Bali is a land of natural wonders, culture and traditions. One of the most astounding traditional ceremonies you can witness is the Kecak Dance, where fire, screams and incredible storytelling come together to form a unique performance.
After exploring the most stunning Bali waterfalls, beaches and temples, you cannot leave the island without seeing the traditional kecak fire & trance dance.
Not only witnessing it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the Kecak Dance is also a high-level artistic performance and an important part of Bali’s history and beliefs.
It doesn’t matter if you are visiting Bali on a budget, or just want to lay down on the beach, the Kecak Dance will blow your mind for sure.
Here is everything you should know about this unique performance and where to see it.
Kecak Bali dance: everything you should know about this Balinese performance
Since there is no other performance even remotely similar to the Kecak dance, many questions come to mind about it. We tell you all about it, from what it is, to its origin, storytelling, art form features and the best places to see the Kecak dance in Indonesia.
What is the Kecak Dance?
So, what is this kecak fire dance everyone talks about? It is a traditional Balinese Hindu dance and music drama that tells a part of the story of the Ramayana, an Hindu tale. It is at the top of any Bali bucket list!
In a few words, Prince Rama and his wife Sita are banished from the kingdom by King Dasarata and end up walking in the forest with Rama’s brother. Rahwana, King of Alengka, wants Sita to be his own and kidnaps her. Rama has to go through different battles to save her.
This tale is told by 50 to 150 performers through dance and singing. They scream the word “cak” and do a trance dance with their arms and hands while wearing clothes only on the lower part of the body.
The last part of the tale includes a scene with fire. There’s no background music; they sing acapella for the whole duration of the show. This whole setting makes the kecak performance very impressive to watch.
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Kecak dance origin
Also known as the Ramayana monkey chant, this traditional music and dance drama was born in Bali, Indonesia, in the 1930s’.
The story says that Balinese people use the Kecak to fight against a plague epidemic. They thought the loud singing and trance dance could make this disease go away.
Wayan Limbak, a Balinese dancer, collaborated with Walter Spies, a German painter. They wanted to mix the Sanghyang dance with the story of Ramayana.
The Sanghyang dance is a trance-inducing exorcist dance that is traditionally performed in Balinese ceremonies. Nowadays, the Kecak Ramayana and fire dance has become a traditional dance that is a popular art form.
This performance is very appealing because it has been translated in a comedic way that is both funny and dramatic.
Kecak dance story
The Kecak dance story was fragmented into 4 acts, from the kidnapping of Sita to her rescue and the burning of the demon’s kingdom.
To help you understand the story more, we need to tell you a bit of the backstory and the characters. Prince Rama and his wife Sita are banished from the kingdom of King Dasarata, Rama’s father, because his stepmother did not like him.
They run away and cross the forest of Dandaka with Rama’s brother, called Laksmana. They don’t know that the evil Rahwana, King of Alengka, is watching them because he wants to steal Rama’s wife.
First act of the Kecak dance
The first part of the dance drama starts with Marica, Rahwana’s prime minister, magically transforming into a golden deer to trap the trio. When Sita sees it, she asks her husband to catch it.
Rama goes after the deer, leaving Sita and his brother Laksmana alone. But when they hear the screams of Rama, Laksmana goes after him to help and leaves Sita alone in a protection circle.
It obviously doesn’t happen and she is kidnapped by Rahwana.
Second act of the Bali Kecak fire dance
In the second fragment of this Bali kecak dance, Rama and Laksmana try to find Sita in the forest but are made prisoners by Rahwana’s brother. They are rescued by the bird Garuda, king of all birds and good friend of King Dasarata, Rama’s father.
Last act of the Kecak dance
Rama and Laksamana continue their journey to rescue Sita, and are joined by Sugriwa, the king of monkeys, and Hanuman, a funny white monkey.
Sugriwa engages in a battle with Meganada and his demon army and wins. They save Sita and burn down the Rahwana kingdom.
Where to see the kecak dance in Bali?
The Kecak dance is a mesmerizing spectacle that combines rhythmic chanting, intricate movements, and elaborate costumes. The location can add to the magic of this art.
It will be incredible wherever you go, but there are a few places that stand out as the best locations.
