Bali is often called the "Island of the Gods." But beyond its beautiful beaches and green rice terraces, Bali has a soul that beats to the rhythm of the gamelan. Traditional dance here is not just a show for tourists. It is a way of life, a form of prayer, and a deep connection to history.

If you visit Bali, watching a traditional dance is something you cannot miss. The costumes are bright and colorful. The movements are sharp and full of energy. The eyes of the dancers tell a story without saying a single word.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local wanting to know more about your culture, this guide is for you. We will explore the types of dances and the 15 best dances you must see. We also tell you exactly where to go, how much it costs, and when to watch them.

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The 3 Types of Bali Traditional Dances

Balinese dance is not all the same. In 2015, UNESCO recognized three genres of traditional Balinese dance. These categories help us understand the purpose of each performance.

1. Wali (Sacred Dances)

These are the most holy dances. You will usually see them inside the inner sanctum of a temple (jeroan). They are performed for the gods, not for an audience.

• Purpose: Religious rituals and ceremonies.

• Examples: Rejang, Sanghyang Dedari, Baris Gede.

• Note: Because these are sacred, tourists often cannot watch them up close unless invited to a ceremony. However, some modified versions are performed for the public to share the culture.

2. Bebali (Ceremonial Dances)

These dances are semi-sacred. They are usually performed in the middle courtyard of a temple (jaba tengah). They accompany rituals but also entertain the worshipers.

• Purpose: To support the ceremony and tell a story.

• Examples: Gambuh, Topeng Sidakarya, Wayang Wong.

• Style: These often have a storyline from history or mythology.

3. Balih-balihan (Entertainment Dances)

These are the dances you will most likely see on a stage. They are performed in the outer courtyard (jaba sisi) or special theaters. They are made for entertainment but still keep the high skill and spirit of Balinese art.

• Purpose: Entertainment for gods and people.

• Examples: Kecak, Legong, Barong, Janger.

• Experience: These are open to everyone and are the most accessible for travelers.

15 Dances You Must Watch & Where to Watch Them Live

Here is your ultimate list of dances. We have included the best places to see them so you can plan your Bali itinerary 4 days 3 nights.

1. Kecak Fire Dance

This is the most famous dance in Bali. There are no musical instruments. Instead, a choir of 50 to 100 men chants "Cak-cak-cak" in a trance-like rhythm. The dance tells the story of the Ramayana, where Prince Rama tries to save his wife Sita from the giant king Rahwana. The highlight is the fire scene at the end.

• Location: Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu), South Kuta | Garuda Wisnu Kencana | Other Popular Temples

• Ticket Price: Typically range from IDR 150,000 (around $9-10 USD) for adults bought on-site or via some platforms, but can be slightly cheaper online (around IDR 139,000) or bundled with tours, with kids' tickets around IDR 75,000; remember you might need a separate temple entrance fee (around IDR 30,000-50,000 for foreigners) unless it's included in a package.

• Performance Time: Daily at 18:00-19:00 WITA (Sunset time).

• Duration: 1 hour.

• Why Watch: The backdrop is a cliff with a sunset over the Indian Ocean. It is magical.

2. Barong & Keris Dance

The Barong is a lion-like creature that represents good spirits. He fights against Rangda, the demon queen who represents evil. This dance shows the eternal battle between good and bad. The "Keris" part involves dancers in a trance who pretend to stab themselves with daggers but are protected by the Barong’s magic.

• Location: Sahadewa Stage, Batubulan Village, Gianyar | Sila Budaya | Guwang, Sukawati, Gianyar | Seraya Budaya | Agung Rai Museum of Art | Ubud Dalem Temple | Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

• Ticket Price: IDR 150,000 per person.

• Performance Time: Daily at 9:30-10:30 WITA (Other locations may be different)

• Duration: 1 hour.

• Why Watch: It is a perfect morning activity before you explore temples in Sanur Bali.

3. Legong Dance

Legong is known for its intricate finger movements, complicated footwork, and expressive eyes. It was once a royal entertainment. The dancers are usually young girls dressed in gold and silk. The movements are very fast and require years of training.

• Location: Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung), Ubud | Agung Rai Museum of Art | Tirta Sari"Legong & Barong Dance | Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park | Agung Jagatnatha Temple

• Ticket Price: IDR 100,000 per person.

• Performance Time: 19:30 WITA in Ubud Palace (Other locations may be different)

• Duration: 1-1.5 hours.

• Why Watch: The setting is an actual royal palace courtyard. It feels very authentic.

4. Sanghyang Dedari (Trance Dance)

This is a rare and mystical dance. Two young girls, who have never been trained in dance, enter a trance state. They dance in perfect unison with their eyes closed. Locals believe they are possessed by celestial spirits (Dedari). It is traditionally performed to chase away illness or bad spirits.

