An area of Bali that has long been popular with surfers is the Bukit (hill) peninsula at the southern end of the island. This limestone plateau has Uluwatu on the western end and Nusa Dua on the eastern. Outside of Nusa Dua the biggest construction project is Mandala Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK), the cultural park carved out of the limestone rock. GWK was conceived to be a cultural centre and events park which is privately funded. It is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu, and his mount, Garuda, the mythical half man, half bird who is his companion.
(The True Pose of Garuda Wisnu Kencana)
Currently, the statue of Vishnu is 23 m high, although the original plan was for a 146 m gold plated Vishnu riding Garuda on top of an 11 storey entertainment complex. The idea was not without controversy, and religious authorities on the island complained that it's massive size might disrupt the spiritual balance of the island as it tries to compete with the highest spot Gunung Agung, and that its commercial nature was inappropriate.
(The original Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park Design)
At the park, you can stroll around and view the statues of Vishnu, the Hindu God who is the protector (part of the Hindu trinity Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer), the statue of half man half bird Garuda and the other points of interest including the art museum, open air stage and amphitheater. You will impressed at the size of the park and the effort that had been put in to tend the gardens.
(The Cliff at Garuda Wisnu Kencana)
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