What is GWK?
A large cultural park built in an old limestone quarry, centred on a monumental copper and brass statue of the Hindu god Vishnu riding Garuda, the mythical bird. Completed in 2018 after decades of work, it's one of the tallest statues in the world. The park also has dramatic limestone cliff "corridors", plazas and amphitheatres with Balinese dance performances.
Tickets
GWK sells separate prices for foreign and domestic visitors, with children's tickets and packages that add a drink or access to the statue's upper levels. Prices change regularly, so check the official site. Buying online usually saves money compared with the gate.
Shows and performances
Balinese dance performances run at intervals through the day in the park's amphitheatres. The highlight is usually the Kecak fire dance around 6 pm, a chant-and-trance performance telling a story from the Ramayana. Check the day's schedule at the entrance.
How busy is it?
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Go when it’s quiet: see live crowds and the hourly forecast.
Tips
- Bring sun protection: the plazas are exposed and hot.
- Check the upper-level access if you want the view from the statue.
- Choose one Kecak: GWK's or Uluwatu's clifftop one, which is more famous but busier.
- Shuttles run inside the park if you don't want to walk the full distance.
Getting there
About 20 minutes from the airport and 30-45 minutes from Kuta, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua by car, Grab or Gojek. Uluwatu Temple is about 20-30 minutes further south.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying the gate price when online is cheaper.
- Booking both Kecak shows on the same evening.
- Visiting at midday without sun protection.
What to see
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue
The centrepiece is a giant copper-and-brass statue of the Hindu god Vishnu riding Garuda, his eagle mount, designed by Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta. Work began in the 1990s and stalled for years before the statue was completed in 2018. At about 121 m including its pedestal, it's one of the tallest statues in the world. Lifts inside the pedestal take visitors to viewing levels on some tickets.
Plaza Wisnu and Plaza Garuda
Two earlier sculptures, the head and torso of Vishnu and the head of Garuda, stand on terraces carved out of the limestone hill. They were made before the main statue was finished and are still among the park's best photo spots.
The limestone cliffs
The park was quarried out of the Bukit's limestone, leaving towering white walls and corridors that make a dramatic backdrop, especially at Lotus Pond, a huge open space used for concerts and events.
Cultural performances
Balinese dances run through the day at the amphitheatre and street stages, ending with the Kecak fire dance in the early evening. Show times change, so check the schedule at the entrance.
Best time to visit
Mid-morning on a weekday is quietest, but it's hot and exposed: the cliffs reflect the sun and there's little shade. Late afternoon is cooler, the light on the statue is warmer and you can stay for the Kecak, but that's when tour groups arrive. The dry season (April-October) is the most reliable for clear views. In the rainy season (November-March), afternoon storms are common, so go in the morning.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Monday, 9 am-1 pm
Busiest time
Sunday, 5-9 pm
Combining GWK with Uluwatu
GWK is on the road to Uluwatu, so many visitors combine them. Visit GWK in the late morning or early afternoon, then head 20-30 minutes south to Uluwatu Temple for sunset and its own Kecak dance on the clifftop. Or stay at GWK for its evening Kecak and skip the Uluwatu crowds. Traffic on the Bukit can be slow in the late afternoon, so leave extra time.
The story behind the statue
In Hindu mythology, Garuda, the king of birds, became Vishnu's mount in return for the amrita, the elixir of immortality, which he needed to free his mother from slavery. The statue shows Vishnu standing on Garuda's back with wings spread, a symbol of loyalty and devotion. Nyoman Nuarta conceived the project in the late 1980s as a landmark for Bali. Financial crises halted construction for more than a decade, and the statue was finally assembled from hundreds of segments and unveiled in 2018.
Is GWK worth it?
Yes if you're staying in the south of Bali and want to see the statue and a Balinese dance in one place. For temples and dramatic sea views, prioritise Uluwatu.
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FAQs
How tall is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue?
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About 121 m including the pedestal, one of the tallest statues in the world.
How much does GWK cost?
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There are separate prices for foreign and domestic visitors. Check the official site, as prices change. Online is usually cheaper.
What time is the Kecak dance at GWK?
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Usually around 6 pm. Check the day's schedule.
How long do you need at GWK?
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2-3 hours.
What's the best time to visit?
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Mid-morning on a weekday. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
