visa bali Info – Garuda Wisnu Kencana or abbreviated as GWK, this place is one of the popular recreational and tourist attractions in the South Bali area.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a monumental place which is a mega project developed as a cultural park that accommodates various local arts and cultural activities.
The existence of the statue cannot be separated from Nyoman Nuarta as an artist or sculptor who had the idea of building a GWK statue.
Before you plan to take a vacation to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, first consider the 5 interesting facts about GWK below ;
1. Artist I Nyoman Nuarta
The big name of the famous sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta actually played a big role behind the splendor of this GWK statue.
This master of sculpture from Bali is a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, ITB. Not only the GWK statue, I Nyoman Nuarta is also the maker of the Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument statue in Surabaya.
2. GWK Sculpture with Deep Meaning
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park has the main icon in the form of a statue of Lord Vishnu riding his mount, namely Garuda.
This GWK Bali statue was made as a symbol of saving the environment and the world. This is because in the Hindu belief held by the majority of people in Bali, Lord Vishnu is the God Preserving the Universe. In addition, Garuda symbolizes freedom and selfless devotion.
3. It took 28 years to build
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Bali is a world-class masterpiece. However, it turns out that GWK was initiated 28 years ago when I Nyoman Nuarta was still young.
This fact of GWK Bali is certainly surprising because you can imagine how complicated and complex the process of building the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is.
The permit for the construction of the GWK itself was obtained by I Nyoman Nuarta from President Soeharto in 1993.
4. Involving 1000 Workers
The construction of this masterpiece of the Bali GWK statue involved 1,000 workers. The total workers are divided into two work areas, namely 400 workers in Bandung, while the other 600 workers work on this project on the Island of the Gods.
5. Inaugurated by President Jokowi
The inauguration of the Bali GWK statue was carried out directly by President Joko Widodo. The inauguration of the GWK statue was carried out on September 22, 2018.
In his speech, President Jokowi even mentioned that the GWK statue could last up to 100 years.
6. The difficulty of installing Garuda’s wings
Garuda’s wings stretch 64 meters to the right and left. Therefore, the installation of Garuda wings at GWK must wait for friendly weather and avoid strong wind moments.
Until the installation of the Garuda wings which is said to be one of the most difficult parts in working on the GWK statue.
7. Consists of 30 Floors
In fact, this GWK statue has 30 floors, but you can only climb up to the 23rd floor which is equivalent to the shoulder of the GWK statue.
Because the 30th floor or the top of the GWK statue is equivalent to the presence of the head of Lord Vishnu. Of course the local people regard the head of Lord Vishnu as a sacred thing. Therefore, it cannot be stepped on by just anyone.
What’s interesting about Garuda Wisnu Kencana ?
In addition to the Garuda Wisnu statue, at this Bali GWK culture park tourist spot, visitors can enjoy the view from the sunset.
This tourist spot also offers a variety of entertainment programs from the morning, until the evening. As ;
- Barong & Keris Dance
- Balinese Dance Performance
- Kecak Dancer Parade etc.
What facilities are there at GWK ?
GWK which was originally a cultural park, is now more complete with various facilities such as:
- Amphitheater
- Restaurant
- Souvenir shop
- Villa
- Segway Fun Ride
Location and Hours of Operation
Address :
Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Badung Regency, Bali 80364
Operating Hours:
Every day, 09.00 – 20.00 WITA
Well, the review of 7 interesting facts about Garuda Wisnu Kencana above and a little information about GWK may be useful for those of you who want to visit this Cultural Park.
