Kecak, Balinese Dramatic Dance

Kecak, a form of Balinese music drama, is one of the most famous of many Balinese Dances. It is unusual because Kecak dance is performed primarily by men and doesn’t use gamelan or other musical accompaniment like many other Balinese dances do. The rhythm of the dance is produced by chanting ‘choirs’ of men ” Cak .. Cak .. acak .. acak .. cak ” noise, by Kecak dancer itself. A troupe of over 100 bare-chested men serve as the chorus, making a wondrous cacophony of synchronized "cak .. acak .. acak" clicking sounds while swaying their bodies and waving their hands .From that chanting noise of ” Cak .. Cak .. acak .. acak .. cak ”. Then it gave the dance its name Kecak.

What makes the Kecak such a fascinating dance to watch are the troupe of men who are bare chested, and just wearing sarong around their waists. They are both the choir and the props, providing the music for the story in a series of constant vocal chants that change with the mood of the actors. They don't sit still, either, they wave their arms to simulate fire, and reposition themselves around the stage to represent wind and fire, prison cells, and unseen hand of protection from the gods. The Kecak Dance chanting is superbly synchronized with raise their hands in unison, flutter their finger and lean left and right, all with exciting coordination.

The Kecak dance is played in five acts and lasts roughly 45 minutes. It depicts a battle from Hindu epic Ramayana, which tells the story of the monkey-like Vanara helped Prince Rama to fight and defeat the evil King of Lanka, Ravana, who has kidnapped his wife, Princess Sita.

Kecak Dance was originally part of Shanghyang Trance Dance, a trance ritual accompanied by male chorus. Then in 1930s, Modern Kecak Dance, developed in Gianyar Regency exactly in Bona Village. A Modern Kecak dance was accompanied the Hindu’s Ramayana tale.

Location of Destination
Daily or weekly performances of the Kecak abound around the island especially at Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Pecatu Village, in Badung Regency), Hanoman road (in Gianyar Regency), and in town of Batubulan (in Gianyar Regency).
But the most well-known Kecak theater is in the town of Batubulan, about 10 km north of the Balinese capital of Denpasar.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali Island).
Then by car about 30 minutes from Denpasar City to the town of Batubulan.

Best Time to Visit
Every day visitors can attend at Kecak theater in the town of Batubulan at the time about 19.00 PM. It’s about the same time with Kecak theater at Pura Luhur Uluwatu.

Accommodation for Traveller
To attend at the show in the town of Batubulan, tourists usually stay in some hotels in Denpasar.
Aria Luxury Villas & Spa, Oranjje Denpasar, Hotel Puri Ayu Denpasar, Grand Santhi

Others
Various hotels in Bali hold Kecak dance performances. Tickets to the performance are offered at the main hotels in Bali. It’s better to ask the hotel for further information.

If interested in the short course of Kecak dance, tourists can take a course in the Bali Classic Arts Center, in the Village of Nyuh Kuning, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali. The course takes one hour more, consists of training and practice Kecak Dance with the trainers who have expertise. The participants usually consist of domestic and overseas tourists. The Participants of the course are not limited to men only but also for women.

Barong and Rangda Dance of Bali Culture

Barong dance is probably the most well known dance on Bali. It is another story telling dance, narrating a classic tale of the fight between good and evil spirits. Barong represents the good spirit and Rangda represents the evil spirit. Barong dance represent the omission of culture of Pre Hindu using extant doll of ancient human being or quadruped having the power of magical.

Barong, a mystical creature with a long way back and curved tail, represents the protector of mankind, and the favorable spirits associated with the right and white magic. The widow witch Rangda, the Barong’s antagonist, rules the evil spirits and witches who haunt the graveyards late at night. Her habitat is darkness and her specialties lie with the practice of black magic, the destructive force of the left. Both figures are of the same earthly substance, possessing strong magical prowess. In a mythical past, the Barong was won over to the side of humanity, and, in the play, fights on behalf of the people against the intruding evil force of Rangda.

