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Friday, November 26, 2010

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK)

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a tourism destination located on Southern Bali with a strategic location with only 10 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai airport, 25 minutes from from Kuta, and 20 minutes from Benoa and Nusa Dua harbor. GWK Cultural Park will further support and enrich the already existing tourism infrastructure in Bali.

Mandala Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a 230 ha Cultural Park at Bukit Ungasan, Jimbaran Bali with the statue of "Garuda Wisnu Kencana" (146 metres high) as its landmark.

The Pedestal Building of statue establish an infrastructure for the world cultural communication, "WORLD CULTURAL FORUM", surrounded by supporting area Consisting of among others Amphitheatre, Exhibition Hall, Museum, Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Receiving Area, Boutique Hotel, Restaurant, Cafe etc.

The Statue of Wisnu

As the anchor point of GWK, the 20 meter tall copper statue of the Lord Wisnu has been placed temporarily on the highest hill of Ungasan where visitors can enjoy sunset or sunrise over the magnificent view of Kuta, Benoa and Sanur.
The location is called Plaza Wisnu and on this plaza’s yard, namely Parahyangan Somaka Giri, a holy spring continually spews out clear water through a stone bowl which many people believe it can cure illnesses or give you a long life.

The Statue of Garuda

Right behind the Plaza Wisnu is the Plaza Garuda where the 18 meters tall statue of Garuda placed temporarily.
At the present time, Plaza Garuda becomes the focal point of a massive alley of carved limestone pillars which covers more than 4000 sqm open space area namely Lotus Pond. The colossal limestone pillars and monumental Garuda statue make Lotus Pond a very exotic space. With its room capacity that can accommodate up to 7000 people, Lotus Pond has gained good reputation as the perfect place to hold big and international events.


The Statue of Wisnu’s Hands
Our latest addition to the cultural park is the hands of Wisnu. Finished on January 2008, it was placed temporarily at Tirta Agung.


Situated on a limestone escarpment overlooking the South Bali tourist region, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park shocases the art and culture of the Island of the Gods amid dramatic natural backdrops and breathtaking panoramic vistas. Located fiften minutes from the international airport and less than an hour from most major hotels and resorts, GWK is one of the island's premier venues for artistic performances, exhibitions, and conferences as well as for sightseeing and relaxation.

MODERN RENDERINGS OF ANCIENT TRADITION
Dominating the park is Wisnu, a bust of a Hindu deity constructed from giants slabs of copper and brass. Representing the divine force responsible for the protection of the universe, the 22 meter Wisnu figure is a modern rendering of an ancient cultural tradition. The companion piece, Garuda, represent the giant bird which transports Wisnu, a symbol of both freedom and selfless devotion.

The two 25-meter natural limestone pillars comprising the Gapura Batu, at the entrance gate to the complex, are carved with images taken from the Ramayana, the Mythical cycle of stories forming the dramatic basis of most Balinese art forms. The base-relief carving on the gate depict scenes from the Wayang, the shadow puppet theatre unique to Bali and neighbouring Java.

A PLACE OF SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE
Adjacent to Wisnu figure is the Pahrayangan Somaka Giri, a sacred spring from which flows water containing a rich mixture of ninerals. As the existence of the spring in these arid limestone hills has no scientific explanation, it has become a place of pilgrimage and meditation. The water is believed to cure disease, and is widely used by local conjurers in ritual to invoke rain in order to ensure good crops.

AVENUE FOR EVERY OCCASION
With little rainfall and open to fresh tropical breezes, GWK facilities are ideal for all types of outdoor events. The first-class acoustic environment of the 800-seat Amphitheatre is a peerless venue for intimate cultural performances. Enclosed by enormous limestone pillars with the Wisnu figure as a backdrop, the dramatic Lotus Pond area has a capacity for 7500 persons. Like the ceremonial boulevard of a Balinese village, the Street Theatre is suitable for processions, fashion shows, and other mobile performances. The most intimate space, the Plaza Kura Kura, can hold 200 people. In additional to the open public spaces, the Exhibition Gallery provides 200 square meters of covered area as well as ten square meters of internal open courtyard.

DINING UNDER THE STARS
Numerous cafes and restaurants provide a full range of food and beverage services, from snacks and light meals to banquets. On-site catering facilities can prepare up to 200 meals be it Indonesia, Oriental, or International cuisine, which can be served al fresco in an appropriate public space. A popular venue for an individual visitor is Warung Nyoman, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of south Bali while sampling traditional Indonesia food.


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