List of Important & Iconic Bali Statues that are worth a Visit

Bali is a place steeped in culture, and its wealth of captivating statues is a testament to this heritage. As you explore the island, you’ll encounter these statues depicting gods and goddesses, seemingly poised to greet you.

One notable gem is Indonesia’s tallest statue, Garuda Wisnu Kencana, located in the center of Bukit Peninsula South Bali

Behind their aesthetic appeal lies a rich tapestry of stories, often overlooked by many. Let’s take a closer look at some of Bali’s most remarkable statues.

Photo credit: daisukephotography

This 122-meter-tall statue is the tallest statue in Indonesia and the tallest statue of a Hindu god in the world. It took 28 years to build! The entire structure was built from 754 modules weighing more than 3,000 tons, with 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. However, 120 artists were involved in GWK’s construction, costing a total of Rp450 billion. It represents Vishnu, one of the main deities of Hinduism, riding on the back of his faithful bird, Garuda. The Garuda is also the national emblem of Indonesia and represents freedom.

Photo credit: fandiarya

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 arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Inaugurated on October 30, 1993, the Satria Gatotkaca statue was designed by local artist, I Wayan Winten from Ubud. This statue depicting Gatotkaca, a knight with the ability to fly and has a great magical power who is responsible for air defense and security protection for the Pandawa Kingdom. That’s why this statue was built near the airport.

Photo credit: riskidarmawan_

It’s hard to miss this huge statue when traveling east on the Denpasar bypass. The grandiose 15-meter-tall statue tells the story of Rama and his monkey troops consisting of 18 heads, where five of whom were chief of the monkey, who 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.

Photo credit: inengahsuarna

One of the most famous Balinese statues that locals and tourists alike see every day if they are going in/out of Kuta, this statue graces the area known as Simpang Siur – an intersection between Denpasar, Kuta, and the famous Sunset Road. 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 where 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.

Photo credit: Madhukumar Menon

Majestically sitting only one km to the east of Ubud town center is Indra Statue, one of the landmarks of Ubud that was built in 1995 by I Wayan Winten who also designed the Satria Gatotkaca Statue. Indra is a legendary warrior and the God of War. He is depicted standing on an elephant head wielding his bow and arrow.

Photo credit: Cokorda Sarotama

Imposing at 9-meter-tall, this landmark of Denpasar City was built in 1973 under the critical eye of the famous artist from Ubud, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad.This granite statue depicting the four-faced Brahma, a supreme Hindu god. Each of the four faces of the statue looks to a compass point (north, south, east, and west directions). One of the most important actual functions of Catur Muka is serving as a point of orientation within the city of Denpasar.

Photo credit: riskidarmawan_

The artwork of I Gede Wibawa, the Dewi Danu statue stands at 15 meters in height on the edge of Lake Batur. It was built in 2016 as the largest and tallest Dewi Danu statue in Indonesia. The word “Danu” refers to lake in English while “Dewi” means Goddess.

Photo credit: gianyarinfo_

On the main crossroads of Sakah village, there is a giant baby statue which according to some sources symbolizing the Brahma Lelare, God Brahma as a child, as the guard of this very important intersection to ward off evil spirits, and finally accidents will be minimized. It was built in 1989 by the Gianyar Regent at the time. Without a clear chronicle, the tales often told about the statue are chilling. Wails heard from the giant baby are expected come full moon.

Photo credit: arefkaram

This 15-meters tall statue can be found in the Bedugul Botanical Garden. As the name implies, the statue depicts the battle from the Ramayana story between Kumbakarna, the younger brother of Rahwana, and monkey troops in an attempt to seize Dewi Sinta from the captive Rahwana.

SIMBOL KERAJAAN : Patung Raja Denpasar I, I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung.(adrian suwanto/radar bali)

The Monument of Puputan Badung in Tainsiat: A Symbol of Bravery and Resistance

The Tainsiat Banjar, located in Desa Dangin Puri, Denpasar, holds deep historical significance, forever tied to the Puputan Badung, one of Bali’s most heroic battles against colonial forces. The very name “Tainsiat” originates from the words Taen meaning “once” and Siat meaning “battle” in Balinese, indicating that this was once the site of a fierce confrontation.

The Last Battle of I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung

The Puputan Badung was the last stand of I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung, the sixth king of Denpasar, who led his people in a final battle against the Dutch colonial invaders. The battle began when Dutch ships anchored near Sanur in the early 20th century. The ships ran into trouble, almost capsizing, and the local Balinese people rushed to assist them. However, instead of gratitude, the Dutch accused the locals of attempting to loot the ship.

Photo credit: arefkaram

Monument to Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Sugianyar: Honoring a Hero’s Legacy

In recognition of the struggles and sacrifices of its national heroes, the Jembrana Regency Government erected a statue of Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Sugianyar at the Batuagung crossroads. Standing at an impressive height of 12.74 meters, the monument was officially unveiled by Jembrana Regent I Putu Artha on December 21, 2017. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Deputy Regent I Made Kembang Hartawan, local government officials, and notable community leaders.