The recently completed Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is inside the GWK Cultural Park. It’s for this reason we recommend visiting the Park to see this huge Bali statue up close. The structure took over 29 years to complete and stands over 120 meters tall. That’s an impressive 30 meters taller than the statue of liberty! It’s visible from just about any point on the island.

1. Where Is GWK Cultural Park

Located in the Bukit Peninsula, Bali’s southern region.

It’s a 10–15-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

When you’re done reading this article, make sure you check out our article on Where To Stay in Bali. Each area of the island offers something different.

2. How To Get There

The best way to travel around Bali is by scooter. Scooter rentals costs around 150,000 IDR per day and are available from almost any local, including those at your accommodation.

One-way rides are available through online apps like Grab or Gojek. But keep in mind, they’re more scarce in the southern side of Bali.

Alternatively, you could hire a private driver for the day.

3. Entrance Fee into the GWK Cultural Park (And Extra Costs)

• Parking costs 10,000 IDR per car.
• Entrance into the park for international tourists is 125,000 IDR for adults and 100,000 IDR for children.
• For Indonesians, it’s 80,000 IDR for adults and 60,000 IDR for students/children.
• To get to the Bali statue, you have the option of buying tickets for the park’s shuttle service called the GWK Loop, costing 5,000 IDR per person.
• It costs a further 100,000 IDR per person for a guide-assisted tour inside the Bali statue. You cannot take photos or your belongings with you to the top, so you’ll need to enjoy the view without them. They provide individual lockers for your valuables.

Food and drink are not included in the entrance price, but Bali’s traditional dishes are available at food trucks and more upmarket restaurants inside.

The entrance fee includes access to all regular shows and performances within the park.

4. Best Time To Go

The park opens at 8 am and closes at 10 pm every day.

Dance performances are between 10 am and 6:30 pm.

We never felt overrun by crowds due to the large size of the park and with each Bali statue (and other points of interest) being widely spread out. 

5. What To Expect at The GWK Bali Statue

You’ll need to hop on a bus that takes you to the ticket booth at the entrance to the park.

An incredible panoramic view of the entire island welcomes you as you walk into the grounds of the park. Take a moment to admire the island from this viewpoint.

Seeing the magnificent GWK sculpture come into sight is spectacular, and as you get closer, it’s detailed carvings become more evident.

The monument depicts the Hindu god Wisnu riding the mythological Garuda creature. It’s one of the tallest statues in the world and hosts a restaurant, museum, and viewing gallery inside it. As we mentioned, if you want to reach these spots in the Bali statue, you need to pay extra (at its entrance). 

6. Other Attractions Inside The Park

Even though the GWK Bali statue is the park’s highlight, there are other attractions and performances spread out over the 60-hectare area.

You’ll want to consider the shuttle service if you’re not up to walking miles in the heat of the day, especially with kids. For a reasonable price, you can rent a Segway and zip around the park in style.

Other high points of interest in the park include the statue of Garuda himself and below it, the Lotus Pond. If you visit these two locations, sarongs are given to both men a woman for religious purposes, at no extra cost.

7. Kecak Dance

If you’re interested in seeing the island’s history depicted through dance and traditional music make a stop past the amphitheater for the iconic Kecak Dance. We were amazed at the detail in the traditional outfits worn. You’re even welcome to try these costumes on and take a couple of pics.

If you’re interested in cultural dances and performances make sure you check out the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple. It’s number 10 on our list of best things to do in Bali. (details below). 

Best Restaurants Inside The Park

8. Our Conclusion Of The Massive Bali Statue In The GWK Cultural Park

The park is still a work in progress. Concept drawings suggest that the park has massive future plans. Some of these include a waterpark and courtyard filled with activities.

But as it stands right now, it’s pretty empty. Besides this massive Bali statue, the amphitheater, and the Lily Pond area, not much is going on.

Some tourists complained that it felt too empty or missing a vibe. Also, look out for special events and shows taking place during your period of stay.

Having said that we still recommend visiting the GWK cultural park to see the Bali statue up close and in full detail. And if you’re into all things culture related, you’ll enjoy the song and dance performances. 

We’ve included a visit to the GWK Cultural park in our list of top things to do in Bali. Make sure you have a look at our article below for other great things to do.