Kecak Fire Dance

The Kecak Fire Dance is one of Bali’s most iconic art performances, which takes place at a cliff-top amphitheater beside Uluwatu Temple. Tiered concrete seating surrounds the sunken centerpiece stage, offering impressive views of the Indian Ocean. For added drama, this sunset dance show features fire, and human vocals are used in place of gamelan instruments.

The Kecak Fire Dance show starts at sunset, usually around 6 pm. A troupe of around 75 male dancers descend onto the stage with extended arms and shaking hands up in the air while chanting their fast-paced choruses repetitively.

The performance is about Sri Rama, prince of the Ayodya kingdom, who was sent into exile by his father King Dasaratha following an evil trick by his stepmother Kaikeyi. Deep in a monkey forest, Rama is accompanied by his wife Sita and loyal younger brother Laksamana. The evil Rahwana, who had a crush on Sita, knew of this and set out to kidnap her. The rescuing effort by the 2 brothers ensues with help from the monkey king Hanoman and his monkey troops. Rahwana eventually subdued, the 2 lovers are finally reunited right after the setting sun.