Uluwatu temple kecak dance
First on the list is the wonderful Uluwatu Temple. Located on the southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, incredible beaches and is a paradise for surfers.
It has the most stunning temple, standing on top of a cliff facing the ocean. This place is absolutely magic, and provides a stunning backdrop for the Uluwatu kecak dance.
How to see the kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple?
The kecak dance in Uluwatu happens every day at 6 PM, with the sun setting in the background creating a magical atmosphere. A group of 75 men dance, sing and play for about one hour.
You can either buy your ticket at the box office for IDR 100.000 ($6 USD), or book a sunset Uluwatu tour with kecak dance. In both cases, we recommend heading there early to secure a seat before the start of the show.
How to get to Uluwatu Temple?
Since Uluwatu is the southern tip of Bali, it’s most likely you will come from the north. You can either take a gojek or taxi, or drive there yourself.
You need to follow the directions to Uluwatu, then drive on Jl. Pantai Padang-Padang, which becomes Jl. Pantai Suluban at some point when you turn left.
- Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
- Best Uluwatu tour with kecak dance: Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance & Lobster Dinner
- Google grade: 4,7/5
Ubud kecak dance in the temple of Pura Dalem Taman Kaja
Another good place to witness the amazing kecak trance dance is Ubud. Ubud is the capital of yoga, spiritualities, relaxation and authenticity in Bali.
For those who prefer a more intimate setting, smaller venues such as the hindu temple Pura Dalem Taman Kaja are ideal. You can experience the Kecak dance performance up close.
This temple welcomes a kecak dance performance twice a week, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It starts between 7 PM and 7:30 PM, when the sky is dark.
How to see the kecak dance in Ubud?
Performance timings are subject to change. We recommend going to the temple when you arrive in Ubud and asking when the next performance is before booking a ticket.
How to get to Pura Dalem Taman Kaja temple?
Pura Dalem Taman Kaja temple is very central in Ubud. It is a 7-minute walk from the Ubud Palace. If you are staying in Ubud, you can either walk there or take a taxi.
- Address: Jl. Sri Wedari No.12, Ubud, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali
- Best tour to visit: Kecak Fire and Trance Dance Ubud
- Google grade: 4,5/5
Tanah Lot kecak dance
Next is Tanah Lot Temple, which is perched on a rocky outcrop and offers stunning views of the ocean. This is one of the most photogenic temples of Bali, but also an important one for Bali’s mythology.
Tanah Lot Temple was built in the 16th century, with 6 other sea temples surrounding Bali’s coast. It’s therefore not a surprise that this spot was chosen to perform the Kecak dance.
How to see the Kecak dance in Tanah Lot?
The Kecak dance in Tanah Lot happens every day at 6:30 PM, after the sunset. We recommend heading there early enough to find a good spot to look at the sun setting behind Tanah Lot Temple first. It is an enchanting experience!
How to get to Tanah Lot?
Tanah Lot is quite famous and you won’t have any trouble finding a taxi or gojek to drive you there. If you are driving yourself, you just have to keep going on the road Jl. Tanah Lot when getting closer to the area, until reaching the car park.
- Address: Tanah Lot Bali, Beraban, Kec. Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali
- Best tour to visit: Tanah Lot Sunset Tour with Kecak Show and Dinner
- Google grade: 4,5/5
Kecak dance Batubulan
There is another kecak dance performance in the north of Denpasar. It is located in Batulan, a 13-minute drive from Sukawati. The venue is big enough to make sure there is room for everyone, both spectators and dancers.
It’s particularly popular with tourists, as it’s much less touristy than Uluwatu, yet at the same level of skill. This local band really put on a spellbinding performance.
How to see the Kecak dance in Batubulan?
You can walk to the Google maps location “Kecak Dance Batubulan” and then ask for a ticket at the building called Sahadewa. Performance ticket costs $7 USD per person, the show starts at 6:30 PM and lasts one hour.
This information is subject to change, so always check on the spot.
Credit: Florence Shih from Yogawinetravel
How to get to Batubulan?
