Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see a statue that is taller than the Statue of Liberty, the Christ the Redeemer, and the Spring Temple Buddha? If you are planning to visit Bali, you can make this dream come true by visiting the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. This park is home to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, a colossal monument that depicts the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. The statue is not only a masterpiece of art and engineering, but also a symbol of Indonesia's cultural and spiritual identity.
But the statue is not the only attraction in the park. The park also offers a variety of attractions and activities that will immerse you in the rich and diverse heritage of Bali. You can watch spectacular cultural performances, explore scenic gardens and ponds, enjoy panoramic views of the island, and indulge in delicious cuisine. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly outing, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, you will find something to suit your taste and budget at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about this amazing destination, from its history and significance to its features and facilities. We will also give you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your visit. By the end of this article, you will be ready to book your ticket and experience Bali's most iconic destination.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue: The Fourth-Tallest Statue in the World
The main attraction of the park is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which stands at a staggering height of 121 meters (397 feet), making it the fourth-tallest statue in the world. The statue is made of copper and brass, and weighs about 4,000 tons. It took more than 20 years to complete, and involved the work of hundreds of artists and engineers. The statue was officially inaugurated in 2018, and has since become a landmark of Bali and Indonesia.
The statue depicts the Hindu god Vishnu, who is the preserver and protector of the universe, riding the mythical bird Garuda, who is his loyal companion and mount. The statue represents the universal values of wisdom, courage, and loyalty, as well as the harmony between humans and nature. The statue is also inspired by the legend of Garuda, who was the son of a sage and a bird-like creature. According to the legend, Garuda had to free his mother from the bondage of his cousins, the nagas, who were half-human and half-serpent. To do so, he had to obtain the elixir of immortality from the gods, who agreed to give it to him if he could carry Vishnu across the cosmos. Garuda agreed, and became Vishnu's faithful servant and friend.
The statue is not only impressive in its size and design, but also in its symbolism and controversy. The statue has been praised for its artistic and cultural value, as well as its contribution to the tourism and economy of Bali. However, the statue has also faced some criticism and opposition, mainly from religious and environmental groups. Some people have argued that the statue is not in accordance with the Hindu scriptures, or that it is a form of idolatry. Others have claimed that the statue is damaging the natural landscape and ecosystem of the park, or that it is a waste of money and resources.
Despite the controversy, the statue remains a popular and awe-inspiring attraction for visitors from all over the world. The statue has a viewing platform, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the statue and the surrounding scenery. You can also take photos and selfies with the statue, or join a guided tour to learn more about its history and meaning. The statue is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and the entrance fee is 125,000 IDR (about 9 USD) for adults and 100,000 IDR (about 7 USD) for children.
Cultural Performances: A Showcase of Bali's Rich and Diverse Heritage
If you want to experience the authentic and vibrant culture of Bali, you should not miss the cultural performances that take place at the park. The park has two venues for the performances: the amphitheater and the street theater. The amphitheater is a large and open-air stage, where you can watch spectacular shows that feature traditional music, dance, and drama. The street theater is a smaller and more intimate stage, where you can interact with the performers and join the fun.
Some of the most popular and famous performances that you can watch at the park are:
Kecak dance: This is a unique and mesmerizing dance that involves a chorus of men who chant "cak cak cak" in a rhythmic and hypnotic manner. The dance tells the story of the Ramayana, an epic tale of love, adventure, and heroism. The dance usually involves a fire and a trance, and is performed at night.
Balinese dance: This is a graceful and elegant dance that expresses the emotions and stories of the Balinese people. The dance is characterized by intricate movements of the eyes, hands, and feet, as well as colorful costumes and accessories. The dance can be performed by men, women, or children, and can be either solo or group.
Barong Keris dance: This is a dramatic and exciting dance that depicts the battle between good and evil. The dance features the Barong, a mythical creature that represents goodness, and the Rangda, a witch that represents evil. The dance also involves the keris, a traditional dagger that is used by the dancers to stab themselves, but without any harm.
Garuda Wisnu ballet: This is a modern and spectacular ballet that showcases the legend of Garuda and Vishnu. The ballet combines classical and contemporary elements, as well as stunning visual effects and music. The ballet is performed by professional dancers and actors, and is a must-see for anyone who loves art and culture.
The cultural performances are held daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are included in the entrance fee. You can check the schedule and the location of the performances at the park's website or at the information center. You can also book a VIP seat or a private show for a special occasion or a group. The cultural performances are a great way to learn more about the history and traditions of Bali, as well as to enjoy the beauty and talent of the Balinese artists.
Lotus Pond: The Largest Outdoor Area in the Park
If you are looking for a scenic and serene spot in the park, you should visit the lotus pond. The lotus pond is a large and beautiful pond that is surrounded by limestone pillars and lotus flowers. The pond is a perfect place to relax and admire the nature, as well as to take photos and selfies. The pond is also a popular venue for events and concerts, as it can accommodate up to 7,500 people.