The Barong dance describe that Rangda, the mother of the King in the tenth century, Erlangga, was condemned by her husband because she practiced black magic. After she became a widow, she summoned all the evil spirits in the jungle, the leaks and the demons, to come after Erlangga. A fight occurred, but she and her black magic troops were too strong that Erlangga had to ask for the help of Barong. Barong came with Erlangga's soldiers. The fight ensued. At one point in the fight, Erlangga’s soldiers rush to the Barong's assistance by violently attacking Rangda. Rangda casted a spell that reverses their fury back into themselves, and they begin to plunge the blades of their keris inward against their own bodies. It made all Erlangga’s soldiers wanted to kill themselves and pointing their poisoned keris into their own stomachs and chests. Barong casted a spell that turned their body resistant to the sharp keris. At the end, Barong won, and Rangda ran away.

In this phenomenal self-stab, no matter how forcefully they plunge the daggers against their chests, the tips of the blades do not puncture the skin. At the end of the play, the keris dancers, that represents the Erlangga’s soldiers, are revived by the ‘Pemangku’, who sprinkles them with holy water which has been dipped in the beard of the Barong.

The most holy mask and the one often used in the play is that of the Barong Keket, "The Sovereign Lord of the Forest", a beast representing no known animal. In the extreme coordination of the lively Barong, one forgets the fantastic creature isn't acting on its own accord, as it mischievously side steps and whirls around, snapping its jaws at the gamelan, and swishing flies with its tail. After the Barong's dance, everyone falls silent. The Barong Keket dance accompanied by gamelan called Semar Pagulingan

The masks of Barong and Rangda are made of a wood which is taken away from a ghostlike place like grave. That's why Barong and Rangda represent the very sanctified sacred thing by Hindu's society in Bali. Before they are brought out, a priest must be present to offer blessings by sprinkling them with holy water taken from Mount Agung.

Location of Destination
The show of Barong dance can be found especially at Pura Dalem Ubud Temple in Gianyar regency. It also can be found in Batubulan village about 10 km north Denpasar, capital of Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali Island).
Then by car about 20 minutes from Denpasar to Batubulan village.

Best Time to Visit
May to October, on the dry seasons.
The show usually begins at the time 19.30 PM.

Accommodation for Traveller
To attend at the show of Barong dance in Batubulan village, tourists usually stay in some hotels in Denpasar.
Aria Luxury Villas & Spa, Oranjje Denpasar, Hotel Puri Ayu Denpasar, Grand Santhi

Others
It’s available brochures about the Barong dance show printed in English, French, Italian, Indonesian, Japan, and Mandarin on the location.

Ubud : Center of Balinese Traditional Culture

A tour to Bali remains incomplete without visiting Ubud. Ubud can be described as a magical, wonderful, and cultural heart in Bali. Far removed from the drunken bikini scene in Kuta. The area is sometimes referred to as the craft villages of Bali, though the area is a bit more built-up and congested than one might infer from the term - village.

This traditional country town, Ubud, is almost infested with artists' workshops and galleries. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewelry as well as some of the best art museums in the country, dozens of art studios, an excellent local craft market, and galleries selling local and international art. mostly retailing cheap reproductions for tourists. The road to Ubud from the south passes a series of small towns which specialize in the production of particular arts and crafts, including Batubulan (stone carving), Celuk (jewelry), Batuan (painting), and Mas (wood carving). Most of Bali's museums and galleries are centered in Ubud. These museums and galleries offer paintings, woodcarvings, textiles and all kinds of souvenirs for viewing and also purchase. Undoubtedly, the spots like Museum Puri Lukisan in centre of Ubud, Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women and Agung Rai Museum in Pengosekan, Neka Museum in Campuhan, Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi, and Tirta Empul are a great pleasure to the travelers in Ubud, Bali.

In additional of these museum and arts galleries that interest the visitors, there are plenty of sightseeing places in Ubud. The scenic beauty of Ubud is absolutely breathtaking. And of course the beautiful view of terraced rice fields. Travellers can take a long walk across the woods to explore nature in its myriad forms. There are also many rivers around Ubud. So water sports freak can easily go kayaking down the rivers. Visitors can avail any of the guided tours meant for Sightseeing in Ubud. Bird watching can also be a lot of fun in Ubud as Ubud is home to hundreds of different species of birds. Visitors can also try elephant riding and explore the different parts of Ubud including a calm and quiet village life that attracts people.

