The Mesmerising Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple, Bali
- Anju Chandna
- Jul 21, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
About a 30 to 40-minute drive from the city centre is the Sea Temple of Uluwatu. 'Ulu' meaning top and 'watu' meaning rock aptly describes this beautiful temple located right on the edge of the cliff facing Uluwatu Beach on the mighty Indian Ocean.
According to popular belief, the Uluwatu temple is the place where the powers of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver and Siva, the destroyer, come together and merge. The ensuing deity of Siva Rudra is worshipped here.
The riveting Kecak Fire Dance in Uluwatu Temple, Bali, will be the highlight of your sojourn. It takes place at around 6 p.m. every day. I don't have enough words to describe the energy and electrifying atmosphere this dance creates. No stage settings, no audio systems, no artificial lighting, no announcements, and no formal seating!
Just pure, raw energy against the backdrop of the setting sun in the ocean....
Tips for Visiting the Uluwatu Temple
Dress Code
Uluwatu temple is considered one of the spiritual pillars of Balinese Hinduism, and a strict code of conduct is followed in the precincts of the temple. No foreigners are allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Everyone is expected to dress modestly; a sarong is provided at the entrance itself. Visitors tie it around their waists; whether it's mandatory or optional, we honestly couldn't figure it out. We just did the same. While in Rome, do as the Romans do! Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in going around the entire temple complex, including a lot of steps.
Beware of the monkeys
The temple is home to hundreds of monkeys. They live there and look quite happy in their habitat, and are known for their reputation for snatching sunglasses, phones, hats, etc. So, visitors need to watch out for being nabbed by monkeys for their bags and sunglasses. We were extra careful with our belongings while on the temple premises.
Stay for sunset
The temple's dramatic cliff-top location makes it one of the best sunset viewpoints in Bali. The timing of the Kecak Dance is designed to coincide with the setting sun.
Arrive early for the Kecak Dance
The Kecak fire dance starts at 6, so plan the temple visit accordingly, keeping ample time to get to the dance venue on time. There is no fixed time for coming to see the dance, though. I saw visitors walking in even halfway through the show, but I wouldn't want to miss the entire performance for anything!
The dance performance takes place in an open-air amphitheatre in the temple complex. Tourists start thronging that area and start occupying seats a little before 6 pm. They sit everywhere, on the steps, on the ground, on the railings; every inch of space gets taken. And then the performance starts...and it's pure magic!
What is the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple?
Kecak Fire Dance is a traditional Balinese performance, an artistic and symbolic representation of episodes from the Hindu epic, Ramayana.
It's essentially the time-tested tale of the victory of good over evil. The performers, representing characters from the Ramayana, don elaborate colourful costumes and enter the arena to play out their roles.
A holy fire is lit in the centre, and the dancers, all men, bare-chested, clad only in checkered loincloths, sit in a circle around the fire. They start chanting 'Chak Chak Chaka' in total sync, move their hands and sway their bodies in rhythm.
The audience is left in rapture by the pure energy generated by the performers. There is a lot of interaction with the audience as well when the mischievous 'Hanuman', the Monkey God in Hinduism, enters the scene.
The entire performance lasts for about an hour, and it plays out against the dramatic cliffside background of the setting Sun, casting its luminous glow on the amphitheatre.
The outcome is magical and a not-to-miss experience on your Bali trip!
Kecak Dance is performed at many places in Bali in the evening. In the Uluwatu Temple complex, you can buy combined tickets to the temple premises and the dance performance.
Please check the official website of the temple before your visit for any changes in timings and information at https://www.uluwatubali.com/
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