School Field Trip to GWK: A Unique Experience for Students to Learn Balinese Culture

Looking for a school field trip destination that doesn't stop at photos in front of a tourist icon? GWK Cultural Park in South Bali offers something different. There, students can learn about culture firsthand in a single 60-hectare area, from the story behind the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue to daily dance performances and spacious open spaces for discussions.

For those of you planning an educational visit to Bali, this article summarizes reasons, activities, sample schedules, and ticket promotions valid until December 20, 2026. Read until the end!

Why is GWK Suitable for School Field Trips ?

Source: GWK Cultural Park

There are several reasons why GWK Cultural Park is worthy of being included in the list of educational tours in Bali for groups of students:

• A cultural area with a powerful story. The 121-meter-tall Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue stands in the center of the cultural area, making it the fourth-tallest monumental statue in the world. The mythology behind this statue provides a fascinating learning experience for students.
• Daily cultural performances. A total of 15 performances are held daily, including the Kecak Dance and the special BarAong Show, performed at the Amphitheater and Lotus Pond.
• Wide open space. Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Amphitheater and plazas in this area provide space for groups to move and gather comfortably.
• Supporting facilities within the complex include Beranda Resto, an all-you-can-eat Indonesian buffet perfect for group dining, Kencana Souvenir, a souvenir shop, and Kencana Gallery and Kencana Photo Studio.

The location is also practical for a Bali study tour , which is about 10-15 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, and easily accessible from Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu.

Evidence of GWK's Educational Experience

GWK is now also known as a learning space outside the classroom. Through the Cultural Literacy CSR Program, public elementary school students across Bali have the opportunity to experience Balinese culture in a hands-on and enjoyable way. The experience leaves such a positive impression on the participants that many schools recommend GWK as a place to learn about Balinese culture for other schools.

Important : For schools from outside Bali, visits can still be made through the available ticket options.

Learning Experiences Students Can Gain During School Field Trips

Source: GWK Cultural Park

Every activity at GWK can be linked to concrete learning values. Here are some possible themes.

1. History and meaning of Garuda Wisnu Kencana

This statue is based on the story of Garuda, who sought Tirta Amertha, the water of life, to free his mother from slavery. In return, Garuda agreed to become the mount of the god Vishnu. From this story, students can discuss the values of sacrifice, promises, and loyalty.

The history of its construction is also worth telling. The idea for the statue emerged in 1989, the first stone was laid in 1997 on a former limestone quarry, and the GWK statue was completed in 2018. Students can learn that great works require a long time and the work of many people. At the Amphitheater, students can also watch "The Adventures of Little Garuda," an animated film that won the 2015 Citra Award for Best Short Animated Film.

2. Performing arts

Daily cultural performances at the Amphitheater and Lotus Pond showcase the movements, rhythms, and costumes of Balinese dance. For a more immersive experience, GWK also presents the BarAong Show, available with a separate ticket. Show schedules are subject to change, so check the official ticketing page for the latest information before planning your group's itinerary.

3. Statue Tour

The GWK Statue Tour invites visitors to see the statue up close. The Statue Tour guides visitors up to the 9th and 23rd floors within the statue. Visitors can learn about the history of the GWK statue's construction, the process, and the mythology of Garuda, the personal mount of Lord Vishnu, while also enjoying panoramic views of Bali. Before adding students to your group plans, please confirm age limits and capacity with GWK.

4. Explore the area

Tirtha Amertha, Kura-Kura Plaza, Wisnu Plaza, Garuda Plaza, Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Tlatar Mandalaloka, and the Amphitheater can serve as observation and discussion spaces. Ask students to observe the symbols, architecture, and limestone cliffs that form the backdrop and note what interests them most.

Also read: 10 Activities in Bali for Your Holiday Agenda, Guaranteed Satisfaction!

