Kecak Fire Dance

Kecak: A Dance Born from Inspiration

Back in the day, a Balinese dancer named I Wayan Limbak and a German painter, Walter Spies, got together to create something new. They took a traditional Balinese dance called Sang Hyang and gave it a fresh spin. This new dance was called Kecak and it hit the scene around the 1930s.
Sang Hyang was a more unconventional dance. Performers would go into a trance and connect with the spiritual realm. Limbak and Spies took some parts of this dance and changed them up to create Kecak. They also added a famous story called Ramayana to make it even more exciting.
I Wayan Limbak passed away in 2003, but his Kecak dance lives on. It’s a big deal in Bali and even Indonesia as a whole. Limbak was a real trailblazer. He created another dance called “The Monkey Dance” and helped make Kecak famous. Thanks to him, Bali’s reputation as a tropical paradise with a cool culture got a big boost.

A Dramatic Tale of Love and Loss

In the Kecak Fire Dance, you’ll see a bunch of Balinese dancers acting out scenes from the Ramayana, a super famous story in Bali. Around a dozen dancers will play different characters, but the main ones are Rama and Sita. They’ll be surrounded by other dancers in a circle.
The dancers will raise their hands and shout “cak cak cak” while the story unfolds. Rama and Sita will dance and tell us about their lives. When Rama goes hunting, a bad guy named Rahwana kidnaps Sita. The rest of the dance is about Rama trying to save her. It’s a really dramatic and exciting part of the show!

Today, the Kecak Fire Dance remains a popular and iconic attraction in Bali, captivating audiences with its unique blend of music, dance, and storytelling.

Activities near Uluwatu Temple

Location and How to Get There

The Kecak Fire Dance performance is usually held at several locations in Bali, one of the most famous being at Pura Uluwatu Temple. Pura Uluwatu itself is a Hindu temple located at the southern tip of the cliff of Bali Island.
To reach Pura Uluwatu (Pecatu Village, Kuta Selatan District, Badung Regency, Bali.), you can:

• Private Vehicle: If you rent a motorbike or car, the journey from Kuta or Seminyak to Uluwatu takes about 1-1.5 hours. The road to Uluwatu is in fairly good condition and there are many signs available.
• Public Transportation: You can use a taxi or shuttle bus, which are widely available in the Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua areas.

Ticket Price, Opening Hours, and Facilities

The entrance fee to watch the Kecak Fire Dance at Pura Uluwatu usually includes the temple entrance fee. Ticket prices may vary depending on the package you choose. You can get the latest information on ticket prices by contacting the Pura Uluwatu management or a travel agent.

The Kecak Fire Dance performance usually starts about an hour before sunset. The duration of the performance is around 45 minutes to one hour.

Facilities available around Pura Uluwatu:

• Food stalls: Offering a variety of food and drinks.
• Souvenir shops: Selling various kinds of Balinese souvenirs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are available.
• Parking area: A fairly spacious parking area is available.

Things To Keep In Mind

• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket as the wind around the cliffs can be quite strong.
• Arrive Early: To get the best seats for the Kecak Fire Dance, it’s advisable to arrive early.
• Respect Local Culture: When visiting sacred places like Pura Luhur Uluwatu, make sure you dress modestly and follow the rules.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on rocky areas.
• Camera: Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture these beautiful moments.

With its stunning natural beauty and captivating art performances, the Kecak Fire Dance is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Bali.

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