VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Cultural Park of Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is one of favoritetourismdestinations in Bali.IndonesianPresident, Joko Widodo and the heads ofG20delegationcameto the welcoming dinner at Lotus Pond area as a part of the G20 Summit schedule onTuesday (15/11). Actually, there were some destinations recommendedby President Joko Widodo. But, GWK was chosen because of the uniqueness and the great distinctiveness from this recreational area.

GWK was designed by Nyoman Nuartain1980s. It took a long time for the GWK idea to be accepted by the public. At first, people assumed the construction project of GWK was uneconomical. In 1997, this project was started. On 22 September 2018, this cultural park whichcovers60 hectareswidewas officially opened byPresident oko Widodo. The height of GWK whichcovers120 meters is the distinctiveness of one of the favoritetourismdestinations in Bali. The statue becomes an icon of civilization which is timeless. The statue made of copper, steel, and brass depicts the God of Hinduism, Vishnu, riding on Garuda. On the shoulder of Vishnu, there is an ornament made of thousands of pieces of gold mosaic glass.Theornament called 'Badong' is also attached to the crown and chest of the statue.

As the venue for the welcoming dinner, Lotus Pond is the largest landmark in GWK known as the main square. The outdoor area can accommodate up to 7,500 people. The wide expanse of the courtyard looks very majestic with limestone cliffs liningup on eitherleft or rightside. The view at that point is even more captivating with the presence of a Garuda statue at one end of the line of limestone cliffs. Stepping into the main door of Lotus Pond,there is Tirta Agung (holy water). There, visitors can also find a carved stone wall (relief) which contains the story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana until it finally became the carriage of Vishnu, Hindus believe him to be the guardian deity of the universe. The lotus symbolizes beauty, prosperity and fertility, andthis isalways carriedin the hands of Vishnu. Although the lotus has roots in the mud,on the surface it blooms into a beautiful flower and becomes a symbol of humanity and cosmos. From inside the GWK statue, tourists are now spoiled with different experiences, from the ground floor of the statue to the top of the 23rd floor.