The Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak & Fire Dance Show are two of the best things to do in Bali. The ancient temple is located 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, perched on a dramatic outcrop, offering stunning views of the horizon. Sunset is one of the best times to be here. The temple premises also have courtyards and stone-made shrines that represent Balinese architecture. Nearby is an open-air amphitheater that hosts the Kecak & Fire Dance Show. This is a rendition of the Ramayana epic through dance.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A Gorgeous Ancient Temple
Dating back centuries, the Uluwatu Temple was once a small structure that was upgraded and beautified over the centuries. Today, a stone structure remains with many stone shrines. Given the location, the views from here are stunning. The temple is 230 feet high and offers panoramic views of the whole region. You will get many photo ops with beautiful nature backgrounds.
The Kecak Dance Show
Performed every evening at sunset in an open-air amphitheater, the Kecak dance depicts a scene from Ramayana featuring Rama, Hanuman, Sita, and Ravana. There’s no music; the dancers sit in a circle, chanting “cak-cak” while the main actors act out the dramatic scenes. This is the main show that is connected to the following fire show.
The Fire Dance Show
Fire is lit in the center of the stage as the focus of the story shifts to Hanuman. The actor dressed as Hanuman starts chants along with the rest and performs intense choreography that involves playing with and kicking the fire and shooting up embers. This is a very visual performance, ensuring a perfect end to the show.