Kecak is one of the most famous traditional dances in Bali. Kecak Uluwatu is a show that is often watched by tourists when they come to Bali. In Uluwatu Temple, tourists can see how many dancers perform this dance.
Bali is the perfect destination for those who like adventure, from historical to cultural tourism. Bali is full of exciting things to do, and one not to miss is watching the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple.
Exciting Facts About Kecak Dance
1. The Spirit Possesses the Dancers
Kecak is a sacred Balinese dance which is also called Sanghyang. It is believed that the hyang or spirit enters the dancers’ bodies, forcing him to pull into a trance state. That’s what prompted them to dance and sing a Sanghyang chorus. This dance performance will end with a dancer walking on a coconut shell with a burning fire. Of course, the show is theatrical, and it is said that spirits possess the dancers.
2. Telling About Ramayana
Kecak Api or Fire Kecak dance is a dance and music performance that developed in Bali in the 1930s. This dance is based on the Hindu mythology of the Ramayana, featuring four important characters: Rama, Sita, Rahwana, and Hanuman. This story relates to the episode of Sita’s kidnapping by Rahwana and how he tried to save her. However, the depiction is unusual. That’s why you must see how this story is depicted in the Kecak dance performance.
3. More Than 100 Dancers Perform Kecak Dance
Kecak is a dance art that begins with more than 100 people arriving at the podium and continuously chanting “chak” to set the stage for the Ramayana battle. The song reads “chak kecak kecak,” hence the name Kecak. The players wear plaid clothes and sit in a circle around the center of the fire. Therefore, this show is also called the Fire Kecak Dance.
4. Created by German Painters and Balinese Artists
The modern version of the Kecak dance, usually watched by tourists, was popularized by German painter Walter Spies and Balinese dancer Wayan Limbak. Kecak has no background music except for the dancers’ rhythmic singing of “chak kechak kechak.” This dance was created in the 1930s when the two incorporated the Ramayana component into Balinese spiritual dance. Thus, the modern Kecak dance was born.
Where Can You Watch the Kecak Dance?
Pura Luhur Uluwatu or Uluwatu Temple, located on the coast of Bali, is the most popular destination for watching Kecak. Here, the dance is performed at sunset. You can watch the dancers perform with the backdrop of the sea and sky. The ticket or additional fee to watch the Uluwatu Kecak Dance is 100,000 IDR for one tourist. You can purchase the ticket in advance, and it is advisable to arrive before the show starts as there is limited space or seating.
Uluwatu Temple is a must-visit destination on your visit list while in Bali. Its beauty is the same as Lake Toba in Medan, and the bonus is that you can watch the wonderful one-of-a-kind Kecak dance performance.
