Revealing the Height of the GWK Statue, Ranked in the Top 5 in the World!
Bali is known for its many iconic landmarks , but none can match the grandeur of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) statue. One of the most frequently asked questions by tourists when visiting is, "How tall is the GWK statue?"
The answer is no joke, this statue has a height of 121 meters, making it one of the tallest statues in the world, even ranking 4th after the Statue of Unity in India, Spring Temple Buddha in China, and Laykyun Sekkya in Myanmar.
Located in the Ungasan Hills area, GWK (Garuda Wing) is not only a magnificent symbol of Balinese culture but also an international tourist attraction that has captured the world's attention. The beauty and majesty of its design, depicting the god Vishnu riding the Garuda bird, make it not only a Balinese icon but also a monumental work of art that captivates all who see it.
If you are interested in knowing other unique facts about the GWK statue, its history, and what attractions this icon of the Island of the Gods has to offer, then don't miss reading the following article.
Facts about the Height of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Statue
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) statue in Bali is one of Indonesia's most impressive monumental works. With a total height of 121 meters, including a 46-meter pedestal, GWK towers majestically over Ungasan Hill. This height makes it the fourth-tallest statue in the world, surpassing many other iconic monuments.
For comparison, the Statue of Liberty in the United States, a popular symbol of freedom, only stands about 93 meters tall from the base to the top of the torch. This makes GWK about 28 meters taller than the Statue of Liberty, thus confirming its position as one of the tallest statues in the world.
The splendor of GWK lies not only in its size but also in its cultural significance. The statue depicts the god Vishnu riding the Garuda bird, a symbol of wisdom and power in Hindu mythology. Its presence not only enriches Bali's cultural landscape but also serves as a global tourist attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world.
History and Making of the GWK Statue
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) statue is a symbol of glory and perseverance in realizing Bali's tourism masterpiece. The project has faced various challenges since its inception in the 1990s, from the monetary crisis to extreme weather conditions that disrupted construction.
A significant milestone occurred in 2013 when Alam Sutera Realty, one of Indonesia's leading property developers, took a major role in realizing this monumental project. By forming a technical team and involving various professional consultants,
Alam Sutera demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to quality and precision of construction.
Workers even stayed on site for weeks to ensure precision construction. As a result, the GWK statue now stands majestically atop Ungasan, a proud cultural icon. Alam Sutera Realty's dedication to this project reinforces its reputation as a visionary and reliable developer in realizing Indonesia's masterpieces.
Why is the height of the GWK statue so special?
The GWK statue, which surpasses the Statue of Liberty in New York, is a symbol of Indonesian pride and culture, built with great enthusiasm by Indonesians. The project faced significant challenges, from extreme weather conditions to the technical aspects of installing the massive structure on Ungasan Hill.
It's important to understand that the GWK statue's extraordinary height is due to the use of high-tech technology, including skyscraper cranes . Even the gold mosaic on the crown of Lord Vishnu was handcrafted for maximum precision. This is why the GWK statue's construction took decades.
The team's perseverance was put to the test when they had to work through the night to meet their target. Thanks to this extraordinary dedication, GWK stands majestically as a tourism icon and a symbol of the spirit of the Indonesian nation. Remarkably, the GWK statue is so sturdy that it can withstand strong winds and earthquakes.
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) statue stands 121 meters tall, making it one of the tallest statues in the world. This height is designed to symbolize the majesty of Lord Vishnu, the protector and preserver of the universe in Hindu mythology. The position of Lord Vishnu, riding the Garuda bird, represents his power and responsibility in maintaining the balance of the world.
Also read: Learn about the process and techniques of making the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue.
Amazing Experience while Visiting GWK
Visitors can not only admire the towering height of the GWK statue, but also experience awe-inspiring experiences. You can take an exclusive tour of the statue's 9th floor, where dioramas, art installations, and memorabilia chronicle the statue's long construction journey.
In addition, visitors can also watch an animated film about Garuda, see an exhibition containing the history of the making of the GWK statue, retrace the steps of Garuda Wisnu Kencana, and find out what materials were used in making the statue.
You can continue your tour of the GWK statue by climbing to the 23rd floor, where visitors can experience the sensation of walking on a glass floor while enjoying a spectacular panorama of the city and the southern sea of Bali, as well as finding various best photo spots from above.
Also read: 4 Things to Prepare When Visiting Bali's Best Tourist Destination, GWK Bali
Tips for Visiting GWK to Maximize the Statue's Enjoyment
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is vast and offers a wealth of fascinating attractions. Maximize your visit to the GWK statue by following these tips.
1. Come in the morning or afternoon for the best lighting.
Morning and evening sunlight tends to be softer and warmer, creating more dramatic and aesthetically pleasing photographs. Furthermore, the air temperature is cooler, making exploring the GWK Cultural Park area more comfortable.
2. Use Shuttle Service to Reach Main Areas
The GWK area is quite large, and walking from the ticket counter to the statue area or from the statue area to Festival Park can be time-consuming and tiring. Using the shuttle service allows visitors to save time and energy while exploring more efficiently.
3. Join the Guided Tours Available
The Top of Statue Tour will provide in-depth insight into the artistic and technical process of constructing the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. Visitors will also learn fascinating stories from the planning stage to completion, including the philosophy behind the statue's design.
You can purchase the Ultimate Bundling package for Rp 300,000 per person. This package includes regular entrance to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park and an exclusive tour of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, accompanied by a GWK tour guide . Please note that this tour guide is only available on the Top of Statue Tour.
Also read: Recommendations for 4 Best-Selling Dishes at Bali's Best Restaurant, Jendela Bali
If you come to Bali, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park and witness one of the world's tallest statues in person. Standing 121 meters tall, the GWK statue is not only impressive in its size but also a symbol of the greatness of Indonesian art, culture, and perseverance.
This masterpiece depicts the god Vishnu riding Garuda, the protector of the universe according to Hindu mythology. Exploring GWK offers an unforgettable experience, from breathtaking views, captivating dioramas, and a sky-high glass floor. Visit GWK and experience its splendor firsthand by booking your tickets online here !
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