The park is vast, so expect to walk quite a bit. Shuttle services are available, but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Panoramic Views: The park sits on a plateau and offers stunning panoramic views of Bali. On clear days, you can see as far as the ocean.
Facilities: There are cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops available throughout the park for refreshments and shopping.
Nearby tourist spots to Garuda Wisnu Kencana
When visiting Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, you can easily combine your trip with nearby attractions for a fuller experience. Here are some top suggestions:
Uluwatu Temple: Just 30 minutes away, Uluwatu Temple offers breathtaking ocean views and a famous Kecak fire dance performance during sunset.
Pandawa Beach: Known for its beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water, Pandawa Beach is perfect for relaxing or kayaking, only 20 minutes from GWK.
Dreamland Beach: A paradise for surfers and beach lovers, Dreamland Beach is 15 minutes away. Its stunning cliffs and clear waters make it a popular spot.
Jimbaran Bay: Known for its seafood restaurants, Jimbaran Bay is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset, located about 20 minutes from GWK.
Garuda Wisnu
private tour
extra information
During your tour to Garuda Wisnu, your safety and convenience come first. Our vehicles are comfortable, air conditioned and we offer many extras to make your tour perfect. During our tours we provide sarongs for the visit to the temples and we have water bottles available. Our drivers are experienced and know Bali like the back of their hand.
All our tours are customizable to your personal needs and you can also hire one of our local drivers for a fully customized tour. Our drivers go to great lengths to give you the experience you’re looking for.
Sit back and enjoy your Balinese experience with a local safe driver.
Sama sama tours is a local family business with over 20 years’ experience. We have the best drivers who know all the hidden gems and can drive you safely around our beautiful island.
- Family owned business
- Safe drivers
- Honest drivers, transparent fees
- Airport transfers
- Half day tours
- Full day tours
- Customize tours
We are looking forward to show you the beauty of our island!
Learn more about Garuda Wisnu on wiki.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana location
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is located Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Uluwatu, Bali