Gua Gajah (The Elephant Cave) is a popular excursion destination only about 3 kms away from Ubud, Bali. This is a cave, with a mouth that resembles a demon's mouth. Inside the cave, there are statues of the ‘lingam’ and ‘yoni’ (phallus and vagina) statues, as also a statue of Lord Ganesha. Statues stand guard around pools near the entrance and a little path leads to a waterfall, rice fields and some Buddhist stupa fragments.

Gunung Kawi (The Poet Mountain) is presumed to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives, and is about 18 km northeast from Ubud. Reached by climbing down 371 steps, the location at the bottom of a steep valley lined with paddy fields is stunning. The smaller complex on the south side of the river is presumed to be for the king's wives, while the larger complex is thought to be for the King himself.

Monkey Sanctuary in Ubud, is a natural forest full of ravenous monkeys. Deep inside the forest, is Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal (A Temple of the Dead) which is another attraction in Ubud.

Tirta Empul, 20 km northeast from Ubud, Bali, is considered to be one of the holiest temples on Bali, and is surrounded by hot springs that are considered to have miraculous powers. Balinese themselves come here to bathe and purify themselves physically and spiritually, and during Galungan the sacred barong masks are bathed here.

Ubud's role as the epicenter of Balinese culture makes it the perfect place to see traditional Balinese dance and drama. Balinese Hinduism, cremation ceremony, or celebration of some kind remains stronger in Ubud than elsewhere in Bali. Balinese Hinduism is distinct from that of India and has absorbed the animism of Bali's pre-Hindu ancestors, inspired by the extraordinary beauty of Bali's landscapes, such as rice fields, mountains, river gorges, villages and ancient temples.

Location of Destination
Ubud is located about 10 km northeast Denpasar, capital of Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hour and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali Island).
Then by car approximately 90 minutes from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to Ubud.

Best Time to Visit
Anytime

Accommodation for Traveller
Spirit Hotel, Hotel Tjampuhan Spa, Amandari, The Viceroy Bali, Four Seasons Sayan, Anahata Villa & Spa Resort, Ubud Hanging Gardens, De Ubud Villas, Kupu Kupu Barong Villa and Tree Spa, The Ubud Village Resort, Nandini Bali Jungle Resort & Spa, Barong Resort and Spa, Sri Bungalows, Dewa Bungalows.

Others
There are a number of spas, and healing clinics, where the tired and stressed out traveler can have massages and treatments to soothe him.

Ngaben : Traditional Cremation Ceremony

Ngaben or the Traditional Cremation Ceremony in Bali is the ritual performed to send the dead through the transition to his next life. Ngaben, the Balinese word for cremation, is an important event in the tradition of the Balinese people. Ngaben is a purification rite which frees the spirit from its temporary earthly house and facilitates its journey to its next existence. To the people of Bali, death is not an event to be mourned, and is seen as a passage of the soul to a better world, where it starts to prepare for re-incarnation and a newer life. It is a custom and part of a tradition in Bali when someone dies, the whole villager (where one was lives) will help with the preparation for the cremation. The entire villager (but especially for family and relatives) will participate on the day of the cremation ceremony.

Ngaben in Bali is not one that has any sorrow or tears in it. In fact, it is celebrated with great pomp and fervor. The people make it a point to laugh, sing and dance, and celebrate the death of a loved one during the Cremation Ceremony. The most important occasion among the Bali Events and Festivals, the Cremation Ceremony in Bali is a truly colorful and spectacular event that is celebrated with so much fanfare and enjoyment, that one would be amazed to know it was a cremation ceremony.

The Cremation Ceremony in Bali consists of two kinds of ceremonies, the Ngaben, or the cremation ceremony, and the Nyekah or Ngasti, a ceremony performed after cremation. At the Cremation Ceremony in Bali, the body of the deceased is placed at Bale Delod, as if he were sleeping. No tears are shed, for he is only gone temporarily and he will reincarnate into the family.

