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Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is one of the most iconic monuments in Indonesia, especially in Bali. This giant statue is not only a symbol of cultural pride, but is also a tourist attraction that attracts millions of visitors every year. Let's explore more deeply the history, size and various interesting facts about GWK, as well as tourist information about this area.
History of Garuda Wisnu Kencana
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is a monumental work of art initiated by the famous Balinese artist, I Nyoman Nuarta. Construction of this statue began in 1997 with the aim of becoming a symbol of the greatness of Balinese culture and spirituality. This statue depicts Lord Vishnu, one of the main gods in Hinduism, riding Garuda, a mythical bird which is his mount. The construction of this statue experienced several delays due to the economic crisis and technical challenges, but was finally completed and inaugurated in 2018.
The size of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is 121 meters high, including the pedestal or base of the statue. With this height, GWK is one of the tallest statues in the world, even taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York. This statue is made of a mixture of copper and brass, with a total weight of around 3,000 tons. The details of this statue are amazing, from the face of Lord Vishnu to the intricate feathers of Garuda, showing the extraordinary skill in making the statue.
Interesting Facts about Garuda Wisnu Kencana
1. Construction Time : The construction of this statue took more than 20 years, starting from 1997 to 2018.
2. Material : Made from more than 25,000 copper and brass rods.
3. Modular Construction : The statue was built using modular techniques, with the statue's parts transported and assembled on site.
Location of Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is located in the Ungasan Hill tourist area, Badung Regency, Bali. This location is on a plateau, so visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Bali coast and the surrounding landscape. Apart from that, this area is also easily accessible from various popular tourist destinations in Bali, such as Kuta, Seminyak and Uluwatu.
Entrance Ticket and Operating Hours
GWK visitors need to buy an entrance ticket to enjoy the beauty of the statue and the surrounding area. Ticket prices vary depending on the category of visitor, such as adults, children, students and WNA (Foreign Citizens). GWK operational hours usually start from 08.00 to 22.00 WITA, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the statue both during the day and at sunset.
Tourist Attractions Around Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Around the GWK area, there are various interesting tourist destinations that are worth visiting:
1. Jimbaran Beach : Famous for its white sand and beachside seafood restaurants serving fresh seafood.
2. Pura Luhur Uluwatu : A temple located on a cliff with stunning ocean views.
3. Pandawa Beach : Beautiful beach with white sand and calm waves, suitable for swimming and relaxing.
4. Melasti : Famous as the location of the Melasti ceremony, a self-cleansing ritual in Balinese Hinduism that is performed before Nyepi Day. This ceremony provides a unique cultural experience for visitors who want to get closer to local traditions.
Culinary Recommendations Around Garuda Wisnu Kencana
After exploring GWK and its surroundings, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy typical Balinese culinary delights:
1. Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh : A spicy and delicious chicken betutu dish, cooked with traditional Balinese spices.
2. Seafood in Jimbaran : Seafood restaurants in Jimbaran offer a dinner experience with fresh seafood while enjoying the sunset on the beach.
3. Warung Nasi Ayam Ibu Oki : Serves chicken rice with rich Balinese spices, perfect for experiencing local flavors.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is not only a magnificent monument, but also a cultural center rich with spiritual and historical values. With all its beauty, GWK is the perfect destination to visit while on holiday in Bali, offering an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
To make your trip comfortable when traveling around the tourist attractions around Garuda Wisnu Kencana, you can rent a car via rental. There are various vehicles that can be chosen according to your needs.
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