Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Bali: GWK Travel Guide 2026

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, often called GWK Bali, is one of South Bali’s most iconic cultural attractions. Located in Ungasan, the park is home to the 121-meter Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, open-air plazas, cultural performances, photo spots, restaurants, and the popular Kecak Garuda Wisnu show.

If you are staying in Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa, Jimbaran, or Uluwatu, GWK is one of the easiest cultural attractions to add to your Bali itinerary. This guide covers what to see, ticket options, opening tips, how to get there, and why GWK is worth visiting during your South Bali stay.

How to Get to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Bali

Various means of transport are available to travel from your hotel to the GWK Bali site. Selecting a hotel in the southern region of Bali like Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Ungasan, Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak will make it easier for you to reach that site. So, what are the means of transport available to reach GWK?

Rent a motorbike

In Bali, motorbike rental is available at an economical rental rate. You can rent a motorbike for between IDR 75,000 and IDR 150,000 for 24 hours. Please remember to wear a helmet and get an international driving license when you drive.

Rent a Car with a Driver

To make it easier to travel, you might want to consider renting a car with a driver. The perk of this way is there is no need to find parking when visiting GWK. You may arrange for a driver to pick you up when you’re finished having fun at GWK Bali if you choose to use a car rental service. It’s much more convenient than driving your vehicle.

Book a Taxi

Taxi services are widely available in southern Bali, and you can choose from Bali’s conventional Taxi or an online taxi. There are two types of online taxis in Bali: car and motorbike, in case you were wondering. A taxi is the best option to avoid the hassle of bargaining with a rickshaw driver.

What’s Garuda Wisnu Kencana Looks Like?

While GWK is a cultural park, it’s more like a complex of cultural attractions than a single venue. There are four main areas, each of which has its own attractions. The complex is designed as a cultural park with a large open grass field and a surrounding garden. The main attraction is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue. There’s also an amphitheater, a Kecak Dance Performance, and a Lotus Pond. At GWK, you can witness a specially crafted Kecak dance performance designed exclusively for GWK Cultural Park. This traditional Balinese dance involves a troupe of approximately 50 men.

The centerpiece is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, one of the tallest and largest statues in the world. The statue is designed to be majestic and awe-inspiring, symbolizing the Hindu god Vishnu riding on the back of Garuda. Vishnu is depicted in a standing position, holding attributes such as a mace, lotus, conch, and discus, which are symbols of his power to create, sustain, and regulate the universe. Garuda is shown in a position as if he is soaring up into the sky, with wings spread wide and head lifted high, GWK Bali.

The statue and the park serve not only as a tourist attraction but also as a cultural symbol that showcases the artistic and spiritual heritage of Bali and Indonesia. It represents the harmonious relationship between humans and the divine, highlighting themes of protection, guidance, and the preservation of the universe.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Location: Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364

The History of Garuda Wisnu Kencana Bali

The development of the GWK Cultural Park commenced in 1992 on 60 hectares of land. The foundation of the project was laid out by The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Foundation. It intends to turn GWK Bali into the most recognizable icon in Bali and elsewhere. The founder of the GWK Foundation is I Nyoman Nuarta and he designed and drew the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue.

Finding the perfect location for the construction of the GWK Cultural Park was not simple. After conceptualizing the project, the Foundation took two years to find an appropriate location. Before the establishment of the GWK Cultural Park, the Ungasan hill in Bali served as a limestone mining site, positioned at an elevation of 146 meters above sea level or 263 meters above ground level.

This park features a giant statue that represents the Hindu God Vishnu riding on his carrier, the mythical bird-like being known as Garuda. In Hindu mythology, Vishnu is a god of preservation and protection, whereas Garuda is his carrier, who usually symbolizes morality and spirituality. This particular mythology is very meaningful in the Indonesian culture due to the significance of Hindu religion in Indonesia, especially GWK Cultural Park of Bali.

Since its completion, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana has become a significant tourist attraction in Bali. It not only offers visitors a glimpse into Balinese art and culture but also serves as a symbol of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and artistic achievements.

How Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue Build?

Among the most important features of the GWK Culture Park is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which has become its main attraction. This statue was designed by the famous Balinese artist I Nyoman Nuarta, and it is made of copper and brass.

Construction of the statue took 25 years to create and cost USD 100 million. Its initial design envisaged a height of 126 meters and a width of 60 meters, but the finished sculpture was 121 meters tall and 65 meters wide. The GWK statue, which is presently 75 meters tall, would stand at 121 meters if the pedestal were included. The iconic Statue of Liberty in the USA is 46 meters tall from the bottom of her copper structure to the torch. And 93 meters tall from ground level to the torch. There is a significant gap of 30 meters between the GWK statue and the Statue of Liberty as a result.

As for now, The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue has become an icon of Bali Island. It’s one of the most significant sculptures and the most challenging artwork, reflecting the significance of local Balinese culture.

GWK Bali FAQ

Should You Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park? Is Visiting GWK Bali Recommended?

Certainly, for those who intend to explore the culture of Bali further. The GWK Cultural Park should definitely be an important feature of any trip to Bali, being much more than the magnificent statue itself. Thanks to its food and dance shows, it provides visitors with a rewarding time out.

Although the significance of such a trip will always vary depending on the interests and tastes of individuals, the GWK Cultural Park surely represents an interesting combination of education, art, and nature. That many people will remember as a part of their trip to Bali.

What Does the Update for Entry to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Bali Cost?

Regular Entrance GWK Bali

Gives you access to all the Garuda Wisnu Kencana main areas, including exhibitions, art displays, and cultural performances.

On-site: IDR 150,000 per person
Online booking: IDR 125,000 per person

GWK Statue Tour (Entrance + Inside GWK Statue)

Step inside the majestic GWK statue and enjoy sweeping views from the 9th and 23rd floors.

On-site: IDR 350,000
Online: IDR 300,000

Barong Show Entrance

Catch the lively Barong performance at the amphitheater in the evening.

Show Performance only: IDR 100,000
Combo (Entrance + Show): IDR 200,000

There’s an Ultimate Bundle

Includes park entrance, statue tour, Barong show, refreshments, and full attraction access.

Price: IDR 400,000 per person

Buggy Shuttle (Just an Optional)

A quick ride from the entrance to the statue. This can be perfect if you want to skip the uphill walk.

Price: IDR 40,000

How Was the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue Built?

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue was created by Indonesian sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta as one of Bali’s most important cultural landmarks. It shows Lord Vishnu riding Garuda, a powerful symbol of protection, loyalty, and spiritual strength in Hindu tradition. Today, this massive statue has become an iconic part of South Bali’s skyline and one of the main reasons travelers visit GWK Cultural Park.

From Where Can You View the Statue Upon Arriving at Bali Airport?

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is visible from Bali Airport, greeting you upon arrival.

You can Also Watch Traditional Kecak Dance in GWK Bali

The Kecak Garuda Wisnu Kencana has been specially crafted just for GWK Cultural Park only, unlike any other Kecak dance.

The story of Kecak Garuda Wisnu Kencana is inspired by the Mahabharata Tale, where it talks about the journey of Garuda, the bird-like character who wants to get the holy nectar called Tirta Amerta in order to set his mother free from her slavery. God Wisnu (Vishnu), who owns the holy nectar, has been touched by the compassionate side of Garuda that made him help him with the loyalty of his soul. Along with the Kecak dance, you can also be amazed by the Ogoh-Ogoh Garuda.

Is It Worth Going Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Bali?

As we have discussed before, one of the places that tourists should visit in Bali is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. This park offers the perfect opportunity for people to immerse themselves into Balinese culture and see the impressive Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue. In addition, I strongly advise you to watch the Kecak Dance.

Looking for a beachfront hotel near GWK? Here SADARA Nusa Dua Resort is a Boutique Beachfront Resort in Nusa Dua-Bali with only 25 minutes to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. A resort that’s perfect for you who want to sense the Balinese hospitality and the beauty of Tanjung Benoa beaches.