Bali | Garuda Wisnu to Become the World’s Second Tallest Statue
Bali | Garuda Wisnu to Become the World’s Second Tallest Statue
BALI: Already drawing over 5 million tourists annually, the island of Bali is about to welcome a monumental new attraction — the awe-inspiring Garuda Wisnu statue, set for its grand public unveiling this August. Towering at a total height of 121 metres (396 feet) including its pedestal, this massive sculpture is poised to become not just an architectural marvel, but a new cultural and spiritual landmark for Indonesia.
Located in Ungasan, Badung, right across from the airport and perched atop a hill, the statue depicts Lord Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation, riding his mythical bird companion, Garuda. With Vishnu’s four arms holding the lotus, mace, conch, and discus, and Garuda spreading his wings across 64 metres, the structure is a symbolic representation of protection, strength, and heritage — deeply resonating with Bali’s predominantly Hindu population.
The statue is the centrepiece of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, a sprawling 60-hectare complex that sits at 263 metres above sea level and is designed to host up to 70,000 visitors at a time. Tourists will not only be greeted by the grand sculpture but also by a full cultural experience that celebrates Indonesian traditions, performances, and craftsmanship.
Designed by renowned Indonesian sculptor Nyoman Nuarta, the Garuda Wisnu project took more than 20 years to complete, involved hundreds of craftsmen, and cost over $100 million. The construction process included building 724 individual modules in Java, transporting them to Bali, and then assembling and welding each piece by hand.
Adding to its magnificence is the intricate mosaic work provided by Italian mosaic specialists Sicis, who spent over 2,000 hours laying gold and glass tesserae that now enhance the statue’s face, crown, and ornaments — giving the monument a divine glow, especially under sunlight.
With its bold silhouette and rich symbolism, Garuda Wisnu now stands as the second tallest statue in the world, surpassing New York’s Statue of Liberty and second only to China’s Spring Temple Buddha.
Latest Update:
As of mid-June, final preparations and inspections are underway at the GWK Cultural Park. Local authorities and the Ministry of Tourism have confirmed that inauguration ceremonies will be held in the first week of August, with cultural performances, traditional rituals, and dignitaries from across Indonesia expected to attend. Special light and sound installations are also being tested to showcase the statue during evening hours, promising visitors a breathtaking experience both day and night.
With just weeks to go, Bali is abuzz with excitement as the Garuda Wisnu statue prepares to open its arms to the world — a symbol not only of artistry and devotion but also of Indonesia’s proud cultural identity on the global stage.
