In this fast paced world, one’s value is increasingly becoming measured by one’s bank statement and job title: finances play a huge role in what is considered important in today’s society. Individual talent is made into a commodity and while this is not necessarily an issue, increasingly we witness people being treated as numbers and not necessarily as human beings. In such a day and age, cultural parks can assist in re-organising and re-centralising values that are truly important. Cultural parks are becoming increasingly dominant in Asia and the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Bali, Indonesia is one such attraction.
The Mandala Garuda Wisnu Kencana, is known by the acronym GWK. Located on the Bukit Peninsula in Bali, the park itself is quite large in extent: a stunning two hundred and forty hectares. The park is dedicated to God Vishnu, a prominent and well known Hindu God known for protecting those worthy of salvation and is also known as the preserver. His consort is Shri Lakshmi while Garuda plays the role of his companion.
The central attraction of this stunning park is an iconic statue of the Hindu deity that stands tall at a remarkable height, twenty three metres to be exact. Originally, the statue was intended to be the deity riding the mythical bird, to be placed above an entertainment complex. However, as expected, this proposal was met with considerable opposition by varying religious parties who believed that the unlikely juxtaposition of a statue of religious importance along with an entertainment complex would prove to disrupt the spirituality of those who come to the park as well as that of the island.
After several setbacks, the project was re-initiated and tourists staying in hotels in Seminyak can visit the site and will be able to experience the full force of this cultural park as it nears full completion. The tranquillity and serenity promoted at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park is one that is unlikely to be experienced at just any 5 star hotel Seminyak. However, for the prudent travellers opting to reside at the W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak, this just may prove to be a reality.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+