Do you also spot a statue in South Bali? Well, that statue can be found in Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK), a cultural park on the hilly peninsula in the southern part of Bali. From various places in South Bali, such as Jimbaran, Uluwatu and even from the airplane, you can already see the enormous statue of Garuda and Vishnu. You guessed it: this is the largest statue in Bali. Of course, we wanted to admire it up close. In this blog I’ll tell you whether it’s worth visiting!
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What is Garuda Wisnu Kencana?
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a cultural park of approximately 60 hectares near Uluwatu. The park is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and his mount, the mythical bird Garuda. The idea for the park originated in 1992, but the impressive statue was only completed in 2018. The statue was designed by Indonesian sculptor Nyoman Nuarta and is intended as a symbol of Hindu culture in Indonesia.
The story behind the statue
In Hindu mythology, Vishnu is known as the protector of the universe. Garuda, a bird-like creature, became his mount after Vishnu helped him free his mother. The statue shows Vishnu sitting on Garuda’s back, ready to fight evil and restore balance to the world.
How tall is the statue in Bali?
The statue is no less than 122 meters tall, including the 46-meter pedestal. For comparison: the Statue of Liberty in New York is 93 meters tall. The GWK statue is therefore significantly larger and is the tallest statue in Indonesia (and thus also Bali) and one of the tallest in the world.
There is a special guided tour that takes you to the 9th and 23rd floors of the statue. During this tour, you’ll get a unique view over South Bali and learn more about the history and meaning of the statue. The cost for this “Top of Statue Tour” is IDR 350,000 per person. This price includes:
- An animated film in the Garuda Sineloka Mini Cinema
- Entrance to the GWK Cultural Park
- A guided tour to the 9th and 23rd floors of the statue
- A refreshing drink at Jendela Bali Restaurant
- Access to the ASANA Artseum
- Access to cultural performances in the amphitheater
If you only want to visit the park without taking the tour inside the statue, the cost for a regular entrance ticket is IDR 150,000 per person. With that, you can still do almost everything mentioned above, except taking the lift to the top. You can still walk inside the statue (after an extra security check) and view the artwork displayed there. You’ll also see photos and the story of the construction.
What is there to do in the GWK Cultural Park?
Besides admiring the enormous statue, the park offers various activities:
- Cultural performances: Traditional Balinese dances and musical performances are regularly held. These are included in your entrance ticket.
- Enjoying the view: From different points in the park, you have a beautiful view over Bali.
- Culinary options: It’s commercial, so the park is filled with restaurants. Try local dishes in the park’s restaurants.
One of the highlights is the Baraong Show, a spectacular dance performance that is held several times a week in the park’s amphitheater.
Other statues in the GWK Park
Besides the impressive main statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana, you’ll find various other remarkable statues and artworks in the park. These make your visit even more worthwhile:
1️⃣ Garuda Plaza (Plaza Garuda)
This is where the large head of Garuda stands, which was unveiled in 1997, even before the entire statue was completed. It’s a popular photo spot, and you can clearly see the details of the sculpture. This part of the statue is 21 meters tall and shows Garuda in his proud posture, with wings spread wide.
2️⃣ Wisnu Plaza (Plaza Wisnu)
This is the part of the park where you’ll find the statue of Vishnu alone, without Garuda. It is 20 meters high and stands on a hill with a beautiful view over Bali. Ceremonial dances and performances are often held here.
3️⃣ Kura-Kura Plaza
This is a smaller, quieter area with a statue of a turtle, which symbolizes the creation of the world in Balinese culture. It’s less well-known, but still nice to have a quick look.
4️⃣ Lotus Pond
This is a large square surrounded by limestone walls. It’s especially famous as an event location – large concerts, festivals and shows are organised here. The Lotus Pond is surrounded by beautiful statues and reliefs that showcase Balinese culture.
Our experience at the statue: is the park worth it?
Yes and no. It’s not authentic Bali anymore, but the statues are definitely very impressive, especially because of their size. There are several statues to see in the park, and the grounds are really huge. It’s no surprise you can take a paid shuttle bus directly to the big statue. It’s especially popular among tourists from China and India. Still, we enjoyed walking around here for a bit. It’s well maintained and not overly crowded, because the area is so large. You’ll be done in just over 2 hours.
We asked an Indian visitor who was there with his family to take a photo of us in front of the enormous statue. He was super enthusiastic and took an entire series of photos. Of course, he also wanted a group photo with us – chances are we’ll end up in their family album. When we looked back at the photos, we had to laugh: in most of them, half of the statue isn’t even in the frame.
How to get to Garuda Wisnu Kencana?
The park is located in Ungasan, in the south of Bali, and is easy to reach:
- By scooter or taxi: From popular areas such as Kuta, Seminyak or Ubud, it takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Do note that from the parking area you need to take a shuttle bus to the entrance.
- Organised tours: Several tours are available that combine a visit to GWK with other attractions in the area.
The park is open daily from 08:00 to 22:00.
Make a little deal with your taxi driver
A typical Bali moment: our taxi driver really wanted to wait for us. He even helped us with the tickets and walked with us all the way to the entrance of the park. When we were done, he was already waiting again. And all of that for just a few euros… So of course, we gave him a generous tip. In this case, having a taxi driver wait for you is quite convenient, because the complex is so large that they use shuttle buses to take you to the entrance. Those few extra euros are definitely worth it – and the taxi driver gets a great day out of it too.
Where to stay near Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Budget option: U Tube Hotel & Spa by Shailendra
This hotel is just a 5-minute drive from GWK and offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, an outdoor pool and free WiFi. The rooms are simple but neat, and some have a balcony or terrace. A great choice if you’re looking for an affordable stay close to the park.
Luxury option: Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Ungasan
For those who want to treat themselves, this hotel is an excellent choice. Located on the Jimbaran hillside, it offers beautiful views of the surroundings. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a spa and wellness centre, and modern rooms with all comforts. It’s also just a few minutes from GWK.
Our stay in Balangan
After visiting GWK, we stayed in the south of Bali but moved west towards Balangan. This part of the island feels a bit more upscale, with many luxury houses and villas for wealthy foreigners. You’ll also find beautiful resorts here. You can even find the largest statue in Bali nearby.
Our resort for the next four nights was La Joya Balangan Resort, located on a cliff with a beautiful view of the sea and sunset. We slept in a cosy Balinese bungalow, right in the middle of the resort’s lush green gardens. It was wonderfully peaceful. The pool was excellent, the food in the restaurant delicious and the atmosphere relaxed. A perfect place to celebrate our last days in Bali!
