Kecak Dance

You have to consider paying a visit to two main attractions when planning some tours in Bali (and specifically Uluwatu), namely the Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance in Uluwatu. 

Being one of Bali's most iconic artistic performances, taking place at a clifftop amphitheater beside Uluwatu Temple, the Kecak Dance at Uluwatu is an incredible show piece performed on a circular open stage, and is not something to be missed! 

Although the Kecak Dance is regularly performed in many places all over the island, Uluwatu is the best place to watch this spectacular show as you will be spoiled by views of the cliffs and the beauty of the sunset panorama! The dances can also be found at Tanah Lot Temple, GWK Cultural Park, Pura Dalem Ubud, Padang Tegal Stage, etc.

Why you should go see the Kecak dance in Uluwatu:

Kecak fire dancing is unlike any other dance performance you've ever seen. What makes this dance particularly stand out is that the drama uses no artificial backdrop and it doesn't involve any musical instrument.

It’s unique, even to Balinese dancing because the dancers use their own voices to create the atmosphere as the dance is performed. The focus is entirely on about 50-70 men, bare-chested, wearing only distinct Balinese sarongs and dance around a set of torches in the center.

At the opening scene, the dancers enter the stage with extended arms and shaking hands up in the air while chanting their fast-paced choruses repetitively. The story being told during the performance is one about love and loss, bravery and sacrifice.

The story is about Sri Rama, prince of the Ayodya kingdom, who was sent into exile by his father King Dasaratha following an evil trick by his stepmother . Deep in a monkey forest, Rama is accompanied by his wife Sita and his loyal younger brother. 

The evil Rahwana, who had a crush on Sita, knew this, and wanted to kidnap her. The two brothers, with help from the monkey king Hanoman and his monkey troops rescue Sita and finally all of them are reunited right after the setting sun.

The show ends when fire torches in the stage’s centre flicker against the darkened sky, and believe us this is truly a magical moment.

How to get to the Kecak dance in Uluwatu:

It's pretty easy to find because the amphitheater is located right next to Uluwatu temple, one of the main tourist attractions in the Uluwatu area.

Best time to visit the Kecak dance in Uluwatu:

The Kecak Fire Dance show starts at sunset, so around 6pm. If you don't buy an online ticket in advance , make sure to come early as the show is very popular and you might end up not seeing the show because it was sold out. Or even better, book a tour and they will organize the entrance tickets for you.

Best spot to get a picture:

You will get the best picture sitting all the way up on the concrete stairs, the higher, the better. This way you will have a great view over the dancers AND the ocean in the backdrop.

Tips:

As many monkeys consider Uluwatu temple their home, chances are high you will see many of them. Remember these are wild animals and their behavior is unpredictable. So don't feed them and don't interact with them.