The Priest consults the Dewasa to determine the proper day for the ceremony. The night before the cremation, holy water will be collected from some main temple and used in preparation of the body and during the cremation. On the day of the ceremony, the body of the deceased is placed inside a coffin which is then placed inside a sarcophagus in the form of a buffalo (called Lembu) or a temple structure called Wadah made of paper and light wood. The Wadah will be carried to the village cremation site in a procession.

The climax of Ngaben is the burning of the Wadah, using fire originating from a holy source. The deceased is sent to his afterlife, to be reincarnated in the future. Another priest performs the last rites and carries the ashes to be disposed off. It is the final separation of the soul from the body.

Location of Destination
Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).

Best Time to Visit
Anytime cremation ceremony is held

Accommodation for Traveller
There are many hotels, villas, guest houses near any place that celebrate the cremation ceremony (Ngaben) in Bali.

Nusa Dua Beach : Prestigious and Luxurious Resort

Nusa Dua is the most prestigious resort area, where the tourists will find international world, class luxury hotels elegantly lining beautiful white sands in Bali Island. It is quiet and exclusive with superb facilities. Crystal clear water and stretches of white sandy beach of Nusa Dua makes Nusa Dua a perfect spot for luxurious resorts, after a Barong performance at Batubulan and a long climb of the steps of the Temple Besakih. Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world find their home in Nusa Dua, Bali. Visitors can tee off into the sunset, while watching the gentle waves come from the blue sea and caress the banks surrounding the luscious greens. Tranquil swimming pools under the coconut trees seem to be one with the distant blue sea. Art galleries and numerous shops surround them.

Nusa Dua is really about taking it easy and relaxing in total luxury. As most of the hotels are 5 stars, every comfort is at our disposal as well as a gorgeous white sand beach. Nusa Dua was designed for the luxury conscious with a heavy concentration of big name hotels lining the beautiful white sand beach. Some of the resorts have private beaches but most areas are accessible.

Nusa Dua provides a venue for traditional entertainment including arts festivals like the Nusa Dua Arts and Culture Festival. Stroll to the northern end of Nusa Dua for parasailing, jet skis, snorkeling/diving trips or better still, head for Tanjung Benoa.

Some other popular places around Nusa Dua are Dreamland Beach and Turtle Island (Pulau Penyu). Dreamland is a beautiful beach with excellent surfing conditions, especially for intermediate surfers, and on big days when other breaks are too big to surf. Turtle Island is a turtle conservation area. The local people keep the turtle eggs in each traditional conservation houses individually owned them until the baby turtles born, and they will release the turtles when they are grown. Besides turtle, they also have birds, snakes, bats, etc. By Penyu Island visitors can get on glass boats where they can see the under water view from the boat.

Location of Destination
Nusa Dua is located in the southern Bali approximately 10 km from Denpasar City, Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by taxi approximately 10 minutes from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar) to Nusa Dua.

Best Time to Visit
Anytime

Accommodation for Traveller
Ayodya Resort Bali, Nusa Dua Beach, Karma Kandara, Novotel Nusa Dua, Ocean Blue Bali, Swiss-Belhotel Bay View, Park View Heights, Melia Benoa, Bali Desa.

Others
The Bali Golf and Country Club, an immaculately landscaped 18 holes ocean view course. The Bali International Lawn Tennis & Lawn Bowls Club next to the Galleria Nusa Dua, a spacious shopping mall with boutiques and up market restaurants.

Kuta Beach : Surfing, Sunset, Night Life

Kuta is the center and the largest tourist resort on the island of Bali. It is the most popular beach and the number one party zone in Bali. The 5-km long arcing white sand stretch of Kuta is the best beach in Bali. Kuta beach is also known as one of the first favorite beaches for tourists from all over the world. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, the waves will invite to surfing. Surfing in Kuta is a very well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. The beach is overrun with touts and most serious surfers have headed elsewhere. Rapid development and an influx of visitors haven't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy a beach lifestyle. More advanced surfers can choose from over 30 other surfing breaks within 30 minutes drive from Kuta. This place is also often become the arena of surfing competition at the national level and the level of world. Nevertheless, Kuta Beach is also suitable for beginners to learn surfing. A long sandy beach with a lack of dangerous rocks or coral makes the area an attraction for beginners.

