Ubud is the place to see Balinese dance. From the 1930s the town’s royal family and visiting artists helped make it a centre of the performing arts, and today there is a performance somewhere in town on most evenings of the year, usually beginning around 7:30 p.m.
The most famous is the Kecak, the “monkey chant”: a large circle of bare-chested men chanting in interlocking rhythms, with no instruments, while dancers act out an episode from the Ramayana. It was developed in the 1930s from a trance ritual, and in Ubud it is often followed by a fire dance.
The other classic is the Legong, a highly refined dance traditionally performed by young girls in gold-leaf costumes, with precise eye and finger movements, accompanied by a full gamelan orchestra. The Barong dance, the battle between the lion-like Barong and the witch Rangda, is another favourite.
Top things to do at Kecak & Legong Dance Nights
See a Kecak performance
Several venues around town stage Kecak, some in temple courtyards lit by torches. It is about an hour long and needs no background knowledge to enjoy.
Watch Legong at the palace
A performance in the courtyard of Ubud Palace, with its carved gate as a backdrop, is the classic Ubud evening.
Check the nightly schedule
The tourist information office near the palace posts the schedule, and ticket sellers on the main road can tell you what is on each night.
Look out for temple festivals
If a temple anniversary (odalan) is taking place, you may see dances performed for the gods. Watch quietly from the back, dressed in a sarong and sash.
How to get to Kecak & Legong Dance Nights
- Most venues are in central Ubud: the palace, Saraswati Temple and several temple stages within walking distance.
- Some Kecak venues are in nearby villages; tickets sometimes include transport.
- Allow time for traffic if you are staying outside the centre — shows start on time.
- Tickets are usually around IDR 100,000–150,000 at the door; check current prices.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early for a seat with a view; seats are first come, first served.
- Do not use flash, and keep quiet during performances.
- Bring mosquito repellent for open-air venues.
Best tours & tickets for Kecak & Legong Dance Nights
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Kecak & Legong Dance Nights and make the most of the day:
Show ticket from US$6 Bali: Ubud Kecak and Fire Dance Show Tickets
A ticket to one of Ubud’s evening Kecak performances: dozens of men chanting “cak-cak-cak” in a circle while dancers act out the Ramayana, followed by a fire dance. Short, hypnotic and easy to fit in after dinner.
- A circle of chanting men tells the Ramayana
- Fire dance finale
- An evening in central Ubud
Show ticket from US$6 Bali: Ubud Palace Legong Dance Show Entry Ticket
Bali’s most refined classical dance, performed at Ubud’s royal palace with a live gamelan orchestra. Arrive early for a seat with a clear view of the stage.
- Legong dance at the royal palace
- Live gamelan orchestra
- Gold-leaf costumes and carved gateways
