Traditional Balinese Dance Performance Ubud Indonesia
Experience the soul of Bali through captivating traditional dances like Legong, Kecak, and Barong, showcasing ancient stories and vibrant artistry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Most shows start at dusk
Traditional Balinese Dance Performance Ubud Indonesia
Best Time
Most shows start at dusk
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the soul of Bali through captivating traditional dances like Legong, Kecak, and Barong, showcasing ancient stories and vibrant artistry.
"The dance is worth seeing but not in such conditions."
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Secure good seats by arriving 1-2 hours before showtime. Standing room is often the only option for latecomers.
📖 Get the Story Pamphlet
Understand the narrative! Pamphlets explain the dances, crucial for appreciating the cultural stories.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kecak Fire Dance
Uluwatu Temple (popular, but also available in Ubud)
Mesmerizing rhythmic chanting and dramatic storytelling, often performed at sunset.
Legong Dance
Ubud Palace
Graceful dancers in vibrant costumes tell ancient tales with intricate hand and eye movements.
Barong Dance
Ubud Palace
A captivating battle between good (Barong) and evil (Rangda), showcasing elaborate masks and costumes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Seating
Understand the Story
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Secure good seats by arriving 1-2 hours before showtime. Standing room is often the only option for latecomers.
📖 Get the Story Pamphlet
Understand the narrative! Pamphlets explain the dances, crucial for appreciating the cultural stories.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Performances are often outdoors in humid conditions. Bring water or buy it on-site.
📸 Respectful Photography
Check if photography is allowed. Some venues prohibit flash or video recording.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Secure good seats by arriving 1-2 hours before showtime. Standing room is often the only option for latecomers.
📖 Get the Story Pamphlet
Understand the narrative! Pamphlets explain the dances, crucial for appreciating the cultural stories.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Performances are often outdoors in humid conditions. Bring water or buy it on-site.
📸 Respectful Photography
Check if photography is allowed. Some venues prohibit flash or video recording.
💰 Ticket Prices Vary
Expect prices around 100,000 IDR. Be wary of venues selling tickets when already over capacity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Balinese dance performances in Ubud offer a rich cultural immersion, with many praising the artistry and storytelling. However, a common complaint is the poor organization regarding seating, with venues often oversold, leading to uncomfortable viewing experiences. Despite this, the beauty of the dances and the cultural significance make them a worthwhile, albeit sometimes frustrating, experience.
"It’s meant to be one of the best ones in unud and can be a great experience if you are watching this for the first time . Read the pamphlet so you can make sense of the story.
One of the biggest issue is seating . For 0730 show people already come and start occupying seats from 0530 I believe. Around 0700 you might get floor seats . By 0730 you will find people on trees trying to get a view .
The performers were good but we left after 45 minutes because it was just uncomfortable to sit like that . If you are with kids definitely go a bit earlier . They are selling drinks on site too."
Devesh sharma
"Organization: 💀💀💀💀
First, I was advised to get there at 6: 45 for a 730 show. I got there at 6:00 and was still not the first to arrive. The place was somewhat full by 6:45 completely full by seven and breaking capacity by 7:30.
There were a few rows of chairs, another few rows of stadium benches and then for those that came after seven there was the floor. The pamphlet given about the performance was amazing. Without it, I would not have been able to follow along the story, but some people noted that they did not get said pamphlet depend, depending on what ticket was purchased.
The dancing was reminiscent of the king and I. But instead of being in the palace, you were outside in 100% humidity.
I nice idea but not worth unless you have ample time"
Briana Clarke
"We watched a Legong dance show on a Thursday evening at the Royal Palace of Ubud. Tickets were available for purchase at the entrance for 100,000 IDR per person. The show started at 7:30 PM, and we arrived about 25 minutes early.
By then, the courtyard was already completely full, with more than half of the spectators standing due to a lack of seats. I was quite disappointed that tickets were still being sold at the entrance despite the courtyard being full. I found this disrespectful to the visitors, as it seemed the organizers were more focused on maximizing profits and packing the courtyard as much as possible.
The show lasted an hour and a half. The costumes were beautiful, and the palace setting provided a lovely backdrop. The performance was divided into several parts, and when we bought our tickets, we received a pamphlet explaining the meaning of each act.
The show itself was enjoyable, especially because of the setting, but I’m hesitant to recommend it due to the organizers’ apparent focus on money rather than the comfort and respect of the audience. I’ve attended similar shows in Java where seating was properly arranged, and for a comparable price."
Victor Virlogeux
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most performances are held in central Ubud, often at the Ubud Palace or local temples. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available. If you're staying further out, consider hiring a driver for the evening.
Parking can be challenging in central Ubud due to narrow streets and high tourist traffic. It's often easier to walk if your accommodation is nearby or use a taxi/scooter.
Ubud Palace is a popular venue for Legong and Barong dances. For Kecak, while Uluwatu is famous, some venues in Ubud also offer it.
Absolutely! Many visitors attend a dance performance after exploring Ubud's rice terraces, temples, or Monkey Forest.