When it towards dusk, plenty of people come to the Kuta beach or seaside cafes to watch the wonderful sunset . For domestic and foreign tourists, have not fully enjoy the twilight time on the island of Bali, if not watching the sunset at Kuta Beach. Kuta Beach has a different attraction with the Sanur Beach, a more desirable because of the beauty of the sunrise.

In addition of surfing and enjoying the sunset, it's the shopping, nightlife and party vibes that attracts thousands of visitors. There's a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. The accommodation in Kuta range from a modest home stay for a few dollars a night to luxurious, five star, international hotels costing several hundred to several thousand dollars a night. On the street behind the row of hotels that face the beach, is lined with shops of all varieties. It also can be found any Balinese handicrafts here, from the least expensive to the most exquisite; or unique stores. At night, Kuta is alive with night life. Western influences create discotheques, dance clubs, and pubs for people from all over the world in Kuta. Various Balinese dance performances are staged in Kuta every night. One of the best Kecak performances is found in Kuta.

Location of Destination
Kuta Beach is located 11 km southwest City of Denpasar, Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by taxi approximately 10 minutes from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar) to Kuta Beach.

Best Time to Visit
Anytime

Accommodation for Traveller
Grand Balisani Suites, Bakung Sari Hotel, Dreamland Villa, Villa Air Bali, The Bidadari Luxury Villas & Spa, Villa De Daun, The Alam Villa, Hard Rock Hotel, Bali Mandira & Spa, Resort Tunjung Bali

Others
Kuta Beach has a training center to surf and places that rent equipment for surfing and the guides at once. If the tourists just want to relax, there are professional massage services on the outskirts of Kuta Beach. There are also services to beautify the appearance of tourists, such as the temporary tatto, nail color, and hair style.

Sanur Beach : Surfing, Sunrise, Art

Sanur is one of biggest traditional village located in the southeastern side of Bali, but it's also one of the most established tourist areas in Bali Island. Sanur still retains its Balinese character and old style village ambiance. In contrast with Kuta Beach, which presents the beauty of the sunset, Sanur is an excellent place to see the sunrise in the morning.

While enjoying the sunrise in the morning, tourists can see the group of beautiful islands of Nusa Penida in the southeast, and good view of the south coast of Bali. The curved beach topography, with its spread of white sand, forming a lovely beach cluster around Sanur

Sanur is also popular for various beach activities including surfing, swimming, sailing, snorkeling, canoeing, jet-skiing, windsurfing or hang gliding that entice visitors to visit Sanur again and again. For those less active can hire a Banana Boat and hit the calm waters. It is one of the first areas where one can find good hotels, restaurants, shops, and other tourist facilities. One day at any of spas in Sanur is exactly what anyone would expect during staying in Bali, full service treatment steeped in Balinese tradition. The cost of spa here is cheap enough than in the western countries.

It's also the place for some of Bali chic fashion shops, hot hotels and well-known restaurants. A number of hotels in Sanur have arranged excellent accommodation for all types of travelers. It is a good location to explore the rest of Bali. Fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment venues complement traditional village activities like drama and dance, so it's a good place to enjoy the delights of a tropical island and gain a real appreciation of Balinese culture and local life.

Location of Destination
Sanur is located about 6 km southeast city of Denpasar, Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by taxi approximately 20 minutes from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar) to Sanur.

Best Time to Visit
Anytime

Accommodation for Traveller
Parigata Resort and Spa, Swastika Bungalows, Pavilions, Paradise Plaza Suites, Masari Resort & Spa, Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, Respati Sanur Beach, Sanur Paradise Plaza

Others
In the Sanur Beach area of tourism can be found many stores that sell various items of art and typical beach souvenir.