The World's Tallest Statue, Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Bali's Pride

Throughout human history, sculpture has been a work of art with unique value and significance. Every civilization has its own distinct markers, resulting in a wide variety of statues in various sizes, shapes, and designs throughout the world. One interesting topic, aside from their history, is the study of some of the world's tallest statues still in existence today.

Some of the tallest statues in the world include:

• The Statue of Unity
• Spring Temple Buddha Statue
• Laykyun Sekkya Budd
• Ushiku Daibutsu
• Sendai Daikannon
• Guishan Guanyin
• Peter the Great
• Great Buddha Statue of Thailand

And many more. In Indonesia, one of the world's tallest statues is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Bali. Although it hasn't been fully assembled and taken its final form, estimates of its height have already made it onto the list above.

Read also: Spiritual Experiences in Bali: Embracing Nature and Culture at GWK Cultural Park

Get to Know What the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue Is

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue itself depicts the god Vishnu riding the Garuda bird. Garuda is actually on a mission to free his mother, Dewi Winata, who is being held captive by Dewi Kadru and her sons.

In his quest, Garuda met with Lord Vishnu and explained his plan. Lord Vishnu sympathized with Garuda's struggle. After further consideration, Lord Vishnu offered him a small amount of Tirta Amrita, which he kept in a Kamandalu jug.

He was asked to become the vehicle of the god Vishnu, to help him spread goodness to all humanity. Sure enough, after Demi Winata was freed from her slavery, Garuda became Vishnu's mount to carry out his sacred mission.

This image then became the basis for the creation of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue which is famous throughout the country and internationally.

Symbol of Nature Protection and Balance

From the story that inspired the creation of the statue, it can be concluded that the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is a symbol of the protection of nature and the balance that exists in this world.

Garuda's actions to save his mother demonstrate strong determination and dedication. Lord Vishnu's sympathy symbolizes compassion. And the mission undertaken by Lord Vishnu and Garuda is a concrete manifestation of protection for the universe and an effort to maintain balance throughout.

Development Process

Actually, Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a project that was initiated in 1989. Its construction began in 1997 with the laying of the first stone, but it had to be hampered for one reason or another.

It was only in 2013 that construction could continue, and was finally inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in 2018. The completion of the construction occurred when Alam Sutera participated in the process, and made a major contribution to the final stages of the construction of this iconic statue.

4 Interesting Facts about the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue

Apart from being one of the tallest statues in the world today, Garuda Wisnu Kencana also has many interesting facts to explore.

• First, it has a total height of 121 meters, which according to data is higher than the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
• Second, it has a total weight of more than 3,000 tons.
• Third, the statue is constructed with more than 700 copper and brass modules, giving it a distinctive appearance and great weight.
• Fourth, the long construction process took more than 20 years, because it started in 1997 and was inaugurated in 2018 (21 years)

There are many other interesting facts you can learn when you visit GWK Cultural Park and the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue there. These facts undoubtedly hold many stories behind them, providing deeper insight.

Also read: Revealing the Height of the GWK Statue, Ranked in the Top 5 in the World

As One of the Tallest Statues in the World

As mentioned earlier, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is one of the tallest statues in the world today. Based on data and the height of existing statues, the top 10 tallest statues in the world are as follows:

• The Statue of Unity, 182 meters high
• Spring Temple Buddha, 128 meters high
• Garuda Wisnu Kencana, with a total height of 121 meters
• Laykyun Sekkya, 115.8 meters tall
• Vishwas Swaroopam, 106 meters high
• Ushiku Daibutsu, 100 meters high
• Guishan Guanyin, 99 meters high
• Mother of All Asia, 98.15 meters high
• Great Buddha of Thailand, 92 meters high
• Sendai Dai Kannon, 92 meters high

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, seen from its total height, is included in the top 10 list of the tallest statues in the world, making it a source of pride for Indonesia in the international arena for sculpture and tourist attractions.

From the list, it can also be seen that the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is the highest cultural statue in the Southeast Asia region, beating Laykyun Sekkya Buddha, Great Buddha of Thailand, Mother of All Asia, and the Statue of Gautama Buddha.

Reasons Why GWK is So Iconic

Not only is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue captivating for its towering height of over 100 meters, it's also iconic for several fundamental reasons. The touch of local Balinese artists and their collaboration with modern techniques make this bronze statue truly towering, visible from almost every side of the Island of the Gods. The GWK statue is also the first icon seen when you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The reason the statue is iconic is because it embodies the harmonious blend of art, culture, and authentic Balinese spiritual values. Viewed from any angle, Garuda Wisnu Kencana offers a unique sight, one found nowhere else.

Furthermore, GWK is both a cultural landmark and a tourist destination, combining performing arts, various national and international festivals, and traditional rituals that are still preserved to this day. GWK is a modern ecosystem that maintains its core value as a spiritual area for Hindus.

You'll also be rewarded with unparalleled views from the top of Garuda Wisnu Kencana. A stunning 360-degree panorama awaits, making for an unforgettable experience. The statue's incredible detail, crafted by hand, and its massive size, especially considering its wingspan , are further enhanced by the statue's impressive size.

Enjoy Fun and Interesting Activities Around the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue

What is presented at GWK Cultural Park is not only one of the tallest iconic statues in the world, but also interesting activities that can be done while you are there.

You can take the Top of the Statue Tour, which takes you up to the 9th and 23rd floors to visit a museum that explains the construction process of this extraordinary statue. You can also watch numerous Balinese arts performances regularly every day, from morning to night.

As dusk approaches, the sunset around the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue becomes truly epic, with its dramatic backdrop. Appearing majestic and dignified, this impression will be remembered for a long time.

Before heading home, you can shop for a variety of Balinese souvenirs and local handmade crafts of high artistic value. Your visit to the iconic statue is complete, with all the exciting activities available.

Also read: GWK the Majestic Icon of the Highest Statue in Bali

Ultimately, the invitation to visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana is always directed at you and everyone reading this article. Not only is Garuda Wisnu Kencana proud of its title as the world's tallest statue, but it also embodies the harmonious blend of nature, humanity, and craftsmanship , creating an iconic masterpiece that's hard to match.

Don't miss the chance to see one of the tallest statues in the world, Garuda Wisnu Kencana at GWK Cultural Park , and enjoy all the unforgettable cultural experiences with us by booking your tickets now!