Parks & gardens
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, or GWK, is a tourist destination and attraction located at Ungasan, Badung on the island of Bali, Indonesia, about 10–15 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu, and his mount, Garuda, the mythical bird who became his companion.
What it is
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is a cultural park in Ungasan, on Bali's Bukit Peninsula, centered on a large statue depicting the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. Beyond the statue itself, the park includes open plazas, gardens, and space for cultural performances. Most visitors come to see the statue up close, walk the grounds, and take in views over the surrounding limestone plateau.
Getting there
GWK sits in the south of Bali, close to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) — about 10 to 15 minutes by car from the terminal. From central areas like Kuta or Seminyak, expect roughly 30 to 45 minutes by car depending on traffic, longer from Ubud or the north of the island.
How much time to allow
Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours to walk the plazas, view the statue from different angles, and browse the grounds without rushing. Add extra time if a cultural performance is scheduled during your visit.
When to go
Mornings tend to be cooler and less crowded than afternoons, and the park can get busy with tour groups around midday. As with much of outdoor Bali, the dry season (roughly April to October) offers a better chance of clear skies for photos of the statue.
Combine it with
- Pandawa Beach (4.4km) — a beach stop with a similar cliffside approach, easy to pair on the same day.
- Museum Pasifika (7km) — an indoor option if you want a break from the sun.
- Benoa Bay (7.1km) — for water activities or a look at Bali's mangrove coastline.
- Padang Padang Beach (7.3km) — worth the short drive for surfing or swimming.
Sources: open data from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap · Updated August 5, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
