Every Bali bucket list will tell you to buy tickets to a kecak dance. And although tourist guides are often wrong, they are right on this one.
Watching a traditional dance performed over the dramatic cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean in a setting of an 11th-century Hindu temple? It doesn’t get more authentic and unique than that. From scenery to the show itself, the Kecak Dance Uluwatu temple is known for, it is worth all the hype it gets.
Here is how you can get the entrance tickets and enjoy the performance.
What Is Kecak Fire Dance?
Kecak Fire Dance is a traditional Balinese dance performed by men with no musical instruments accompanying it.
The name, kecak, comes from the sound dancers make, “cak, cak, cak” as a rhythm for each movement.
Dancing and chanting, performers enter the stage to tell us a story inspired by the Ramayana epic, where Prince Rama is on a quest to save his wife Sita, who was kidnapped by an evil king.
The prince will have to go to war with this evil king. To win, he seeks the support of Hanoman, a monkey warrior, and his army.
This whole experience is symbolizing purification and victory of the good forces against evil.
The show is incredibly beautiful, intense, with swirling flames and intricate costumes, and the Indian Ocean as a backdrop makes up for a cultural activity you won’t find anywhere else.
What Is The Story Behind The Kecak Dance?
Kecak Dance is a creative blend of deep cultural traditions of Balinese Hindus: the Ramayana epic and the Sanghyang dance ritual.
It was created in the 1930s by two artists: Wayan Limbak from Bali and Walter Spies from Germany, who at the time spent many years painting and composing in Bali.
The goal was simple: to introduce more foreign visitors to the beauty of Balinese culture and gift them an unforgettable experience they can take home.
The major difference between Kecak and other traditional Balinese dances is the total absence of musical instruments.
The Sanghyang ritual at the foundation of the Kecak fire dance is a practice to source divine energy through trance and dances to ask for protection from bad spirits. Bare-chested men formed a tight circle, the same way you will see Kecak dancers move.
Where Can You Watch Kecak Dance Performance In Uluwatu?
The main event happens at the Uluwatu temple.
Twice a day, there are Kecak Fire dance shows at the temple’s amphitheatre overlooking the cliffs and the ocean.
To be fair, there are also some performances at GWK park, but most tourists prefer the show at the Uluwatu temple.
What Is The Best Time To See Kecak Dance Uluwatu?
Sunset time is the best time to see the Kecak dance at the Uluwatu temple, but we recommend coming earlier to explore the temple itself.
If you’re coming from Canggu or Seminyak, make it a day trip and go check out Uluwatu beaches, cafes, and have dinner with a view before coming to see the show.
How Much Does It Cost To See Kecak?
The entrance fee to the temple is 30,000-50,000 IDR (3-5 AUD). The Kecak dance show tickets are paid extra: for adults is IDR 150,000 (15 AUD) and IDR 75,000 for kids under 9. Kids older than 9 years old get an adult ticket.
If you haven’t booked online, you can purchase tickets at the temple, but they accept cash only. During peak tourist season (June-August), it is best to book online, at least 3-4 days in advance.
In addition, if you came by bike or car and parked at the temple, you will need to pay a small parking fee (under 1 AUD).
You can buy tickets online, too, through some local booking platforms or apps like Klook (where you can have a discount, too). You will need to show your QR code to the temple staff to enter, then.
Remember that no food, drinks, backpacks, or hats are allowed inside the temple (monkeys may steal them).
What To Expect At Uluwatu Kecak Dance Performance
At Uluwatu temple, the audience is sitting in an open-air amphitheatre 70 meters above sea level, enjoying the sunset view and the show stage. It will be a big show as the venue can fit up to 1200 visitors!
The show is usually opened by a priest, a group prayer, and offerings. As it is an active temple, you will be expected to dress with respect (covering shoulders and knees with a sarong). As the sun sets, the performance is about to start.
In the centre, there is a round stage with male performers in a circle. More than 70 dancers in total take part in each show!
There is a narrator, called dalang in Indonesian, who reads the story to make sure you follow the movements and dances through this one-hour show:
- Introduction of the Prince, his wife and the setting of the story;
- Sita’s kidnapping by the evil demon pretending to be an old man;
- Prince asking Hanoman to help him save Sita;
- And finally, the battle of Hanoman and the evil forces at the castle.
Men forming the circle are usually only wearing checkered wrapping skirts and red belts, as well as ceremonial red flowers behind their fight eat.
Central characters like the prince, his wife, a few royal family members, the evil king, or Hanoman will be dressed in incredible traditional costumes. They do not talk, only interact through dancing!
Rhythmic chanting slowly builds up as the drama unfolds, leading to the culmination: the scene of the battle between the monkey general and the evil king Ravana, aka Hanoman’s fire dance.
FAQs
What Time Is The Kecak Fire Dance In Uluwatu?
Uluwatu Kecak dance experience starts at 6 PM and 7 PM daily at the Uluwatu temple amphitheatre. You can come to the temple and find a seat from 4 PM.
Seats are first-come, first-served, so come early to find the best seats. Seats in the middle and top rows are best for panoramic views and photos.
Important note: the show takes place during the rainy season, too. Don’t forget to bring your poncho with you!
Is Kecak Dance At Uluwatu Temple Worth It?
Yes! If you are interested in Balinese culture and love live performances, the Kecak dance at Uluwatu temple is one of the best things to do in Bali.
Are There Wild Monkeys At Uluwatu Temple?
Yes! These monkeys are mischievous and will try to snatch your glasses, phones, or snacks, so do not provoke them.
Final Thoughts On Kecak Dance, Uluwatu
No doubt, this cliffside performance at Uluwatu Temple belongs on every Bali itinerary, especially if it is your first time on the island.
For the price of a dinner, you get a glimpse of traditional dances, spirituality, religious rituals, and stories that make up Bali. And the stage could not be more perfect, too, so come with friends and family, and make sure your phone is fully charged!