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Kecak Dance Ubud: Best Places to Watch it
The Kecak Dance in Ubud is a must-see if you’re in Bali, featuring shirtless male dancers chanting “cak, cak, cak” while retelling the Ramayana.
This unique tradition, rejecting bad luck can be seen at stunning spots all over Ubud.
This guide features the top 3 places to watch Kecak Dance Ubud, based on local insights from certified local guides.Â
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What is the Kecak Dance?
- Origins and History
The Kecak Dance, also sometimes known as the Ramayana monkey chant, is a traditional Balinese dance created in the 1930s by dancer Wayan Limbak and painter Walter Spies.
They combined the ancient Sanghyang dance, a trance dance meant to ward off evil spirits, with the story of Ramayana. Originally, the loud chanting and trance dance were believed to fight against plagues.
- Performance Elements
The performance features 50 to 150 male dancers wearing traditional Balinese sarongs. They sit in circles and chant “cak, cak, cak” rhythmically. The story revolves around Prince Rama’s effort to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Rahwana.
Key scenes include the transformation of Marica into a golden deer and the final battle where Rama, with the help of the monkey king Sugriwa and the white monkey Hanuman, defeats Rahwana and burns his kingdom.
There is no background music; the dancers chant acapella throughout the show, making it even more captivating.
- Cultural Significance
Kecak Dance is an important part of Balinese culture, playing a key role in religious and community events. It is not just a performance but a ritual to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, reflecting Bali’s spiritual beliefs. This dance helps preserve and showcase Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
Check Out: The Myth of Pejeng Walking Tour in Ubud!
Top 3 Places to Watch Kecak Dance in Ubud
The top 3 places to watch Kecak Dance in Ubud are:
1. Pura Dalem Ubud
Pura Dalem Ubud is a revered Hindu temple located in central Ubud, Bali. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful Balinese architecture, decorated with intricate carvings.
- Performance Details
You can experience the mesmerizing Kecak Dance at Pura Dalem Ubud twice a week, usually on Monday and Friday evenings. During the performance, men chant “cak” while reenacting scenes from the Ramayana saga.Â
Tickets for the Kecak Dance at Pura Dalem Ubud can be purchased at the temple before the show. Prices may vary, so it’s a good idea to check beforehand.
- Experience:
Watching the Kecak Dance at Pura Dalem Ubud is a chance to experience Balinese culture in a peaceful setting. You can see the performers up close, making the experience more spiritual and artistic.
2. Pura Puseh Ubud
Pura Puseh Batuan, located in Batuan village, showcases a five-tiered gateway blending Indian and Balinese styles. Established in 1022 AD and restored in 1992, it hosts traditional Kecak Dance performances, adding cultural richness to its historical significance.
- Performance Details
Enjoy regular Kecak Dance performances at Pura Puseh Ubud, usually on Thursday evenings. The dance tells stories from the Ramayana through rhythmic chants and expressive movements, set in the temple’s majestic surroundings.
Tickets for the Kecak Dance at Pura Puseh Ubud are available at the temple. It’s advisable to check ticket prices and availability in advance.
- Experience
Watching a Kecak Dance at Pura Puseh Ubud lets you experience Balinese culture in a very old place. The temple’s historic setting adds a mystical touch to the dance performance, making it a truly memorable cultural experience in Ubud.
Book your tickets with Ubud Story Walks.
3. Pura Dalem Taman Kaja
For those seeking a more intimate setting to view the Kecak Dance in Ubud, Pura Dalem Taman Kaja in Ubud is ideal. This serene spot is in a quiet area, allowing you to get closer to the performers and the dance.
- Performance Details
The Kecak Dance is performed here twice a week, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting around 7 PM or 7:30 PM. The performance schedule can vary, so it’s best to check the timings upon arrival in Ubud. Tickets are available at the temple.
- Experience
The intimate setting of Pura Dalem Taman Kaja allows visitors to experience the Kecak Dance up close, making it feel more personal and immersive. The small venue and serene surroundings enhance the cultural experience, providing a deeper appreciation of the dance.
Explore: Historical Tours in Bali!
In Ubud, you can also catch the Kecak Dance at places like Uluwatu Temple and Arma Museum. Each location provides a different ambiance, whether it’s with a view of the ocean or in an intimate cultural setting, offering a closer look at the Balinese culture.
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Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience at Kecak Dance in Ubud—a powerful performance featuring chant, fire, and storytelling.
Learn about Bali’s rich culture and be a part of this unique show.
Want to book a unique local-led walking tour in Ubud or explore more of Bali’s traditions and history? Get in touch with us here or simply follow Ubud Story Walks on Instagram! Â
FAQ's
Kecak Dance is a traditional Balinese performance featuring a chorus of men chanting “cak” while reenacting scenes from the Ramayana, a famous Hindu epic. The dancers wear traditional sarongs and the performance often includes a dramatic fire scene.
In Ubud, you can watch Kecak Dance at venues like Pura Puseh, Pura Dalem, Uluwatu Temple, Pura Dalem Taman Kaja, and Arma Museum. Each location offers a unique experience, from stunning ocean views to intimate settings.
Performance times vary by location. Pura Dalem Taman Kaja usually holds performances twice a week in the evening. It’s best to check the schedule for the specific venue you plan to visit.
Ticket prices can vary. Prices at other venues like Pura Dalem Taman Kaja and Pura Puseh may differ, so it’s a good idea to check their websites or contact them directly.
Yes, it’s recommended to arrive early or book in advance, especially for popular venues like Pura Dalem Tamam Kaja, to ensure you get a good seat. Some tours also include tickets as part of a package, which can be convenient.
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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...
Ubud Story Walks is something different. It’s a fun, entertaining and refreshing way to delve into Ubud’s past. The knowledgeable guides place as much emphasis on how they tell a story as they do on what they’re sharing, which means all sorts of magical and mystifying details are revealed. I believe the best way to get to know a place is to walk its streets, which makes Ubud Story Walks one of the best ways to get to know Ubud.
Julia Winterflood
We had a fantastic time walking around the historical centre of Ubud! Even though we've been based in Bali for a few years, we'd never had an actual tour of some of Bali's most iconic landmarks and learning about the history was fascinating. Our guide was hilarious and full of information and it was a lovely and relaxing way to learn so much. The tour was early in the morning which was perfect timing as the temperature was still cool and we were able to witness the morning bustle of Ubud's famous markets. 10/10 would recommend!
Rahima Saikal
Vicky Ilankovan2024-12-13A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim2024-12-10Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica HĂĽbner2024-12-05Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar2024-12-03I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami2024-12-01I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap2024-11-26It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields2024-11-26Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins2024-11-25We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter2024-11-22Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend đź‘Ť.
Shafiga Elshan2024-11-15It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!