Complete Guide to Bali’s Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Bottom Line Up Front: GWK Cultural Park is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00 (last entry at 20:00). The must-see is the Kecak fire dance at Lotus Pond at 18:00 daily, plus 15 traditional performances rotating across three venues from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Located in southern Ungasan, the park’s limestone cliffs are popular photo spots.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, located on the Ungasan hills in southern Bali, is a magnificent cultural landmark blending art, mythology, and natural scenery. It features one of the world’s tallest giant statues and is one of the best places to explore Balinese traditional culture and mythology.
The Myth of Garuda Wisnu
In Hindu mythology, Garuda is a divine bird symbolizing strength and loyalty, while Wisnu (Vishnu) is the preserver god among the Hindu trinity. Legend has it that Garuda, to save his mother enslaved by a demon, fought gods and demons alike, eventually obtaining the secret of the ‘water of life’ (Amrita) and offering it to Wisnu. Deeply moved, Wisnu allowed Garuda to become his mount, and together they protect the world, symbolizing justice and peace.
The statue at GWK Cultural Park captures Garuda carrying Wisnu in a heroic pose, embodying the Balinese people’s reverence and perseverance for their faith and culture.
The Sculptor’s Great Achievement
This 122-meter-tall statue was created by renowned Indonesian artist Nyoman Nuarta. He began designing it in 1990, overcoming economic crises and numerous obstacles, finally completing it in 2018. The statue is assembled from over 1,500 components, weighing more than 4,000 tons, with the giant Garuda made of copper. The outer shell used over 25,000 square meters of copper, shaped and welded with stainless steel. The GWK copper statue also functions as a lightning rod.
The entire project took nearly 30 years and cost a staggering USD$100 million. It is not only the tallest statue in Indonesia and the fourth tallest in the world, but also the tallest Hindu deity statue globally, reflecting the artist’s boundless passion and perseverance for cultural heritage.
Why Visit GWK Cultural Park?
- Enjoy traditional Balinese dance and music performances (Kecak fire dance, Barong modern theater, etc.)
- Explore the interior of the Garuda Wisnu statue, one of the tallest in the world
- Capture stunning sunset photos with cultural architecture
- Browse the art market for local handicrafts
- Dine at Jendela Bali restaurant on the hilltop, overlooking Bali’s scenery
Ticket Information
1. Regular Entrance
- Price: IDR 150,000
- Includes: Park entry, ASANA Art Museum, cultural performances, and a basic drink at Jendela Bali (iced tea or ginger tea)
- Does not include access to the top of the statue
2. Entrance + Top of Statue Tour
- Price: IDR 350,000
- Includes all regular entry items plus a guided tour to the 9th level of the statue
- Children under 100 cm (approx. 3.3 ft) enter for free!
- Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 21:00 (last entry at 20:00)
- It’s recommended to buy tickets online to skip the queue and enjoy discounted prices!
Use the online Klook booking to save money and avoid waiting in line. Open the QR Code file in your email, scan it at ‘Counter 5,’ and exchange it for a physical ticket. It’s best to book only when you’re on your way to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, so you won’t waste the ticket price if your plans change.
🦅☀️🌴 GWK Cultural Park — the massive Vishnu statue and majestic Garuda are absolutely breathtaking 😍. You can also enjoy traditional performances here — a perfect blend of culture and nature. ▶Book tickets on Klook
Transportation Tips & Suggested Itinerary
- From Kuta or Seminyak: About 30–40 minutes by car
- From Ubud: About 1.5–2 hours by car
- Recommended transport: Grab/Gojek ride-hailing apps, or private car hire
If you drive, the cultural park offers ample parking and a free shuttle service.
Vehicle Type | Parking Fee (IDR) Motorcycle | 5,000 Small Car | 10,000 Tour Bus | 20,000
Best Time to Visit
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Cooler weather, fewer crowds
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Catch the sunset and cultural performances
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: The park lights up for a romantic, enchanting atmosphere
Best Sunset Photo Spots:
- Plaza Wisnu: The highest point in the park, offering panoramic views of the Garuda Wisnu statue and sunset
- Jendela Bali (Window of Bali) Restaurant: Enjoy the sunset while dining
Must-See Attractions & Activities
Garuda Wisnu Statue: The tallest Hindu deity statue in the world
Lotus Pond: A massive outdoor plaza, often hosting performances and events
Kecak Fire Dance: Daily at 18:00 at Lotus Pond
Barong Show: Some days at the open-air theater (check schedule)
Cultural parades, traditional dances, Balinese musical performances: Randomly staged at different times each day
GWK Free Performance Schedule (for reference only, subject to on-site changes)
Beyond its grand statue, GWK Cultural Park offers a rich array of Balinese art and cultural performances. From 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, 15 shows rotate across three different venues.
Performance Schedule:
Amphitheater (800 seats)
- 11:00 - Flower Dance, Seated Kebyar Dance, Sweet Mask Dance
- 12:00 - Fierce Jauk Dance, Dragonfly Dance, Seated Kebyar Dance
- 13:00 - Flower Dance, Gentle Jauk Dance
- 14:00 - Monyer Mask Dance, Gentle Jauk Dance
- 15:00 - Dragonfly Dance, Barong Bojuh Dance
Vishnu Plaza
- 4:00 PM - Bali Cultural Parade “Bali Ritual” (a creative dance showcasing religious ceremonies)
Lotus Pond
- 5:00 PM - Bamboo Pole Dance (invites visitors to join in)
- 6:00 PM - Monkey Dance (tells the story of the divine eagle searching for holy water to save its mother, can be enjoyed while watching the sunset)
All performances are included in the ticket price, with no extra charge. You can take photos with the dancers after each show.
