Are you planning to visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park during your trip to Bali and looking for visitor tips? If yes, in this GWK Bali travel guide, I’ll share everything you need to know—ticket prices, the best times to visit, how to get there, and the cultural park must-see spots—so you can make the most of your trip to this Bali cultural landmarks without any unnecessary hassle. Sound good? Let’s get started!
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GWK Bali Travel Guide: Why This Cultural Landmark Is a Must-Visit
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is a landmark where Balinese culture, art, and scenic beauty come together. Here’s why it should be on your Bali itinerary:
- Watch live dance and music performances that bring Bali’s stories to life.
- Visit the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. This impressive statue is one of the tallest in the world and represents Balinese culture.
- Explore detailed sculptures, cultural displays, and outdoor spaces.
- Enjoy beautiful sunset views at Plaza Wisnu and it’s a great spot for stunning photos.
- As night falls, the park changes. The lighting creates a beautiful and calm atmosphere, and the pathways are well-lit.
Love cultural experiences? After visiting GWK, you can see more of Bali’s top temples. You can explore Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple, and the most famous one which is Tanah Lot Temple.
How to Get to GWK Bali: Travel Time & Transportation Guide
GWK Bali’s Location: Where Is It and How to Get There?
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is in Ungasan, South Bali. It is a great place to visit if you are exploring the southern attractions of the island.
For reference:
- From Kuta or Seminyak, expect a 30–40-minute ride, assuming Bali traffic isn’t in one of its “snail mode” moods.
- From Ubud? Well, brace yourself for a 1.5-hour trip. Maybe bring snacks.
To have a smoother journey, plan your visit before 4 pm or after 7 pm to avoid peak traffic. Want hassle-free navigation? Just let Google Maps be your best friend—unless, of course, you trust your “sense of direction,” which in Bali could lead you straight into a rice field.
Recommended Transportation Options
Getting to GWK Bali Cultural Park is easy. There are several convenient alternatives to fit your travel style.
- Solo travelers often prefer budget-friendly ride-hailing apps such as Grab or Gojek.
- Families and groups may find hiring a private car with a driver more comfortable and flexible.
- Feeling adventurous? Renting a scooter is a great way to enjoy Bali’s scenic routes at your own pace.
- You can trust local taxis such as Blue Bird as a good choice for getting around.
Need a complete guide on getting around Bali? Check out this useful transportation guide for travelers in Bali.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Parking Fee & Free Shuttle Service
GWK Cultural Park provides plenty of parking for motorbikes, cars, and large tour buses. You can also use the free shuttle service. If you park farther away, just take the shuttle and get off at the main gate.
How Much Does Parking Cost at GWK Cultural Park?
| Vehicle Type | Parking Fee (IDR) |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | 5,000 |
| Car | 10,000 |
| Bus | 20,000 |
You have to pay extra for every hour after the first two hours.
GWK Bali Travel Guide: Entrance Fees, Tickets & Best Booking Tips
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Bali Opening Hours
| Day | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 9:00 am – 9:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
GWK Cultural Park Bali Ticket Prices & What’s Included
| Ticket Type | Price (IDR) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Entry | 150,000 | Access to Cultural Park |
| Regular + Barong Show | 200,000 | Park entry + Barong Show |
| Inside Statue Tour | 350,000 | Guided tour inside the Statue |
| Children (under 100 cm) | FREE | Complimentary entry |
Ticket prices are valid until December 31, 2025, so it’s wise for you to check again after the validation date! For the latest ticket prices, promotions, and schedules, visit the official GWK website.
Why You Should Book GWK Bali Tickets Online
To avoid the queue for purchasing tickets at the location, you should order tickets online! Because you only need to exchange the voucher at a special travel agent counter where the queue is shorter.
In addition, the price of online ticket purchases is cheaper than the price of tickets purchased at the location.
Book your GWK Bali tickets online before your visit. You will get lower prices, save time, and avoid long lines.
Best Time to Visit GWK Bali Cultural Park
If you visit GWK Cultural Park at the right time it can make a big difference to your holiday experience.
Best Days to Visit GWK Bali for Fewer Crowds
- To enjoy a quieter, more relaxed experience, visit the park on a weekday.
