4D3N Bali Trip: Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Ungasan

Anyeong! Noona can't believe that it is already Thursday and it's three days left before the up and coming 2017. Anybody excited for 2017? If it is very difficult to be so enthusiastic about the coming year, maybe it will be better if you have booked a trip in the first three months of 2017 so that you have something to look forward to. Since Noona has just come back from Bali two weeks ago, how about a trip to Bali? If you are not really into beach or summer vacation but you love to explore the cultural aspect of a certain destination, Bali has it too. Surprise much?

In fact, Bali has a cultural park named Garuda Wisnu Kencana which is located at Ungasan area near Uluwatu. The admission fee to the cultural park costs IDR 100,000 (approx. SGD 10). You will start your journey to the adventure of Garuda (a large mythical bird which is the mount of Wisnu, one of the Hindu gods) from the pond. If you come wearing shorts, you will be asked to wear a piece of cloth to cover yourself because the area here is considered sacred amongst the Balinese. Do note that women with period are not allowed to enter the temple area (upstairs near the Wisnu statue). The park staff will explain all of these information to the visitors.

You will need to climb a few stairs above to reach Plaza Wisnu. A short description of the area is available for your information.

Like mentioned above, Wisnu is a god of fertility giving wealth and life to the universe. Noona supposes he must have been one of the kind deities (and that's why there is continuing project to build his giant statue). The statue that we see here at Plaza Wisnu is not the complete version of what's supposedly the biggest Wisnu statue in the world. However, the project has been ongoing for years and yet, the statue still looks the same from the last time Noona visited the park way back in 2011. 

Oh well, since we are already inside, let Noona take picture with Wisnu god. The weather here can be so hot especially if you come around noon so make sure you are fully protected from the heat. The brown cloth (or sarong) is what will be given to you if you are wearing shorts. 

A few steps away from Plaza Wisnu, you will be able to see the status of Wisnu's mount, the garuda. 

Unfortunately, similar to its mounter, the statue of Garuda is not completed yet as of now and judging from its look, it may take a few more years to complete this whole project. 

The viewpoint from the statue of Garuda is however, breathtaking as always. Do you notice that the sky in Bali is always so beautiful?

This open area may be used occasionally for concert and event but that day, there were no on-going events so we merely took a few pictures and walk back to the exit so that we can continue on to our next destination. However, if you have more time on hands, you may want to check out the timing of the cultural performances held at the amphitheater which is located near to the entrance of the cultural park. Cultural performances like traditional Balinese dance (e.g. Barong and Kecak) and mini concerts are usually held at this amphitheater so do check them out at your own convenience. 

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is located at:

Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Bali

Opening hours:

Daily 8AM - 10PM