Example of a Field Trip Visit Plan ( Half-Day )

Source: GWK Cultural Park

To ensure a smooth visit, here's a sample half-day itinerary you can use as a guide. The hours are for illustrative purposes only, so adjust accordingly based on the latest performance schedule and your group's circumstances.

1. 9:00 AM: Arrival and registration. The group arrives, reports in, and then gathers before the activity begins.
2. 9:30 AM: Explore the cultural and sculpture areas. Pause at each point for a brief discussion about the history and meaning behind each piece.
3. 11:00 AM: Watch a cultural performance. An opportunity for students to experience Balinese performing arts firsthand.
4. 12.00: Lunch. Rest time before the last activity.
5. 1:00 PM: Take photos and buy souvenirs. Close the visit with documentation and souvenirs before heading home.

The above flow is just one of many possibilities. There are many other cultural activities you can explore with your students, such as learning to make canang (a sacred offering) or gebogan (a sacred offering)—a series of offerings closely associated with Balinese daily life. You can discuss activity options and implementation details directly with the GWK team to ensure they align with your group's learning objectives.

To make the visit more meaningful, teachers can share discussion questions such as:

• What is the meaning of Garuda in Balinese culture?
• Why was Garuda willing to be the mount of Lord Vishnu, and what values can we learn from it?
• What are the differences in movement and music in the two dances you watched?
• How did this former limestone mining area become a cultural space?

GWK Ticket Promo Valid for School Groups

Source: GWK Cultural Park

The following is a promotion valid for the period October 1-December 20, 2026, along with notes on its suitability for school field trips .

Promo	Price	Period	Important conditions	Suitable for field trips ?
Website promo (code GWK20): Regular Entrance	Rp120,000/ticket (Rp30,000 discount, 20%)	Visits October 19-25, November 23-29, and December 14-20, 2026	Enter code GWK20 at checkout on the website	Yes, it is most relevant because it is ordered through the website.
Ultimate Package (First 30 Promo)	Rp. 350,000/ticket	October 1-December 20, 2026	Rp. 50,000 discount for the first 30 buyers at the GWK ticket counter, valid from 09.00-11.00 WITA every day	Limited, because only 30 tickets and purchased directly at the counter
Semeton Promo ( Regular Entrance )	Rp. 125,000 for 4 people	October 1-December 20, 2026, Saturday and Sunday	Must show Bali ID	Not valid for schools from outside Bali

For school group visits, you can make reservations through the GWK reservation number at +62 812-3752-5154 . The GWK team will help tailor your visit to the number of participants and your group's schedule.

Before booking, please double-check your visit dates against the promotional period. The regular entrance fee is Rp150,000 per ticket, and promotional information is subject to change, so please check for the latest terms and conditions.

How to Order GWK Tickets Through the Website

1. Open the page https://ticket.gwkbali.com/
2. Select the date of your visit.
3. Select ticket type: Regular, Regular + Statue Tour, BarAong, or Regular + BarAong.
4. Complete the payment.

For large group GWK tickets, it is best to ask the GWK team first through official channels whether there are any special provisions or procedures for school groups.

Also read: 5-Day Bali Trip: A Perfect Itinerary for You

Practical Tips for Teachers and Mentors

• Preparation . Obtain parental permission, determine an adequate chaperone ratio, and remind students to bring hats, drinking water, and comfortable footwear.
• Visiting time : Choose a cool time and schedule your visit accordingly. The area is large and largely open, so protection from the sun is essential.
• Safety and accessibility. Verify available facilities, especially if there are students with special needs.
• Combine destinations. GWK can be combined with other destinations in South Bali in one day. Check distances and estimated travel times on the map before planning your route.

GWK Cultural Park offers three things many teachers seek: hands-on cultural learning and a spacious, comfortable environment for groups. With careful planning, a school field trip here can be a memorable experience for students.

Ready to plan your school field trip to GWK Cultural Park? To learn more about the area's culture and rituals before visiting, visit the Cultural & Rituals page and follow @gwkbali on Instagram.