The tropical paradise Bali is a favorite tourist destination for both local and international travelers. The island is filled with sights that awaken every sense. Whether it’s breathtaking landscapes, sacred traditions, or monumental art, there are countless must see things in Bali that will make your trip unforgettable. However, with so many choices, you might wonder what attraction is the absolute must-see in Bali. The answer would be Bali’s no. 1 tourist destination Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park. Through this guide, we will introduce you to GWK complete with all its mesmerizing attractions within the park. On top of that, we will also mention other must-see places located not far off GWK.
5+ Must See Things in Bali
- See the Tallest Statue in Indonesia at GWK Cultural Park
The main attraction of GWK Cultural Park is certainly the GWK statue. Standing at 121 m tall, it is currently the 4th tallest statue in the world as well as the tallest in Bali and Indonesia. This monumental masterpiece depicts the Hindu god Lord Vishnu riding Garuda that symbolizes harmony between humanity and nature. It is truly a modern engineering marvel and national cultural symbol, making it a must-see landmark in Bali. With all its magnificence, the statue would definitely make the perfect backdrop for your next instagram post. Aside from the GWK statue, there are also other enchanting photo spots within the park such as the Lotus Pond area, GWK plaza, and the statue base during sunset.
Tip: Arrive in the late afternoon to catch the statue glowing under Bali’s golden hour light.
- See Bali from Above with the Top of Statue Tour
What makes the GWK truly special is that there is a tour for having a unique experience up the GWK statue, the Top of the Statue Tour. This exclusive guided tour allows you to go inside the statue (the 23rd floor) and enjoy a panoramic 360° view of Bali’s coastline, mountains, and city lights. This tour is perfect for photographers and culture lovers as there are panoramic views to be immortalized from such a unique viewpoint. There are only a few places in the world that let you see both the art and the island from such a height, so Top of the Statue Tour is a must experience in Bali.
- Watch Cultural Performances That Bring Bali’s Myths to Life
The two must-watch cultural performances at GWK:
- Kecak Dance: A mesmerizing performance of chants, rhythm, and storytelling. At GWK, performed by Balinese artists in an open-air venue with the GWK statue as a backdrop.
- BarAong Show: A modern interpretation of the traditional Barong dance exclusive to GWK. Combines vibrant costumes, lighting, and storytelling based on Bali’s age-old myth of good vs. evil.
Why see Kecak GWK and BarAong Show? These performances are not tourist gimmicks, but they’re living expressions of Balinese spirituality and creativity.
- See Sunset While Dining at Jendela Bali Lounge Restaurant
Jendela Bali Lounge Restaurant is a top restaurant located inside GWK. Its unique location, on top of a hill, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bali from above. This restaurant is ideal for sunset dinners with live music and authentic Balinese ambiance. Some of Jendela Bali’s best are Nasi Bukit Jendela Bali, Tenderloin Steak, Banana Fritters, and Lemongrass Panna Cotta. Other than the food, the beverages are also must-try. This includes Jendela Bali’s signature cocktails Gentle Talk (bourbon-chocolate) and Naughty Klepon (arak-coconut). Why is Jendela Bali a must-see experience? Jendela Bali combines culture, food, and scenery all in one unforgettable evening.
- Experience Bali’s Living Traditions and Festivities
GWK regularly hosts events like the Penjor Festival, celebrating Balinese arts and craftsmanship. Colorful parades, gamelan performances, and traditional attire fill the park with vibrant life. These festivals and cultural parades are not staged shows, but they are real celebrations of Bali’s cultural heartbeat.
Tip: Check the GWK event calendar online to align your visit with cultural festivities.
Other Must-See Places Near GWK Cultural Park
If you’re exploring South Bali, there are more gems nearby:
- Melasti Beach: One of the most breathtaking beaches that is framed by stunning cliffs. It is famous for its turquoise waters and wide sandy stretches, perfect for photos or a quick dip after visiting GWK.
- Jimbaran Bay: Famous for beachfront seafood dinners and romantic sunset views. It is where you can find the captivating combination of sightseeing and culinary experience.
- Pandawa Beach: Witness a white sand beach, crystal-clear water, and impressive cliff-carved statues of the Pandawa brothers from Hindu epics. You can do various outdoor summer activities here like swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing.
- Karang Boma Cliff: An iconic spot offering panoramic views of 70-meter-high cliffs directly to the Indian Ocean. For the best view, visit around the sun sets for dramatic ocean sunsets vistas.
- Local temples nearby: Last but not least, visit local temples for quiet reflection or photography. These temples are easily accessible without a crowd.
Tips to Capture Memorable Moments of Your Bali Trip
Some tips to capture your best moments in Bali:
- Bali is a photographer’s paradise from monuments to rituals, so you might want to bring your own reliable camera to capture the wonders of the island.
- When visiting GWK, don’t miss the opportunity to capture phenomenal sunrise and sunset shots of the statue.
- Other than during sunset, night time is also great for photography for night illumination views.
- The performances, architecture, and cultural murals at GWK are also no less mesmerizing than the GWK statue to be photographed.
- Pro tip: Bring a tripod for low-light photography or visit during the golden hour for natural glow.
Why GWK Cultural Park is the Heart of Bali’s Must-See Experiences
GWK Cultural Park represents everything that defines Bali that includes spirituality, art, heritage, and community. All performances are created and performed by Balinese artists, ensuring authenticity. GWK offers a complete journey from myth to meal, from sky view to sunset. Unlike any other attraction, GWK gives visitors both the grandeur of Bali and the soul of its people.
From towering statues and sacred dances to sunset dinners and cultural parades, Bali offers unforgettable experiences and GWK Cultural Park captures them all in one place. Make your Bali trip truly memorable by seeing what makes this island magical that are its people, its art, and its living culture. Secure your GWK tickets and experience Bali’s most unforgettable must-see destination!