Balinese culture is a harmonious blend of strong Hindu traditions, rich art, and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. This wholeheartedly preserved culture can be seen in various aspects of the Balinese people’s life, ranging from traditional ceremonies, art, to traditional houses and belief systems. One of the most well-known Balinese cultural features is the iconic Balinese ritual Kecak Dance which combines the rhythmic chants, dramatic fire, epic tale. If you seek to experience Kecak Dance, this guide is here to show you why GWK Cultural Park can give you the unique experience to witness this spectacular performance in Uluwatu, different from any other Kecak dances performed in the area.
What is The Kecak Dance?
Tari Kecak or Kecak Dance is a traditional Balinese ritual dance performed by tens or more male dancers. These male dancers are sitting in a circle while raising their arms during most of the performance. This dance has a unique feature which differentiates it from other traditional dances. Instead of musical instruments, this dance is accompanied by the “cak cak cak” chanting shouted by the dancers.
Kecak Dance traditionally tells the story of Ramayana. The male dancers raising their arms depicts the row of monkeys that helped Rama fight Rahwana. Other than the male dancers, there are also dancers who play Ramayana characters such as Rama, Shinta, Rahwana, Hanoman, and Sugriwa.
Why is Kecak Dance a special and must-experience attraction? Part of the reason is the combination of the unique rhythmic chanting accompaniment and the epic fire dance finale that makes it an otherworldly performance.
The GWK Kecak Dance: A Unique and Grand Spectacle in Uluwatu Bali
GWK Cultural Park, the iconic landmark located in Uluwatu, Bali, offers a different Kecak Dance experience from the other Kecak Dances in the Uluwatu area. Instead of depicting the story of Ramayana, GWK’s Kecak Dance specifically integrates and focuses on the epic tale of Garuda Wisnu Kencana, the very essence of the park itself. This specific focus provides a coherent and deeper narrative experience that connects with the massive statue.
Kecak Garuda Wisnu Kencana also features Ogoh-Ogoh parade which is a traditional Balinese work of art in the form of a big sculpture. Ogoh-Ogoh is usually being paraded during Pengrupukan to neutralize negative forces in the surrounding realm and reconcile the creatures of the underworld ahead of the turn of the Saka Year.
This dance performs at the vast and open-air Lotus Pond at 18.00 WITA everyday. The expansive location combined with the great number of performers creates an immersive and impactful theatrical experience that will leave you enthralled.
Experiencing Kecak Garuda Wisnu Kencana allows visitors to combine it with exploring the iconic GWK statue and other cultural attractions within the park. Some of the most recommended ones are the Top of the Statue Tour and witnessing other traditional Balinese dances, especially the brand new BarAong Show, at the Amphitheater and Lotus Pond. This way, you’ll have a comprehensive cultural day.
Plan Your Kecak Dance Experience
Experiencing the Kecak Dance in the Uluwatu area is a cultural highlight and GWK Cultural Park is the most ideal place to do it. The GWK tickets allow you to not only watch GWK’s version of Kecak Dance, but also visit many other attractions in the park. Before going, get to know about our GWK tickets that offer various kinds of tickets with different benefits. The Regular Entrance Ticket + BarAong Performance and the Ultimate Package.
The Regular Entrance Ticket + BarAong Performance (IDR 200.000/person) includes:
- Regular Entrance Ticket to GWK Cultural Park
- Refreshment drink at Jendela Bali Restaurant
- Balinese Cultural Performances at Amphitheater stage (from 11 AM to 3 PM)
- Watch animation movie “Petualangan Garuda Cilik” at Garuda Sineloka Mini Cinema (30 minutes duration, start from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM) BarAong performance at Amphitheater at 18:00 until 18:30
- The ticket is valid for the whole day! Free entry and exit to the GWK area (by requesting a stamp at the exit gate)
As for the Ultimate Package (IDR 400.000/person), it has pretty much the same benefits as the Regular Entrance Ticket. However, it also includes Top of the Statue Tour which takes you to the 9th & 23rd floor of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue.
Don’t just read about this spectacular Kecak Dance Uluwatu, secure your GWK tickets and let the captivating performance take your breath away!