Whether you are coming from Denpasar or Ubud, the road Jl. Raya Batubulan will almost take you to the end point. If you are coming from the north, turn left at Jl. Smki and then right Jl. Baka.
If you are coming from the south, turn right on Jl. Pasekan, left on Jl. Raya Banjar Tubuh which turns into Jl. Baka right before arriving at the venue. It will be on the right side of the road.
- Address: Jl. Smki No.25, Batubulan
- Best tour to visit: Kecak Trance Dance Performance in Batu Bulan
- Grade: 4,5/5
Ungasan Kecak Dance at the GWK Cultural Park
We were told there is another Balinese dance kecak at the GWK Cultural Park in Ungasan. However, people do not seem to recommend it.
Tickets are expensive for a show that doesn’t cover the part of the kecak dance history that is usually told. Since there are many other places to see a great kecak and fire dance, we would rather recommend them.
What makes the Balinese Kecak Dance special?
No instruments
One of the reasons the Bali dance kecak is so incredible to witness is the fact that there are no instruments or pre recorded sounds. Everything you hear comes from the dancers’ throats, endlessly singing the word “cak”.
Dance style and state of trance
It’s pretty uncommon in our modern world to see people dancing in such a state of trance. They embody their characters with such power that you instantly feel in another world.
The Kecak dance has roots in Sanghyang, an exorcism dance used for Balinese traditional rituals. It explains the state of trance seen in the Kecak dance.
Traditional Costumes
The show is completed by the dancers’ attires. The dancers wear black, white and red sarongs around their waists, with naked upper bodies, while the main characters wear colorful, ornate costumes that truly stand out.
Hanuman wears a beautiful monkey costume, which allows a better understanding of the story.
Other Traditional Indonesian Dances
Legong Dance
Legong is the most famous Balinese dance. It represents the celestial ballet of divine nymphs, and used to be taught to girls at school from age 5 to 14.
So many dreamt of being chosen for their villages, to perform at the royal courtyard in front of the princes!
It is therefore a very demanding, feminine and graceful dance, with precise gestures and positions for the fingers and heads.
Dancers also wear luxurious and stunning gold costumes, flower crowns and incredible makeup. They dance to gamelan music, a Balinese orchestra.
You can still witness the magic of the Legong Dance at the Ubud Palace!
Barong and Kris Dance
The Barong and Kris dance is a traditional and spiritual Balinese dance, often performed in ritual ceremonies. Its theme is the never-ending battle between the good and the evil.
In a few words, it tells the story of animals with superpowers that can help humans. Barong is the leader of animals and the good, often represented by a lion. Rangda represents evil and is depicted as a demonic, child-eating witch.
The Barong and Kris dance tells a segment of the whole Barong dance. This is when there is a battle between Barong and Rangda, during which the dancers have krises as weapons.
At the start of the fight, Rangda uses his power to turn the fighters’ kris against themselves. Barong finds a way to block this spell and the fighters begin a trance dance. Barong wins and restores balance to the world and nature!
The Barong and Kris dance is still performed in Sukawati nowadays! You can check availability and prices here. We recommend this show for adults or older kids, since the battle in the show can be hard to watch for young kids.
Janger Dance
The Janger dance is an Indonesian traditional dance for Balinese and Osing people, an ethnic group native to east Java.
The theme of this dance is flirting, which changes a bit from the other traditional dances pictured in this article.
A group of young male dancers performing kecak deliver a great performance, and then sit in two rows. A female group then enters, called the Janger, and sings a traditional folk song while dancing and undulating their bodies.
Then, the two groups mix and a play starts, usually around the theme of household tasks.
Kecak Dance Bali: final thoughts
In conclusion, the Kecak Dance is a mesmerizing and captivating cultural performance when visiting Bali. From its unique storytelling and energetic chants to its fiery displays, this traditional dance truly immerses you in Balinese culture and history.
The best kecak dance in Bali depends on the kind of venue and atmosphere you prefer.
Uluwatu kecak fire dance offers the most stunning setting with views on the ocean, while the Ubud kecak dance is more intimate.
After witnessing the Kecak dance performance, you should not leave Indonesia before visiting the natural paradise of the north of Bali, the iconic Nusa Penida, or the stunning islands of Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan.
