Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is about 10 minutes drive from International airport Ngurah Rai. This 25 hectares park is located in the southern part of Bali. The Park is a limestone plateau. In the past, this place was a limestone mining site and the small-scale unorganized limestone mining was done by the local people led to environmental destruction. Then, the GWK concept was created to avoid further destruction and provide job opportunities to the locals. But, there is a controversy regarding this idea. Some religious leaders believed that the giant statue may disturb the spiritual balance of the island.


Vishnu Statue

The initial concepts of the park that there will be a complete statue of Vishnu, one of the Hindu deities, riding his mount a bird, Garuda. This statue will stand on top of a pedestal building. The height of the statue will be 150 metres above the ground and one of Bali's icons. The pedestal building will consist of viewing gallery, restaurant, art gallery etc. When I visited this place, only two parts of the statue that have been completed, the Vishnu statue (22 metres height) and Garuda head statue (18 metres height). I do not know exactly why it takes so long
(the concept of the park has been created since Soeharto era, so it has been at least more than 10 years now) to make the statue and build the pedestal building. Is it because of the controversy, not enough financial support or high difficulties in the art works? I do not know, but I just imagine if the idea of the Park is fully accomplished, this place can be a very very attractive tourist site as you can enjoy the unique Balinese art work here... the sculpture, reliefs, statues.

I visited this park during the day to take some pictures of the Vishnu and Garuda. The park opens everyday and no admission fee. I walked and saw around the place. It is hot, so bring your hat or umbrella and apply sunscreen to avoid sun burning. At night, there are some daily events going on in the festival park. Sometimes, local, national and international concerts are conducted in this open space area. I had a chance to see the Kecak Dance in the festival park at night.


The Kecak Performance

The Kecak dance is a unique Balinese dance. The dance illustrate the Ramayana story. The legend is about Prince Rama saved the life of Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka, Rahwana. On his rescuing mission, he was helped by the white monkey, Hanoman. Finally, he succeeded to save the Princess and defeated the evil. The dance lasts about 45 minutes.

It is a unique dance and you must see it. The dance has no musical background like other dances you know. The dance is accompanied only by the rhythm which is produced by the melodious chanting of 'cak-cak-cak-kecak' chorus. Hence, it is named the Kecak dance. There are around 100 or more men sitting and making the human circle. They chant while they sway their bodies and wave their hands as well. They chant continuously while the dancers perform the epic Ramayana in the middle of the human circle. I love it. I would like to see it again if I go to Bali next time. It is a highly recommended performance that you must see in Bali.

You can see the Kecak performance in GWK Park. It performs everyday 6.30-7.30pm, so do not miss it ... and it is FREE!!! It is great, isn't it?