• Location: Tengkulak Kaje Village, near Ubud (Available at Pura Beji Sudamala) | Jaba Pura Puseh Desa Adat Bona, Blahbatuh, Gianyar or Desa Bona | Desa Geriana Kauh, Karangasem | Nusa Penida | Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB)

• Ticket Price: IDR 100,000 per person.

• Performance Time: 19:00 WITA (For the most accurate schedule, you should contact the local Bona Village committee or the local tourist bureau)

• Duration: 1 hour.

• Why Watch: It is a deeply spiritual experience, different from regular stage shows.

5. Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppet)

While not a "dance" with human bodies, this is a crucial part of Balinese performance art. The Dalang (puppet master) manipulates leather puppets behind a white screen with a lamp. He tells ancient Hindu epics and does all the voices himself.

• Location: Oka Kartini Shadow Puppet Performance, Ubud | Ayodya Resort Bali

• Ticket Price: IDR 100,000 per person.

• Performance Time: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 20:00 WITA at Galeri Seni Oka Kartini (Other locations may be different).

• Duration: 1 hour.

• Why Watch: It is a masterpiece of storytelling and hand skills.

6. Joged Bumbung

This is a social dance meant for fun and flirtation. A female dancer performs and then invites a male from the audience to join her. It is accompanied by bamboo instruments called "Gamelan Joged Bumbung." It is lighthearted and often funny.

• Location: GWK Cultural Park (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) | Werdhi Budaya Art Centre | Joged Bumbung Suara Manik Buana, Jembrana

• Ticket Price: Included in GWK entrance fee (approx. IDR 125,000).

• Performance Time: Daily at 16:00 WITA (Schedule may vary, check on arrival).

• Duration: 30-45 minutes.

• Why Watch: It is interactive and shows the playful side of Balinese culture.

7. Topeng (Mask Dance)

"Topeng" means mask. In this dance, the performer wears different masks to play different characters—kings, ministers, or clowns. The "Topeng Sidakarya" is a sacred version performed at ceremonies. For entertainment, the "Topeng Tua" (Old Man Dance) is very famous. The dancer perfectly mimics the movements of an old man.

• Location: ARMA Museum, Ubud | Oka Kartini Shadow Puppet Performance and Gallery | Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park | Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre |

• Ticket Price: IDR 100,000 - 150,000.

• Performance Time: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 20:00 WITA at OKA Kartini | 10:00 WITA at GWK

• Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Why Watch: You can learn about Balinese history through the stories told by the masked dancers.

8. Pendet Dance

Originally, Pendet was a sacred dance performed by women to welcome the gods at a temple. Today, it has evolved into a "Welcome Dance" for guests. Dancers carry bowls of flower petals and scatter them into the audience as a symbol of blessing.

• Location: Ubud Palace (Usually the opening act for the Legong show) | Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park | Restoran atau Hotel in Ubud | Bali Temples (During Traditional Ceremony)

• Ticket Price: IDR 100,000 (included in the Legong ticket).

• Performance Time: 09:00 WITA at GWK | 19:30 WITA at Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Palace)

• Duration: 10-15 minutes (as part of a longer show).

• Why Watch: It is the classic symbol of Balinese hospitality.

9. Baris Dance

Baris means "line" or "formation." It is a warrior dance performed by men. The dancer moves with strong, rigid shoulders but very dynamic hands. His eyes must be wide open and fierce, looking for enemies. The "Baris Tunggal" is a solo performance depicting a young warrior preparing for battle.

• Location: Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Palace) | Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park | Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre

• Ticket Price: IDR 100,000-150,000.

• Performance Time: 19:30 WITA at Ubud Palace | 11:00 WITA at GWK

• Duration: 15 minutes.

• Why Watch: It displays masculinity and bravery in the Balinese style.

10. Janger Dance

This is a "friendship" dance performed by a group of young men (Kecak) and women (Janger). They sit in two rows facing each other. They sing folk songs and move in harmony. It started in the 1930s and reflects the joy of youth.

• Location: Saraswati Temple, Ubud | Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre | Art Studio in Denpasar or Badung

• Ticket Price: IDR 100,000-150,000.

• Performance Time: 19:30 WITA at Ubud | 14:00 or 17:00 WITA & 19:00 or 20:00 WITA at Taman Werdhi

• Duration: 1 hour.

• Why Watch: It combines singing and dancing in a very sweet and harmonious way.

11. Gambuh Dance

Gambuh is one of the oldest forms of Balinese dance-drama. It is very formal and classical. The movements are slow and graceful. The music uses long bamboo flutes that create a haunting sound. It is the root of many other Balinese dances. At Pura Samuan Tiga, the performances are held during Piodalan (temple holy days) or Usaba Sambah at Pura Samuan Tiga. The schedule follows the Balinese calendar and varies weekly.

• Location: Pura Desa Batuan, Gianyar | Pura Samuan Tiga, Gianyar | Taman Budaya (Art Centre)

• Ticket Price: Donation based (suggested IDR 50,000 - 100,000).

