A ministure version of the propsed Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is a private cultural park situated in Jimbaran on the island of Bali. Local artist I Nyoman Nuarta was commissioned to create a huge statue of Wisnu, the God of Creation, sitting on Garuda, the mythical bird that carries him. The Indonesians wanted to create another Wonder of the World with a final height greater than that of the Statue of Liberty.
Wisnu at 23m tall, hubby is not even 10% of its height
One couldn't help but gasp in awe of the monstrous sized sculptures. Currently, the statue of Wisnu is 23 m high.When my hubby stands right next to it, he looks like a Lilliputian. :D
Garuda - the mythical bird that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology
It was a terribly hot day, the 20 or so visitors milling around the 20-hectare cultural park looked like miniatures in comparison to their surroundings.
The original plan was for a 150 m gold-plated Wisnu riding Garuda on top of an 11-storey entertainment complex.
A performance centre with 7,500 seats, an amphitheater, a street theatre, galleries, restaurants and other artistic attractions were also planned.
Made from more than 4000 tons of copper and brass, the torso and hands of Wisnu and the big bird Garuda have to be made separately and placed at 3 different locations of the humongous park..
The cost - US$270 million. Today, only 20 percent of the original project has been completed. It was postponed because of 1997/1998 economic crisis. Money will always be a lingering problem for such a huge project.
The park was built in the rocky and hilly area of Jimbaran, which present logistical problems. Parts of the hills had to be cut flat to create the area required for the statues.
Climbing the steep, rocky walls without safety gear
From the top of the hill, we can see Jimbaran Bay where Win's Balinese friends were inviting us to Bali's famous BBQ seafood dinner on the beach.
Isn't that the location where two bombs exploded among diners on the beach in 2005? *gulp*
PhotoHunt
First Commenter -
These are so breathtaking and magical. What a wonderful experience to be able to touch such beautiful things. They look so perfect and precise ... straight from paradise.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a sight to behold. I could not help but gasp in awe of the monstrous sized sculptures.The Indonesians wanted create another Wonder of the World. Do you know what that is?
ReplyDeleteWOw! A whopping US$270 million. Goodness :D
ReplyDeleteReally huge statues! I did not go there on my last trip! Is it worth going?
ReplyDeletethat is a good take on the theme. do they sell miniatures of this for souvenirs too.
ReplyDeletewahh did ur hubby manage to climb to the top..? :D
ReplyDeleteLovely sculptures! And Garuda appears on the coat of arms of Thailand and Indonesia - both countries regard it as a national symbol - owing influences to the ancient Srivijaya Empire which once ruled a vast territory that spanned from modern-day Sumatera to Thailand.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your posts on Bali! My parents and I are planning to visit Bali for Chinese New Year holidays and here I am, getting a pre-departure briefing! :)
ReplyDeleteWow did he really climb the wall, that is awesome!
ReplyDeleteWow! Such awesome sculptures.
ReplyDeletePostponed = just delayed or put off permanently? Hope it's the former!
ReplyDeleteThey are cool and interesting...Happy hunting...
ReplyDeletelovely sculptures and the detail carvings are amazing.
ReplyDeletewow, these are gigantic statues! the details are amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting place ECL and I am sure you felt dwarfed by these huge sculptures.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend to you.
Your "miniatures" are rather maxiatures, but terrific ! Wish I could see that life !
ReplyDeleteKloggers/Polly,
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a wonderful experience for me. I saw with my own eyes what men are able to accomplish. I hope they cam carry on with the project.
stanley,
ReplyDeleteThey wanted to create an iconic statue that is 3 times the size of the Statue of Liberty.
Tekkaus,
ReplyDeleteFor such a monster project, you need huge funds.
foongpc,
ReplyDeleteIt took us an hour to get there from Kuta. The entrance fee for foreigners is quite expensive - Rp 50,000. You see the half-completed statues and neatly cut rocks. Also included is a free Barong (Balinese dance) performance. My hubby got his caricature drawn for free.
If you have time to spare and you like to see the cultural side of Bali, it is worth a visit.
ewok1993,
ReplyDeleteI don't know if they sell miniatures of these statues, I didn't go into the souvenir shop.
Monica,
ReplyDeleteIt was a chicken feed.... he practically walked to the top. :D
Hello kyh!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is some info on the garudA which is hardly known. Thanks.
yileen,
ReplyDeleteGoing to Bali? How lovely! Do your homework. Know what you want want to do there and book your hotel early.
There are free maps and magazines on Bali available from the hotel concierge, they will come in handy as you find your way around the island.
Christy,
ReplyDeleteHe's just posing for my photo shoot. haha....
Lina,
ReplyDeleteYes. Majestic statues.
YTSL,
ReplyDeleteI was told postponed. Hope they will continue with the project.
gengen,
ReplyDeleteYes interesting sculptures.
Life Ramblings,
ReplyDeleteLove the artwork, the statue of Garuda looks so real.
Luna Miranda,
ReplyDeleteAmazing, isn't it?
jmb,
ReplyDeleteI'm truly dwarfed besides these statues. :D
Gattina,
ReplyDeleteMaxiatures! Awesome new word! hehehe....
When are you coming to Asia for your holiday?
Wonderful shots! Those statues are HUGE and would make everyone seem miniature in comparison.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend.
What a wonderful take on this week's theme. I love the sculptures!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a lovely work of art. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow! Awesome sculptures! People really do seem miniatures beside them.
ReplyDeleteThose are amazing ECL! Wow! I would love to visit there one day.....
ReplyDeleteThe sculpture is amazing. IT makes the people look like the miniatures.
ReplyDeleteAmazing views! Those sculptures are so huge, but I love them!
ReplyDeleteHi ECL - glad you are back and exited to see you again!
ReplyDeleteMiniature or not, you're photos are always great and so is the story - thanks for sharing!
Wishing you a great week ahead :-)
Beautiful, impressive scrupture and what a stairs to climb ;)
ReplyDeleteAmazing sculptures. Nice take on the theme.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
Liz @ MLC
those are beautiful sculptures!
ReplyDeletewhat a great place to go!
happy weekend ECL!
I'd love to go to Bali!! beautiful story and sculptures.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend, ECL!!
Now I really want to go to Bali!
ReplyDeleteI Nyoman Nuarta is a talented artist with great vision, sadly many people think this is just another failed waste-of-money-project from the old regime. I really hope he and the GWK foundation can find a way to accomplish the project. Few years back they tried to get support from the current government to no avail :(
ReplyDelete