The Garuda

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue (otherwise known as the GWK statue) stands at a height of 397ft and is visible for 15 miles. It is the tallest statue in Indonesia and the tallest statue in the world for any Hindu deity. Completed in 2018, it depicts the top Hindu God Wisnu (also known as Vishnu), riding the mythical eagle-like bird Garuda. It cost roughly $30M over its 28 year creation.  Sculpted in copper and brass, giving it the green patina, it symbolizes the harmony between mankind and the environment, as well as the spirituality of Bali.

Another massive nearby statue depicting Garuda

Massive statue of Wisnu (Vishnu)

Water god overseeing her element . . . .

Traditional Balinese dancers

Returned back to our villa today to find this freaking dinosaur sunning itself in our plunge pool!  Guessing this fellow, whom we later learned has been given the name “Boy,” is about 4ft long and around 80lbs!  He is a monitor lizard or what the native folk call an alu (a water lizard).  They can grow up to 7ft long!  They are harmless and eat a wide range of prey, such as birds, small mammals, eggs, insects, and dead shit. 

Some pics around campus . . . .

Our plunge pool and view, minus giant lizard

Our front door 

Beautiful flowers throughout the property 

Hidden beach about 100ft in front of our villa

Hindu shrine. They are everywhere!

Cool sculpture 

View from the lobby

View up toward the lobby 

Many little sitting areas throughout.  This one was killer, already taken though

Hot tubs in main pool area

A little poolside refreshment.  Do you know you can fill a coconut with dark rum?