Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is a prominent cultural park and an iconic symbol of art and culture located in the southern part of Bali, specifically in Unggasan-Jimbaran Hill, Tanjung Nusa Dua, Badung regency. It is approximately 40 kilometers south of Denpasar. Positioned on a limestone plateau, GWK offers panoramic views of the southern coast of Bali with stunning natural scenery. The park is situated at an elevation of 126 meters above the ground or 263 meters above sea level.

The centerpiece of GWK is the planned giant statue of Lord Vishnu riding Garuda, designed to be 12 meters tall. This statue is the creation of renowned Balinese sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta. When completed, the statue is intended to be a modern representation of ancient culture and traditions, serving as a landmark for Bali and a symbol of Indonesian tourism. The entire project aims to construct a statue that reaches a height of 126 meters with a wingspan of 66 meters, weighing approximately 4,000 tons. Although the park encompasses a total planned area of 200 hectares, only 100 hectares are currently possessed, with about 15% of the total work completed. Presently, the statue includes parts such as the torso of Lord Vishnu, the head of Garuda, and the hands of Lord Vishnu.

GWK offers various amenities, including numerous cafes and restaurants that provide a wide range of culinary services, from snacks and refreshments to full banquets. The onsite catering services can accommodate up to 2,000 servings of Indonesian, oriental, and international dishes. Notable dining spots include Jendela Bali the Panoramic Resto, which offers spectacular views.

The park also features several souvenir shops at the entrance, offering a variety of Balinese handicrafts and souvenirs. Nearby accommodations range from luxury villas to resorts, including Pat Mase Villas Hotel, Gending Kedis Luxury Villas Hotel, Bali Baliku Luxury Villa, Udayana Kingfisher Eco Lodge, InterContinental Bali Resort, Nirmala Hotel and Resort, Jimbaran Puri Bali Hotel, Keraton Jimbaran Resort and Spa, AYANA Resort and Spa, The Beverly Hills Bali Hotel, The Dreamland Luxury Villas and Spa, Puri Bambu Hotel, Swiss-Bel Hotel Bay View Suites and Villas, Langon Bali Resort and Spa, New Kuta Condotel, The Hill Villas Hotel, and Park View Heights Private Villas Hotel.

Visitors to GWK can engage in a variety of activities, including fun rides, adventure tours, art and cultural packages, wedding packages, Segway fun rides, and outbound activities. Daily events at the park include performances such as Kecak Tektekan, Balinese dance, Rindik music, Barong Ngelawang, Joged Bumbung, as well as Barong and Kris dances. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by two large statue hands at the entrance, providing a glimpse of the statue's impressive size. The entrance also features limestone walls carved with figures from Hindu stories, enhancing the park's grand and natural aesthetic.

The most convenient way to reach Bali is by air, with flights available from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and major cities in Indonesia. Ngurah Rai International Airport (IATA: DPS, ICAO: WADD), also known as Denpasar International Airport or I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, is located 13 km south of Denpasar.

Travel agents in Denpasar offer airport pickup services, and many hotels provide shuttle services at reasonable costs for guests.