• Performance Time: 14:00 WITA at Pura Samuan Tiga | 17:00 WITA at Taman Budaya (Art Centre)

• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Why Watch: It is like watching a living museum of ancient art.

12. Cendrawasih Dance

This is known as the "Bird of Paradise" dance. It is a modern creation but deeply rooted in tradition. Two female dancers enact the mating rituals of the Cendrawasih bird. Their costumes have long tails that they manipulate like wings.

• Location: Puri Saren Agung Ubud (Often part of the Tuesday or Saturday program) | Kailasha Restaurant Sebatu Bali | Sawelas Nusantara | Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre | Taman Budaya (Art Centre) Denpasa

• Ticket Price: IDR 100,000 (the price may vary in every location)

• Performance Time: 19:30 WITA at Puri Saren Ubud | 19:30 WITA at Kailasha Restaurant Sebatu

• Duration: 10-15 minutes.

• Why Watch: The costumes are spectacular, and the movements are incredibly fluid.

13. Oleg Tamulilingan

This is the "Bumblebee Dance." It is a duet between a male and a female dancer. They act out a love story between two bumblebees in a garden. It is romantic, flirtatious, and very elegant.

• Location: Amora Ubud (Thursday Culture Dinner) | Puri Saren Agung or Ubud Palace (Thursdays) | Balerung Tirta Sari Peliatan | Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) | Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre

• Ticket Price: For Amora, it includes dinner (approx IDR 250,000+). For Ubud Palace, IDR 100,000.

• Performance Time: Thursdays at 19:00 WITA (Amora) | 19:30 WITA (Ubud Palace) | 11:00 WITA at GWK

• Duration: 20 minutes.

• Why Watch: It is considered one of the most beautiful romantic dances in Bali.

14. Kebyar Duduk

This dance is unique because the dancer performs mostly in a sitting or squatting position. "Duduk" means to sit. The dancer uses his upper body, arms, and face to express the music. It requires incredible core strength and balance.

• Location: Ubud Kelod Community Hall (Bale Banjar Ubud Kelod) | Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Palace) | Balerung Tirta Sari (Peliatan) | Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park | Taman Budaya (Art Centre) Denpasar

• Ticket Price: IDR 100,000-150,000.

• Performance Time: Rotating schedule (often Wednesdays or Saturdays) | 19:30 WITA at Ubud Palace & Balerung Tirta Sari (Peliatan) | 11:00-14:00 WITA at GWK

• Duration: 15 minutes.

• Why Watch: It showcases the technical skill of the dancer in a very difficult position.

15. Frog Dance (Genggong)

This is a fun and unique performance. The music is made by "Genggong," a traditional jaw harp made of palm wood. The dancers dress as frogs and mimic their movements. It tells the story of a frog who wants to marry a princess.

• Location: Batuan Temple or Laka Leke Restaurant, Ubud | Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre |

• Ticket Price: Free with dinner at Laka Leke or ticketed at Batuan (approx IDR 100,000-150,000).

• Performance Time: Sundays at 15:00 (Batuan) or Saturdays at 20:00 PM (Laka Leke) | 17:00 & 20:00 WITA at Taman Budaya Art Centre (this is annual event, the date and time may vary every year)

• Duration: 45 minutes.

• Why Watch: It is funny, entertaining, and uses a very rare musical instrument.

Tips for Watching Traditional Dances

To make sure you have the best experience, keep these tips in mind.

Dress Code

If the dance is inside a temple like Uluwatu or Batuan, you must wear a sarong and sash. Usually, these are provided with your ticket. If the dance is on a public stage like Ubud Palace, casual clothes are fine, but modest dress is always respectful. Read more about Bali temple etiquette before you go.

Arrive Early

Popular shows like the Kecak in Uluwatu get very crowded. If the show starts at 6:00 PM, try to arrive by 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM to get a good seat facing the sunset.

Respect the Dancers

Don't use flash photography, as it can distract the performers. Also, never walk onto the stage area while they are dancing. For more on how to behave, check our guide on local laws and cultural norms in Bali.

Transport

Most dance locations are spread out. Uluwatu is in the south, while Ubud is in the center. Public transport is rare. The best way to get around is to rent a scooter. It gives you the freedom to go from a breakfast in Canggu to a sunset dance in Uluwatu.

If you are new to riding, you might wonder about the manual motorcycle vs automatic scooter choice. For most tourists, an automatic scooter like a Honda Vario or NMAX is the easiest and safest option.

Explore Bali's Culture with Cinchy

Bali is a big island with so much to see. From the hidden waterfalls in the north to the busy streets of Legian, you need reliable transport.

Don't let transport issues stop you from seeing these amazing dances. Whether you are going to the temples in Seminyak or driving all the way to a waterfall in Ubud, having your own bike is the best way to travel.

If you are a solo traveler, make sure to read our solo travel safety tips. And always remember to wear a helmet! We also have a guide on how to start a keyless scooter if you rent a modern bike.

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