Bali : Garuda Wisnu Kencana

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana also known as GWK (Ga-Wey-Ka in Indonesian pronounciation) is a huge sculpture built an Balinese Sculpturer named Nyoman Nuarta. When it is completed, it's suppose to stand as high as the New Yorker Lady Liberty at the height of 150 meters and a width of 64 meters.

A miniature of the real statue if it were to be finished.

Unfortunately, the project has its problems and now, parts of the statue is to be found around the area of GWK which is like a huge garden especially built for this statue when it is ready. There is the Lord Wisnu himself, the head of the Garuda and the hands of Wisnu, all in different areas of the land.

The statue, supposedly made out of 4000 tons of copper and brass shows the Lord Wisnu riding on his mystical bird, the Garuda. The Lord Wisnu is believed to be the essence of all beings, holding the the past, present and future, is also the Lord of the Universe which give wealth and life to the universe.

The Lord Wisnu now sits on the highest hill of Ungasan which overlooks Kuta, Benoa and Sanur

Below the plaza of the Wisnu God is the plaza Garuda, where the head of the Garuda is placed.

Garuda is Lord Wisnus faithful companion. The Garuda is also Indonesias national symbol. The fist ever story of the Garuda was told in the book Mahabrata. According to tale, Garuda broke out of his egg as a raging inferno. I think it's something like the pheonix in Harry Potter. He was a powerful bird, huge in size that he could cover the sun Frightened, the gods pleadded for his mercy upon them. It was then the Garuda minimized himself.

Garuda is also the faithful friend of the Lord Wisnu. In other words. Garuda is the Vahana of the Lord. Vahana in Hindu mythology context which also means vehicle.

steps up to Plaza Garuda

The 240 Cultural park also has venues for large scale events. There is a Lotus Pond with water elements and statues of tortoises, the Amphiteather which holds a Kecak Dance performance every evening and also an exibition hall. In this exibition halls are Barongs and Balinese costumes. There is also a station for henna and temporary tattoo and hair braiding.

The exibits of Balinese tradition which includes the Barongs.

A barong is believed to be the protector of spirits and is generally the image of a demonic lion. The image of the barong varies according to regions of the Balinese Island. The Barong is suppose to restore the balance of the Universe and fight against its arch enermy, Rangda.

Daily, a Balinese parade is held in the grounds of GWK at 5pm. We were in time to watch this parade. Mainly it shows the culture of the the people of Bali. In the parade, there are the young Balinese ladies, the village master, the shrine and the King and Queen (looks like it). Then there's the Barong that'll protect the people from spirits.

The parade goes around the area with sounds of beating gongs.

We left right after the parade to catch the sunset in Uluwatu. Will update soon enough! (hopefully)