Do you know the myth behind the biggest statue in Indonesia GWK? This magnificent work of art stands at a height of 121 m and has a wingspan of 64 m. Behind the grandeur of this statue, there’s a compelling myth to uncover and we’re here to help you with it, complete with its profound cultural meaning, and the unforgettable experiences that await visitors at GWK Cultural Park.
The Truth About GWK’s Stature
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) statue was designed to be Indonesia’s tallest and biggest statue. It stands at an impressive height of 121 m or 397 ft (including its base/pedestal), making it taller than America’s Statue of Liberty. Due to its height, this statue made out of 3,000 tons of copper and brass currently places fourth on the world’s tallest statue rankings. Additionally, its wide wingspan that reaches 64 m (210 ft) adds an enhancement to this statue’s grandeur.
The Myth of Garuda and Lord Vishnu
The inspiration for GWK, the biggest statue in Indonesia, sparked from one of the myths in Hinduism that tells the story of the mythical bird Garuda searching for the Tirta Amerta (the elixir of life). In this story, Garuda agreed to be Vishnu the Preserver’s ride in return for the right to use the Tirta Amerta to free his mother from slavery.
Garuda itself symbolizes loyalty, courage, and freedom, which are the qualities that resonate with Indonesia’s national identity. Therefore, Garuda is a very suitable subject to become an icon of Indonesia. Want to delve deeper into the story of Garuda and Vishnu? The must-visit place that gives you this opportunity is GWK Cultural Park.
Why You Must Visit GWK: Learning the Myth while Strolling
GWK Cultural Park is home to the biggest statue in Indonesia, the GWK statue. This park allows visitors to experience seeing the statue up close to feel its spiritual transcendence. What’s even more exciting and thrilling about this statue is that you can also experience its upper levels with the Top of the Statue Tour. With this tour, you will have the opportunity to ascend the statue to learn more about the myth of GWK and enjoy panoramic views of Bali from above.
The GWK statue isn’t the only attraction of this 60-hectare park, there are many more to explore:
- Tirta Amerta
What exactly is Tirta Amertha? In Hinduism, it is a type of holy water that will grant immortality to anyone who drinks it. This holy water is an important aspect of Garuda. This is because in Garuda’s story, the holy water has the ability to free his mother from slavery. Within GWK, Tirta Amerta is embodied in the form of a majestic fountain located in the entrance area.
- The Stair Near Plaza Kura-Kura
The stair heading to Plaza Kura-Kura is where you can find the Ananta Sesha Naga statue. This lengthy statue depicts a thousand-headed serpent from Hindu mythology. Hindus believe it’s one of the first and eternal beings, as well as the resting place of Lord Vishnu.
- Plaza Kura-Kura
There are several statues to explore within this area:
- Lakshmi Statue: This statue of Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes prosperity and is the consort of Lord Vishnu.
- Wishing Pond: Guests can toss coins into the pond for good luck and to make a wish.
- Four Avatars: These are the four incarnations of Lord Vishnu: Matsya (fish), Waraha (boar), Kurma (turtle), and Narasima (man-lion), who appear to protect the universe from evil.
- Turtle Guardian: A turtle-shaped stone that is believed to protect the building’s structural integrity from natural disasters.
- Plaza Wisnu
The highest point of this area features a 23-meter-tall copper statue of Lord Vishnu. There is also Parahyangan Somaka Giri, a sacred area with a holy spring that never dries, even during the dry season. Another iconic statue within this area is the statue of the sacred cow Nandini that is often seen in Hindu temples.
- Plaza Garuda
This area features a 18-meter-tall copper statue of Garuda representing loyalty, devotion, and selfless sacrifice. Its unique design, featuring diamond-shaped copper plates, is meant to evoke the look of feathers. You can also see that the Garuda statue is facing left which symbolizes self-reflection and the acknowledgment of one’s own imperfections.
- Lotus Pond
The Lotus Pond is the largest venue with a vast outdoor area (4,200 m²) that can hold up to 10,000 people, making it a popular choice for large events like concerts and international gatherings. The pond’s name and design are inspired by the lotus flower, a symbol of purity, spiritual transcendence, and liberation. Additionally, This area can be the perfect place to unwind by sitting leisurely while enjoying the great view of the limestone cliff.
- Street Theater
GWK offers 15 Balinese cultural performances every hour and every day. There are two places within GWK where you can watch these intriguing cultural performances, Amphitheater and Lotus Pond. The Amphitheater is where you can watch 13 Balinese cultural performances including Tari Sekar Jepun, Tari Sekar Nirwana, Tari Barong-Bojog, and many others. On the other hand, the Lotus Pond is where you can watch the Joged Bumbung Dance and Kecak GWK. These mesmerizing performances perform from 11 AM to 4 PM everyday. However, we advise you to check our website or social media for the exact showtime. In addition, experiencing these attractions doesn’t require extra fee because it’s already included in the regular ticket.
Plan Your Visit to GWK to Enrich Your Knowledge
The GWK statue is a masterpiece and attraction not to miss when you visit Indonesia or Bali. The sheer scale of the statue, its rich mythological story, and the diverse cultural experiences are all available at GWK Cultural Park. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your GWK visit + secure your GWK tickets to experience the biggest statue in Indonesia firsthand!