Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park – GWK Bali

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park area is the first real rock and steep sloping then transformed into the beautiful and amazing with charming architecture. Implementation of the process by means Bukit cut into giant pillars like building in Egypt but still with the feel of Bali. From the Garuda Wisnu Kencana, we can see how beautiful Kuta Beach, Jimbaran, Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport and the Port of Benoa.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park –  The Icon of Civilization

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Bali Tourist Attractions, Bali Green Tour

Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK BALI)

Rise from the rugged hills of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, the magnificent Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue stands watch over the island. The towering statue is Bali’s most iconic landmark and depicts the Hindu God Wisnu, atop his mount, the mythical eagle, Garuda. The Garuda is the national emblem of Indonesia, an enduring symbol of freedom from oppression. Soaring to a height of over 120 meters, this is one of the tallest monumental statues in the world, higher than both the Statue of Liberty and Christ the Redeemer.

The statue makes a stunning central feature of GWK, a fascinating 60-hectare cultural park that draws visitors from around the globe and provides a tantalizing glimpse into Bali’s fascinating heritage through intriguing cultural performances, legendary folklore tales, immense sculptures, and dramatic cinematic presentation. Enjoy panoramic island views as you explore the park on foot or by Segway. Indulge in Indonesian heritage cuisine, immerse yourself in a land steeped in mythology, or plan your next big event in one of GWK’s epic venues.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue depicts Wisnu riding Garuda. In Hindu mythology, Lord Wisnu is seen as the protector of the Universe, while his trusted companion, the mighty eagle-like Garuda represents loyalty and selfless devotion. Kencana means gold, and both are adorned in crowns of gold mosaic. The Garuda is also the national emblem of Indonesia and represents freedom.

Designed by renowned Balinese artist Nyoman Nuarta, the statue is made of copper and brass and features 754 modules with 25 steel segments weighing in at a hefty 900 tons, with a steel weight of 1300 tons. The statue and pedestal is 120.9 meters high with a width of 64 meters thanks to Garuda’s wingspan.

Story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Here is the story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana which follow the birth and deeds of the mythical bird Garudaas quoted from Wikipedia. You can find this story carved into stone relief, placed in Garuda Wisnu Kencana Street Theater. The story of Garuda’s birth and deeds is told in the first book of the great epic Mahabharata. According to the epic, when Garuda first burst forth from his egg, he appeared as a raging inferno equal to the cosmic conflagration that consumes the world at the end of every age. Frightened, the gods begged him for mercy. Garuda, hearing their plea, reduced himself in size and energy.

Garuda’s father was the creator-rishi Kasyapa. His mother was Vinata, whose sister was Kadru, the mother of serpents. One day, Vinata entered into and lost a foolish bet, as a result of which she became enslaved to her sister. Mahabharata mentions about a bet between sisters and wives of Kashyapa, Vinata and Kadru, about the colour of Uchchaihshravas‘s tail. While Vinata, the mother of Garuda and Aruna, said it was white, Kadru said it was black. The loser would have to serve as a servant of the winner. Kadru told her sons, Naga (“serpent”), to cover the tail of the horse and thus make it appear as black in colour and thus, Kadru won.

Resolving to release his mother from this state of bondage, Garuda approached the serpents and asked them what it would take to purchase her freedom. Their reply was that Garuda would have to bring them the elixir of immortality, also called amrita. It was a tall order. The amrita at that time found itself in the possession of the gods, who guarded it jealously, since it was the source of their immortality. They had ringed the elixir with a massive fire that covered the sky. They had blocked the way to the elixir with a fierce mechanical contraption of sharp rotating blades. And finally, they had stationed two gigantic poisonous snakes next to the elixir as deadly guardians.

Undaunted, Garuda hastened toward the abode of the gods intent on robbing them of their treasure. Knowing of his design, the gods met him in full battle-array. Garuda, however, defeated the entire host and scattered them in all directions. Taking the water of many rivers into his mouth, he extinguished the protective fire the gods had thrown up. Reducing his size, he crept past the rotating blades of their murderous machine. And finally, he mangled the two gigantic serpents they had posted as guards.

Taking the elixir into his mouth without swallowing it, he launched again into the air and headed toward the eagerly waiting serpents. En route, he encountered Vishnu. Rather than fight, the two exchanged promises. Vishnu promised Garuda the gift of immortality even without drinking from the elixir, and Garuda promised to become Vishnu’s mount. Flying onward, he met Indra the god of the sky. Another exchange of promises occurred. Garuda promised that once he had delivered the elixir, thus fulfilling the request of the serpents, he would make it possible for Indra to regain possession of the elixir and to take it back to the gods.

