The 60 hectare Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is dominated by a 23-metre statue of the Hindu god Vishnu. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park showcases the art and culture of the Island of the Gods and draws thousands of visitors a day.
In addition to exhibiting the statue, the park hosts major concerts and events. Traditional Balinese arts are performed in the Street Theatre and on Wisnu Plaza, site of the main statuary. Large-scale international concerts by bands like Paramore take place on Lotus Pond. There are also multiple on-site restaurants commanding panoramic views of the island.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is located in the southern part of Bali, near the quiet village of Ungasan. It is about a 20 minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and about a 30 minute drive from Kuta Beach. There is also a shuttle bus connecting the park to Kota, Denpasar City.
The development of Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park has been in the works since 1992. Prior to its construction, this area near the Ungasan village was completely barren. The central statue was sculpted by award-winning artist I Nyoman Nuarta, who operates out of a workshop in Bandung, West Java.