Dining Recommendations
Jendela Bali: A high-altitude restaurant serving authentic Balinese cuisine
GWK Food Court
A variety of local snacks, juices, and fried foods
The Berandas
A fusion of Western and local flavors
Getting Around the Park
At Bali’s Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, the sprawling grounds cover over 60 hectares, so walking from the entrance to the main statue area can take considerable time and effort. If you’d rather not work up a sweat and want to save your energy for enjoying cultural performances and snapping photos, opting for the park’s transportation options is a smart move.
🚗 Buggy (Golf Cart / Shuttle)
This is the most popular way to get around the park, ideal for families, seniors, and those with young children. The buggy shuttles visitors back and forth from Plaza Bhagawan (ticketing area) to the Garuda Wisnu main statue zone, letting you soak in the park’s scenery without the strain.
- Cost: Approximately IDR 40,000/person (about USD$1)
- You can add this shuttle service when purchasing tickets on-site or online.
👇 Insider Deals for Bali 👇
🛴 Segway / Electric Scooter Rental Experience
Looking for a unique way to explore GWK? Give Segway gliding a try! This activity is mainly centered around the Lotus Pond area, offering a fun and effortless way to tour the expansive plaza and limestone landscape.
- 10-minute trial: USD$4/person (about NT$130–140)
- 20-minute advanced experience: USD$7/person (about NT$230–250)
No reservation is needed—just ask about rental availability when you reach the Lotus Pond.
GWK Cultural Park Tour Route
Want to visit GWK Cultural Park but not sure about the best route? Don’t worry—here’s a complete guide to exploring GWK Cultural Park.
Getting In After arriving at the parking lot, visitors can take a free shuttle bus to two stops: the ticket office at Plaza Bhagawan or Jendela Bali restaurant.
Tour Route
Park Map
1. Tirta Amerta Holy Water Fountain Once you’ve purchased your ticket, the tour begins. The first thing you’ll see is the holy water fountain pool, which serves as a welcoming feature at the park’s entrance. According to GWK Cultural Park’s operations director, Stephanus, this design echoes the story of Garuda and Lord Vishnu.
2. Plaza Kura-Kura (Turtle Plaza) The first stop is Turtle Plaza, a lush little garden with a pond, trees, and turtle statues. At the center of the pond stands a statue of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, where visitors can toss coins and make wishes.
3. Plaza Wisnu (Vishnu Plaza) Climb the stairs to reach Vishnu Plaza, home to a statue of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe—a perfect photo spot.
The plaza also features an eternal spring from Parahyangan Soma Kagiri. Remarkably, despite being located on high ground in a limestone area, this spring has never dried up and is said to have existed long before GWK Cultural Park was built.
4. Plaza Garuda (Garuda Plaza) After admiring the eternal spring, head down the stairs to Garuda Plaza. Here, you’ll find a statue of Garuda’s head, the mount of Lord Vishnu, making it one of the most popular photo spots for visitors.
5. Garuda Sineloka Mini Cinema Near Garuda Plaza, there’s a mini cinema that plays an animated story about a young Garuda striving to obtain holy water. The film runs once every hour from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
6. GWK Statue To reach the GWK statue, you can either walk or rent an electric cart. Along the way, you’ll pass Festival Park, Lotus Pond, and Titi Banda Bridge.
Upon arriving at the GWK statue, visitors with premium tickets can enter the statue and ascend to the 9th and 23rd floors, enjoying panoramic views of Bali from above.
All visitors can take photos and videos in front of this 122-meter-tall statue, with two photo angles available: the front and the left side.
7. Art Performances At the end of the tour, enjoy various art performances at the amphitheater, lotus pond, and Vishnu Square.
8. Shopping & Dining Near the exit, you’ll find the Kencana souvenir shop and the ASANA art gallery. Visitors can also dine at the Bali Window Restaurant while taking in the sunset views.
Visit Duration On average, visitors need 3 to 4 hours to fully explore all areas of the cultural park. It’s recommended to set aside enough time to deeply experience every corner of the GWK Cultural Park!
Kencana Souvenir GWK Bali Gift Shop
Offering four curated Balinese souvenirs:
Balinese Endek Fabric - Endek fabric is handcrafted by local artisans using natural dyes, featuring unique patterns that symbolize Bali’s rich culture.
Balinese Specialty Accessories - Bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and other accessories with distinctive designs, perfect for everyday wear.
Balinese Specialty Foods - Sweet pia legong, crispy Balinese peanuts, and various local snacks, letting you savor authentic Balinese flavors.
GWK Official Merchandise – including bags, T-shirts, hats, tumblers, and miniature statues of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park – makes for unique travel souvenirs.
Each item is carefully selected to ensure both quality and aesthetic appeal.
Travel Tips & Outfit Suggestions
- Wear lightweight cotton or linen clothing
- Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park has varied terrain
- Carry a water bottle, power bank, and a light jacket
- Although it’s not a temple area, modest attire is still recommended
Klook Discount Coupons
- Bali Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Admission Ticket
- Bali Beach & Garuda Wisnu Kencana & Uluwatu Temple Sunset Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Garuda Wisnu Kencana worth visiting?
Absolutely! Beyond the stunning statue, you can deeply experience Balinese culture and performances, making it enjoyable for all ages.
How much is the ticket price?
Tickets start from 150,000 IDR, with prices varying based on the performance and guided tour content. ▶Klook Booking Link
Where is GWK Cultural Park?
Located in Jimbaran, Bali, about a 15-minute drive from the international airport.
Can you go inside the giant statue?
Yes! Purchase a guided tour ticket to enter the statue and visit the 9th and 23rd floors, while learning about its construction history.
Best spot to watch the sunset?
Plaza Wisnu is the best spot, or enjoy the sunset while dining at Jendela Bali restaurant.
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