Does anyone know the story of I Wayan Bulit? This statue before you is more than just a figure. It embodies Bali’s spirit in Denpasar.
The I Wayan Bulit Statue stands as a tribute to Balinese history. Balinese statues often depict characters or scenes from Hindu mythology. These intricate carvings hold hidden messages. Bali is indeed in a statue-building golden era. Many of its biggest and best sculptures were unveiled in recent times.
Bali is an island with deep-rooted beliefs. These beliefs are well showcased through the many incredible statues across the island. You will find these statues everywhere. They are in temples, public places, and even homes. As you explore the island, you’ll encounter these statues depicting gods and goddesses. They seem poised to greet you. Behind their aesthetic appeal lies a rich tapestry of stories. These stories are often overlooked by many.
One of Indonesia’s most iconic landmarks is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) statue. Towering at 121 meters, it depicts the Hindu god Vishnu astride Garuda. Garuda is his loyal, eagle-like companion. The Garuda is also the national emblem of Indonesia. It represents freedom. This magnificent statue is larger than the Statue of Liberty and Rio’s Christ the Redeemer. It has become a powerful symbol of cultural pride and unity in Indonesia. It took 28 years to build. The entire structure was built from 754 modules. They weighed more than 3,000 tons. It has a steel frame covered in copper and brass skin. On top of Vishnu’s head sits a 3.5-ton crown covered with gold-plated mosaics. Nyoman Nuarta is the mastermind and initiator of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana. 120 artists were involved in GWK’s construction. It cost a total of Rp450 billion.
Another of Bali’s famous statues is the Satria Gatotkaca Statue. It is located at the T-junction of Jl. Raya Tuban and Jl. Ngurah Rai Airport. This statue is one of the beautiful sights to greet visitors. They arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport. It was designed by local artist I Wayan Winten from Ubud. This statue depicts Gatotkaca. He is a knight with the ability to fly and has great magical power. He is responsible for air defense and security protection for the Pandawa Kingdom. That’s why this statue was built near the airport.
You can’t miss the huge Titi Banda Statue. Especially when traveling east on the Denpasar bypass. The grandiose 15-meter-tall statue tells the story of Rama and his monkey troops. The troops consist of 18 heads. Five of whom were chief of the monkey. They built the Titi Banda Bridge across to present-day Sri Lanka. The Titi Banda statue is located on the T-junction on Jl. Ida Bagus Mantra Bypass towards Jl. Ngurah Rai By-Pass. This location was deliberately chosen. Because it was considered a strategic area. And one of the most traveled by tourists.
One of the most famous Balinese statues that locals and tourists alike see every day. If they are going in/out of Kuta. The Dewa Ruci Statue graces the area known as Simpang Siur. It’s an intersection between Denpasar, Kuta, and the famous Sunset Road. It was built in 1996 and designed by Balinese artist I Wayan Winten. This amazing statue features a Bima. One of five children of Pandawa figure wrapped around by a dragon atop a wave-like structure. It tells a story. Bima was ordered by his spiritual teacher to get some spring holy water from the sea. Even he knew that it’s impossible to get.
So as you stand before the I Wayan Bulit Statue, remember it represents more than stone. It represents Denpasar’s heart and Bali’s soul.