The lotus pond has hosted some of the most famous and memorable events and concerts in the park, such as:
Dream Theater: This was a rock concert by the American progressive metal band Dream Theater, which was held in 2011. The concert was part of the band's A Dramatic Tour of Events, and attracted thousands of fans and music lovers.
Iron Maiden: This was a metal concert by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, which was held in 2011. The concert was part of the band's The Final Frontier World Tour, and featured some of the band's classic and new songs.
Paramore: This was a pop concert by the American rock band Paramore, which was held in 2018. The concert was part of the band's After Laughter Tour, and showcased the band's evolution and diversity.
Bali Blues Festival: This is an annual music festival that celebrates the blues genre and its influence on the Indonesian music scene. The festival features local and international artists, as well as workshops and competitions. The festival is held every July, and is a must-attend for anyone who loves blues and jazz.
The lotus pond is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and is free to enter. However, if you want to attend an event or a concert, you may need to buy a separate ticket or a package. You can check the upcoming events and concerts at the park's website or at the ticket office. You can also rent the lotus pond for your own event or concert, if you have a large and special occasion. The lotus pond is a versatile and stunning venue that can cater to any type of event and audience.
Wisnu Plaza: The Highest Point of the Park
If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the park and the island, you should visit the Wisnu Plaza. The Wisnu Plaza is located at the highest point of the park, and offers a spectacular view of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, the Bali Strait, and the Indian Ocean. The plaza is also a place of worship and reverence, as it features a 20-meter high copper statue of Vishnu, who is the main deity of the park.
- The statue of Vishnu is a smaller version of the one that is mounted on the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, and is made of the same material and style. The statue is a tribute to the god of preservation and protection, who is revered by many Hindus and Balinese. The statue is also surrounded by a fountain, a garden, and a souvenir shop, where you can buy some gifts and memorabilia of the park.
- The Wisnu Plaza is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and is free to enter. However, you may need to climb some stairs or take a shuttle bus to reach the plaza, as it is located on a hill. You can also join a guided tour to learn more about the statue and the plaza, or enjoy a meditation session at the fountain. The Wisnu Plaza is a peaceful and spiritual place, where you can admire the beauty and majesty of the park and the island.
Indraloka Garden: A Beautiful Venue for Weddings and Celebrations
If you are looking for a lush and elegant venue for weddings and other celebrations, you should visit the Indraloka Garden. The Indraloka Garden is a green and gorgeous garden that is located near the lotus pond. The garden is a perfect place to host your special occasion, as it can accommodate up to 300 people and has a stunning view of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue and the ocean.
The park offers a variety of services and facilities for hosting events, such as catering, decoration, entertainment, and photography. You can choose from different packages and themes, depending on your budget and preference. You can also customize your event to suit your style and taste, by adding some extras and options. Some of the events that you can host at the garden are:
Weddings: You can have your dream wedding at the garden, with a romantic and exotic setting. You can exchange your vows under a flower arch, surrounded by your loved ones and nature. You can also have your reception at the garden, with a delicious and diverse menu, a live band or DJ, and a fireworks display.
Birthdays: You can celebrate your birthday at the garden, with a fun and festive atmosphere. You can have a cake cutting ceremony, a balloon release, and a games and activities corner. You can also have a buffet or a barbecue, a karaoke or a magic show, and a photo booth or a caricature artist.
Anniversaries: You can commemorate your anniversary at the garden, with a cozy and intimate setting. You can have a candlelight dinner, a champagne toast, and a dance floor. You can also have a spa or a massage, a flower bouquet or a chocolate box, and a video montage or a slideshow.
The Indraloka Garden is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and the price for hosting an event varies depending on the package and the number of guests. You can check the availability and the rates at the park's website or at the event center. You can also contact the park's staff for more information and assistance. The Indraloka Garden is a beautiful and versatile venue, where you can make your event memorable and unforgettable.
Conclusion
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is a sprawling parkland that showcases Bali's cultural and natural beauty. The park is home to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, the fourth-tallest statue in the world, as well as a variety of attractions and activities that will immerse you in the rich and diverse heritage of Bali. You can watch spectacular cultural performances, explore scenic gardens and ponds, enjoy panoramic views of the island, and indulge in delicious cuisine. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly outing, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, you will find something to suit your taste and budget at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.
If you are interested in visiting this amazing destination, you can book your ticket online or at the park's entrance. You can also book a hotel nearby, such as The Ungasan or Sadara Resort, which offer comfortable and convenient accommodation and transportation. You can also check out some of the other attractions and activities in the area, such as the Uluwatu Temple, the Padang Padang Beach, or the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre.