- Meanwhile, if you prefer a lively atmosphere, it is better to visit on weekends and national holidays.
Best Times of the Day to Explore Garuda Wisnu Kencana
- Morning (9 am – 12 pm): Best time to visit if you want cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and an easier time exploring the statues and park.
- Evening (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm): Perfect for immersing yourself in Bali’s captivating culture through performances, along with experiencing breathtaking sunsets from Plaza Wisnu.
- Nighttime (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm): See GWK Bali Cultural Park in a new way as the park lights up with beautiful colors.
Check the latest Bali weather forecast to plan your visit around the best conditions.
Best Sunset Viewing Spots at GWK Bali Cultural Park
Chasing sunsets at Garuda Wisnu Kencana? Easy.
- For the best view, head to Plaza Wisnu—the highest viewpoint, perfect for snapping that dramatic sunset shot with the statue towering above.
- Too lazy to climb? Grab a seat at Jendela Bali Restaurant and enjoy the sunset with a meal—because good food + a killer view = perfection.
- Sunset in Bali happens between 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Get there early unless you enjoy missing the main event!
If you want to enjoy the best sunset view in Bali, GWK is one of the many locations. Read this page if you want to find more best locations to watch the sunset in Bali.
How to Plan Your Trip with This GWK Bali Travel Guide
Suggested Time to Spend at Garuda Wisnu Kencana
To fully enjoy your visit to GWK, I recommend you spend at least two hours there. If possible, plan for three hours so you can really enjoy the atmosphere.
GWK Bali Travel Guide: Ideal Itinerary for Your Visit
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 pm | Take a walk at the Lotus Pond, looking at the tall limestone cliffs that surround the area. |
| 5:30 pm | Climb to Plaza Wisnu for a breathtaking view. |
| 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Visit the amphitheater to watch traditional Balinese performances, such as the Kecak or BarAong dance, depending on the schedule. |
Love cultural experiences? Come early! GWK has daily performances in different locations around the park.
Best Things to Do at GWK Cultural Park
Of course, take pictures and everyone does that. But don’t stop there. Take your time to explore the attractions!
Must-Visit Attractions at GWK Bali: What Not to Miss
- Visit the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. This statue is 121 meters tall, and it shows Lord Vishnu sitting on the back of the Garuda, which is a mythical bird.
- You can relax at Indraloka Park – A green space with views of South Bali.
- Visit the Lotus Pond, the biggest open area at Cultural Park. If you’re lucky, you may see a cultural performance, exhibition, or live show.
- Shop at the GWK Art Market – Balinese handicrafts, wood carvings, and textiles are perfect for souvenirs.
Watching the Best Cultural Performances at GWK
GWK is not only a place to see giant statues. You can also enjoy exciting cultural performances here! When you buy your GWK Bali entry ticket, you can watch a few traditional Balinese performances at no extra cost.
Kecak Fire Dance at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Bali: Show Schedule
A group of men is gathered in a circle and chanting around. They tell the famous story of the Ramayana as the sun sets in the background.
| Location | Time |
|---|---|
| Lotus Pond | 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm |
Want the best spot? Come before 5:00 pm!
BarAong Show at GWK Bali: What Makes It Unique?
I’m sure you’ve seen the Barong dance before. However, GWK Bali Cultural Park offers a different experience! The show is called BarAong, which features dancers in magnificent costumes and agile dance moves.
| Location | Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Amphitheater | 6:00 pm | Available on certain days (entrance fee required) |
Check the BarAong GWK show schedule!
Other Daily Performances
- Balinese Gamelan – Hypnotic percussion beats fill the air.
- Traditional Dance – Storytelling through graceful movements.
- Cultural Parade at Plaza Wisnu – A lively procession of dancers & musicians.
For the most up-to-date performance schedule, visit the GWK official performance calendar.
Best Places to Eat Inside GWK Bali Cultural Park
Feeling hungry after exploring GWK Cultural Park? Don’t worry—delicious food is right around the corner!
- Jendela Bali Resto: Authentic Balinese flavors with hilltop views perfect for a casual lunch or sunset dinner.
- GWK Food Court: Fast and affordable street food like satay, fried rice, and juices.
