Garuda Wisnu Kencana park, Bali

Besides surf, sun and the Uluwatu temple, Bali’s Bukit Peninsula is one day to be home to the largest statue in the word: the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK). That’s right – bigger than the Statue of Liberty in New York and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Actually these two statues are nowhere near the largest statues in the world, which are mostly of Buddha and other Buddhist figures and located in Asia. The tallest statue in the world is currently the Spring Temple Buddha in China’s Henan Province, standing 128 meters or 420 feet. When completed, Garuda Wisnu Kencana will soar to 150 meters (492 feet) – including pedestal – with a wingspan of 64 meters (210 feet).

Garuda Wisnu Kencana is also the name of the cultural park where the world’s largest statue will be located. It is a purpose built park for gatherings, weddings, events and exhibitions, including Bali’s famous Kecak dance performances. At present a 20 meter (65 foot) bust of the Hindu God Wisnu (Vishnu) is on site as well as his winged mount Garuda. The remaining copper parts will be shipped to the park and welded together into the finished piece.

From Indonesia Travel:

This incredible monument will be visible from a 20-km distance, and can be clearly viewed from Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Visitors will be able to ascend inside the statue to its chest level. From that height, visitors will look down the most panoramic view of the fabled island of Bali.

Though not exactly a temple, Garuda Wisnu Kencana does have a spiritual religious theme as it depicts a principal Hindu god. However, the park itself is a chiefly cultural and commercial venue. UK heavy metal band Iron Maiden has already held a concert there and the 2013 Miss World pageant is set to take place at the park in September.

Read more details about the construction of Garuda Wisnu Kencana in this article from the Jakarta Post.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana

A smaller Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue in the park. Pic: Rollan Budi (Flickr CC)

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