If you're based elsewhere in Bali, like Seminyak or Canggu, hiring a private driver for the evening is a convenient option. This allows for flexible pick-up and drop-off.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically sold at the entrance of the performance venue, often starting a couple of hours before the show. Some hotels may also offer ticket booking services.
Prices generally range from 100,000 to 150,000 IDR per person, depending on the performance and venue.
For popular shows like the Kecak dance, booking in advance isn't always an option, but arriving early is crucial. For Legong or Barong at Ubud Palace, tickets are usually available at the door, but early arrival is still recommended.
If you arrive late, you may have to stand or find a spot with a limited view, as seating is often on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seating can vary. Some venues have chairs, others stadium benches, and latecomers might end up on the floor. Some tickets might include a story pamphlet, while others don't.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
Most performances last between 1 to 1.5 hours, often divided into several acts or segments.
Dress comfortably and respectfully. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing attire.
Photography policies vary. Some venues allow it without flash, while others prohibit it entirely. It's best to check the rules upon arrival or ask staff.
Many dances depict scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, or local legends and myths. The Kecak dance, for instance, tells the story of Rama's rescue of Sita.
Seating can be basic, with hard benches or floor seating for latecomers. Some visitors find it uncomfortable, especially in the humidity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some venues offer drinks for purchase. For a full meal, it's best to dine before or after the show at one of Ubud's many restaurants.
Generally, eating is discouraged inside the performance area to maintain the atmosphere. Drinks might be permitted.
Ubud offers a wide range of dining options, from local warungs to international cuisine. Explore Jalan Hanoman or Jalan Gootama for diverse choices.
Yes, Ubud is known for its healthy and vegetarian-friendly food scene, with numerous cafes and restaurants catering to these dietary needs.
Yes, many restaurants in Ubud remain open after evening performances, offering a great way to reflect on the cultural experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Try to get a seat with a clear view of the stage. Early arrival helps secure better vantage points. Be mindful of other attendees when taking photos.
Flash photography is usually prohibited as it can distract the performers and other audience members. Always check the venue's policy.
Use a camera with good low-light performance, a wider aperture (lower f-number), and consider increasing your ISO. A tripod or monopod can help stabilize shots if allowed.
Sometimes, performers may be available for photos after the show, often for a small tip. Inquire politely with the organizers.
Challenges include low lighting, potential restrictions on photography, and crowded venues. Capturing the dancers' expressive movements requires quick reflexes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Arrive extra early to ensure kids have a comfortable spot with a good view. Consider bringing a small cushion for hard seats. The story pamphlets are also helpful for older children to follow along. Some performances might be more engaging for younger audiences than others; the dramatic elements of Barong or the rhythmic chanting of Kecak can be particularly captivating.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Prioritize performances in Ubud itself to save on transportation costs. Many venues are within walking distance of central accommodations. Pack your own water bottle to avoid purchasing overpriced drinks on-site.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Tip: Consider a performance at sunset, like the Kecak dance at Uluwatu (though this is outside Ubud), for an extra special touch. In Ubud, a performance at the historic Ubud Palace offers a charming backdrop. Enjoying dinner at a nice restaurant in Ubud before or after the show can complete a perfect evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Balinese Dance Styles
Another significant form is the Barong dance, which depicts the eternal struggle between good and evil. The Barong, a benevolent spirit animal, battles the malevolent witch Rangda. This dance often involves elaborate costumes, masks, and trance-like states for some performers. Other dances like Tari Condong serve as introductions or interludes, showcasing graceful solo performances.
These performances are not just entertainment; they are deeply rooted in religious ceremonies and storytelling, often performed in temples or during local festivals. The dedication of the dancers and musicians, who train from a young age, is evident in every precise movement and resonant beat.
Navigating the Ubud Palace Performance Experience
Visitors are advised to arrive very early, sometimes an hour or more before the 7:30 PM showtime, to secure a decent spot. Despite the crowds, the performances themselves are often praised for the dancers' skill, beautiful costumes, and the cultural richness they convey. The palace setting adds a unique ambiance, making it a memorable experience if you manage to get a good vantage point.
However, the organizers' focus on maximizing ticket sales over audience comfort is a recurring point of criticism. This can lead to a feeling of being oversold, with many attendees struggling to see the performance properly. Despite these drawbacks, for many, it remains a quintessential Ubud cultural experience, especially if you appreciate the artistry and historical context.
The Magic of Kecak Dance
The dance typically retells the epic Ramayana, focusing on Prince Rama's quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana, with the help of the monkey general Hanuman. The performers' synchronized movements, dramatic expressions, and the sheer power of their collective voice create an immersive and captivating spectacle.
While the Uluwatu Temple Kecak performance is famous for its stunning sunset backdrop, similar shows are available in Ubud and other parts of Bali. The key to enjoying any Kecak performance is to understand the story, often aided by a provided pamphlet, and to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as it's a highly popular attraction.
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