- The Berandas: A cozy spot that combines Balinese and international cuisine.
So you don’t have to leave the Cultural Park when you’re hungry.
Key Tips for an Unforgettable Garuda Wisnu Kencana Experience
Best Places for Photography
Most tourists will head to Plaza Wisnu to take pictures because the sunset view from this location is very beautiful.
Book a Tour to Access the Inside of the Cultural Park Statue
Do you want to go inside the GWK Statue? If so, you should book an entrance ticket to the inside of the statue. You can see a unique view from inside the statue and hear the historical story behind its construction from the guide that is included in the entrance ticket package to the inside of the statue.
Travel Guide & Safety Tips for GWK Bali Visitors
Keep in mind that Bali can be hot, and the park is large, so your comfort depends on how well you prepare. Here’s what you need to know to have a great visit.
What to Wear & Pack for a Comfortable Visit
- Lightweight, sweat-wicking clothing – Bali’s humidity is no joke. Wear cotton or linen.
- Comfortable shoes – GWK has a walking path, so don’t wear high heels. Comfortable sneakers or sandals are your best bet.
- Sun protection – Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Visiting at night? Bring a light jacket – The wind near the statues can be quite chilly.
- Respect the local culture – Even though this isn’t a temple, don’t wear bikinis or anything too revealing.
- Bring a water bottle – stay hydrated.
- Camera, power bank, hat – Trust us, you’ll need all three. The park is huge, and your phone battery will drain faster than you think.
How to Stay Safe While Visiting GWK Bali: Essential Travel Advice
- Buy tickets from official sources – Scammers exist, don’t fall for their tricks. Stick to the official site or a licensed travel agency like Wira Tour Bali.
- Use trusted transportation – and ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek to ensure fair pricing.
- Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Respect local customs – Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a cultural heritage site, so be considerate of local traditions.
FAQs: Your GWK Bali Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
Are there guided tours at GWK?
Yes, GWK offers guided tours if you want to dive deeper into its history, culture, and architecture. The Ultimate Statue Tour even lets you go inside the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue!
Does GWK provide a shuttle service?
If you don’t want to walk from the parking lot to the entrance, Cultural Park offers a free shuttle service to take you there easily.
Are there ATMs or currency exchange facilities inside Cultural Park?
ATMs are conveniently located near the ticketing area and inside the park. Best to come prepared with Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) before you visit—because scrambling for cash mid-trip is never fun.
Is Garuda Wisnu Kencana wheelchair-friendly?
Yes! Paved walkways and ramps make it accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility concerns.
Are wheelchairs and strollers available for rent at GWK?
You can rent wheelchairs and strollers at the park entrance. When you arrive, you can ask the staff for the rental services.
Does GWK Cultural Park provide a place to store visitors’ luggage?
You can store your luggage at the entrance area. This is available for visitors who need to keep their bags safe before exploring the attractions.
Can I bring food and drinks inside Cultural Park?
Yes, but with some restrictions: light snacks and small bottled drinks are allowed, while larger meals and oversized beverages are not.
Is there a dress code for visiting Garuda Wisnu Kencana?
There are no rules or regulations on how to dress at GWK Cultural Park. You can wear casual clothes, but please avoid anything too revealing.
Can visitors rent a golf cart at Garuda Wisnu Kencana?
If you don’t want to walk around the vast park area, you can rent a buggy (golf car) for an additional fee. This service is usually available from the entrance gate location, to go to the statue area.
GWK Bali Travel Guide Wrap-Up: Culture, History & Natural Beauty
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is huge, standing 121 meters tall, making it taller than the Statue of Liberty. This colossal masterpiece features Lord Vishnu riding Garuda, his mythological bird.
However, Garuda Wisnu Kencana is not just about the statue. Here, you will get to see a very complete presentation of Balinese culture such as Balinese dance performances, stone carvings, and sunset views.
If you want to find more cultural attractions to visit, check out our complete Bali travel guide. It includes famous landmarks, beautiful spots, and important travel tips.
Pro tip: Buy your GWK Bali tickets online unless you like long lines and the scorching Balinese sun.
Bahasa Indonesia:
Uluwatu Temple Bali Entrance Fee [2025]: Insider’s Guide & Tips
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