Indra in turn promised Garuda the serpents as food. At long last, Garuda alighted in front of the waiting serpents. Placing the elixir on the grass, and thereby liberating his mother Vinata from her servitude, he urged the serpents to perform their religious ablutions before consuming it. As they hurried off to do so, Indra swooped in to make off with the elixir. From that day onward, Garuda was the ally of the gods and the trusty mount of Vishnu, as well as the implacable enemy of snakes, upon whom he preyed at every opportunity.

Bali Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Facilities:

  • Lotus Pond surrounded by stone pillars and rock background Garuda bird statue’s head with a capacity of 7500 people made ​​the area is ideal for a variety of grand performances, both national / international.
  • Plaza Wisnu art shop selling various Balinese handicrafts.
  • Exhibition Hall space to hold exhibitions.
  • Amphitheatre with a capacity of 800 seats and first-class acoustic arrangement is performance art.
  • Street Theatre is an outdoor stage for music concerts, fashion shows and other performances.
  • “Jendela Bali” Restaurant with panoramic of Jimbaran Beach.

When entering Bali Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park area you will be encountered several pieces of natural rock pillars wich high 25 feet are standing firm. Not far from Lord Vishnu statue, there is a sacred spring called Parahyangan Somaka Giri, why say sacred, because the water is coming out of the barren limestone hills. The water is believed to cure various diseases, also used as requirements to summon rain.

Daily Performances GWK Bali

1. Balinese Dance

The beauty of the Balinese dance lies in the complexity of the gestures of fingers, hands, head, feet, and eyes. The Balinese dances are extremely dynamic, angular and intensely expressive, all the movements are very elegant. Most of the dances are accompanied by a rich storyline.

Amphitheater10:00 – 10:40 WITA

2. Rindik Instrument

The Rindik instrument is usually played at ceremonial events, restaurants and hotel lobbies. It’s a traditional Balinese instrument with a very simple, yet distinctive sound. The instrument is usually played by three musicians and it requires a good concentration to play the different tempos and compositions.

Jendela Bali Restaurant12:00 – 14:00 WITA
Ground Floor Pedestal GWK Statue14:00 – 18:00 WITA
Tirta Amertha Gate12:00 – 16:00 WITA
Plaza Bhagawan Ticketing Area12:00 – 16:00 WITA

3. Barong Keris Dance

This iconic dance-drama tells the story of Walederi kingdom, ruled by a king named Dasapati, who has two sons name Sunda and Upasunda. Their power and ambition to rule the world finally heard by God Indra. He felt so anxious, therefore God Indra sent the foremost beauty angel, Nilotama to tempt the Sunda and Upasunda’s meditation.

Amphiteater11:00 – 11:40 WITA

4. Garuda Wisnu Ballet

Is a traditional Balinese ballet (Sendratari) that performed the story of the Garuda Wisnu on the stage. Garuda bird is a bird from mythology and also mentioned in the first book of great epic Mahabrata. Garuda is God Vishnu’s trusted companion.

Amphitheater13:00 – 13:40 WITA

5. Joged Bumbung

Joged Bumbung Dance which is obviously connected with the season life in the fields or dedicated to Dewi Sri, Godness of Fertility, as a thanks giving ceremony

Tirta Amertha17:30 – 18:20 WITA

6. Nusantara Dance

The Nusantara dances cover different kind of traditional performances from all over Indonesia, the dances are very diverse and cover typical styles of the different islands. The show will be different every day.

Amphitheater14:00 – 14:40 WITA

7. Balinese Parade Kang Cing Wie

Kang Cing Wie is ancient Balinese folklore based on a true story. The story portrays acculturation of Chinese with Balinese Society. Several characters from this story appeared in the parade.

Plaza Wisnu, Lotus Pond and Festival Park16:00 – 17:20 WITA

8. Kecak Garuda Wisnu

One of Bali’s most impressive and traditional dances is called the Tari Kecak Dance, or ‘Fire dance’. The music of this dance is supported only by the chanting of the male dancers, who intone a “Keh-Chak” choir during the entire performance. The artful Kecak dance is accompanied by a storyline of the Ramayana Hindu narrative.

Lotus Pond18:30 – 19:20 WITA

9. Garuda Cilik Cinema

Animation film presented by GWK Cultural Park. Tells a story about the adventure of Sang Garuda to get Amerta for saving his mother from slavery.

Garuda Cinema11:00 – 11:35 WITA
12:00 – 12:35 WITA
13:00 – 13:35 WITA
14:00 – 14:35 WITA
15:00 – 15:35 WITA
16:00 – 16:35 WITA
17:00 – 17:35 WITA
18:00 – 18:35 WITA

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Location

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK) Bali is located in the southern Badung area about 20 minutes from Kuta. That’s very easy to access it from the Ngurah Rai Airport and hotels in Nusa Dua. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is located in the hills of limestone and rock, exactly over the hill of Nusa Dua Pecatu-Badung regency that about 40 kilometers south of Denpasar City Bali, it was approximately 30 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai when using a motor vehicle.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Map