Explore its mythical origins and the incredible story behind its creation
Garuda Wisnu Kencana tells the timeless story of devotion, sacrifice, and harmony between duty and compassion. The tale centers on Garuda, a mighty mythical bird, and his unwavering loyalty to his mother, Dewi Winata. Bound by a curse and enslaved by her sister, Dewi Kadru, Winata can only be freed if Garuda obtains Tirta Amerta, the sacred elixir of immortality guarded by the gods.
Bhagawan Kashyapa was a wise man known for his deep knowledge and ability to keep peace between his two often-arguing wives, Dewi Winata and Dewi Kadru. Both wives asked him for children. Dewi Winata requested just two eggs, while Dewi Kadru asked for 1,000 eggs so she could outdo Dewi Winata.
This stunning plaza is designed in a traditional Balinese style with intricate carvings and ornate details that showcase the island's rich cultural heritage.
Tirta Amertha is the sacred water owned by Lord Wisnu. Its power can make all living beings immortal. In the story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Garuda must obtain Tirta Amertha to save his mother, Dewi Winata. However, it becomes a challenging journey for Garuda, as he can only get it directly from Lord Wisnu by overcoming obstacles from the heavenly armies.
This area serves as the starting point of the visitor experience. Tirtha Amertha is a water and plaza area that features miniature reliefs and installations depicting the legend of Garuda’s search for the Tirta Amerta.
A small, lush garden features a pond decorated with turtle statues, which you reach after climbing stairs adorned with Naga Anantashesa statues. At the end of the pond stands a statue of Dewi Laksmi, the goddess who represents prosperity, fertility, and peace. The Turtle Plaza also houses four reliefs of Lord Vishnu's avatars:
Matsya, the giant fish who saved the earth from a great flood;
Varaha, the boar who defeated the fearsome demon Hiranyaksha;
Kurma, the cosmic tortoise who supported the churning of the ocean;
Narasimha, the lion-headed protector who vanquished an invincible tyrant.
From Tortoise Plaza, visitors can ascend 70 symbolic steps leading to Plaza Wisnu, tracing a sacred journey from the search for the elixir of life to the embodiment of divine wisdom above.
Lord Wisnu is the Hindu god of preservation, maintaining balance in the universe alongside Brahma the creator and Shiva the destroyer. He takes various avatars, or incarnations, to protect the world from evil. Standing tall at 23 meters, the majestic statue of Lord Vishnu—crafted from copper—serves as the main icon and focal point for visitors in this sacred space.
This area also houses Parahyangan Somaka Giri, a holy site that holds an eternal spring—an ever-flowing water source that never dries, even during the dry season.
As the mythical mount of Lord Vishnu, Garuda symbolizes unwavering loyalty, selfless devotion, and noble sacrifice. Depicted as a half-human, half-eagle creature, the Garuda statue at GWK stands 18 meters tall and is crafted from copper.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is one of the world’s most remarkable monuments, standing as the fourth tallest statue globally and the widest of its kind. Towering at 120.9 meters with Garuda’s wings stretching 64 meters across, the statue dominates the skyline of Bali, symbolizing strength, devotion, and cultural pride.
