The Barong Dance is a traditional Balinese dance that dramatizes the eternal battle between good and evil. It is one of the most iconic and culturally significant performances in Balinese Hindu tradition.
Understanding The Barong Dance & The Baraong Show
At the heart of the Barong dance is the mythical struggle between two powerful forces:
– Barong – a lion-like creature that represents good and protects humans from evil. He is considered the king of spirits and the leader of the forces of good.
– Rangda – a frightening demon queen and the mother of evil spirits. She symbolizes chaos and destruction
Like many other traditional art forms, Barong dance also has the flexibility to evolve for entertainment purposes while still maintaining its core cultural elements, and GWK creatively modified this performance into a more modern and entertaining version called the “Baraong Show“.
Unlike the traditional Barong dance, which follows a sacred storyline rooted in Hindu mythology and is usually performed in temples or during religious ceremonies, the Baraong Show focuses on engaging a wider audience through visual spectacle, music, and humor.
This adaptation introduces two playful characters—Bara and Ong—who represent the energetic spirit and the clever trickster, respectively. Their interactions bring a lighter and more interactive twist to the original performance, making it accessible and enjoyable for tourists and families while still retaining elements of Balinese cultural heritage.
The Story of Baraong
The Barong story shown in the GWK’s Baraong Show begins in the ancient and mystical kingdom of Bahali Windhu Kencana, the land once thrived in harmony. But darkness has begun to spread, disrupting balance, peace, and prosperity. The once-flourishing realm now faces chaos and fear. From this turmoil arises a young heir: Prince Bara.
He is not an ordinary prince. Born under a spiritual sign of fire (“Bara”, symbolizing energy and transformation), Prince Bara is chosen by destiny to restore balance to his kingdom. To do so, he must undertake a sacred quest to awaken the three guardian Barongs—mythical creatures who embody the sacred principles of Tridatu (the Balinese tri-color philosophy).
Experiencing the Baraong Show at GWK Cultural Park
Experiencing the Baraong Show at GWK Cultural Park is a must for anyone visiting Bali or anyone interested in Balinese culture. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Perfect Integration with the GWK Park Experience
GWK Cultural Park is not just a performance venue—it’s a cultural hub. The Baraong Show is perfectly integrated into the park, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the park before or after the performance. Whether you’re walking around the impressive gardens, taking in the other art installations, or just enjoying the view of Bali’s southern coast, the overall experience is enhanced by the surrounding environment.
2. The Emergence of 5 Different Barongs
Typically, a Barong performance focuses on a single Barong character. However, theBaraong Show introduces five distinct Barong figures, each symbolizing different aspects of Balinese philosophy and spirituality.
These five Barong figures are:
– Sang Bawi (Barong Bangkal) – The Black Boar, symbolizing strength and the earth element.
– Sang Mong (Barong Macan) – The White Tiger, representing courage and the fire element.
– Sang Banas (Barong Ket) – The Red Lion, embodying purity and the water element.
– Barong Landung – a pair of human ( landung lanang and landung istri) like figures with giant faces which usually symbolize the rejection of negative energy
The inclusion of five Barong figures with masks that are larger than those used in traditional performances in the Baraong Show is a creative decision aimed at enriching the storytelling experience. By incorporating multiple Barong characters, the performance explores themes of balance, unity, and the interplay between different forces within the universe.
What Makes the Baraong Show at GWK Special?
The Baraong Show at GWK Cultural Park stands out as a truly unique experience for several reasons. Here’s what makes it so special:
Dramatic Scale
Unlike traditional Barong performances that typically feature a single Barong character, Baraong showcases up to five Barongs figures in one performance, offering a grand and dynamic spectacle.
Collaborative Creation
The performance is the result of a collaboration between choreographer Gung Giri of Sanggar Saba Sari and costume designer Gung Rama of Studio Pancer Langit, ensuring a high-quality and authentic presentation.
Immersive Experience
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, the show integrates traditional dance, music, and modern visual effects, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captivates audiences of all ages.
Plan Your Visit to See The Spectacular Baraong Show at GWK
The Baraong Show at Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a captivating performance that showcases five Barong figures from Balinese mythology. This unique spectacle combines dynamic dances, hypnotic melodies, and breathtaking visuals, offering an immersive experience into Balinese culture.
Show Schedule
Regular Performance Days: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and Sunday
Time: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM (WITA)
Venue: Amphitheater at GWK Cultural Park
Ticket Information
Baraong show only: IDR 100.000
Adds on: IDR 50.000 (For those of you who have purchased GWK entrance tickets but don’t have a Baraong show ticket yet)
Regular Entrance + Baraong Performance: IDR 200,000, includes:
– Park entry and the Baraong performance
– Refreshment at Jendela Bali Restaurant
– Access to the “Petualangan Garuda Cilik” animation movie at Garuda Sineloka Mini Cinema
– Admission to ASANA Artseum
– Valid for the entire day
Tips For Enjoying The Show
1. Arrive Early
The show tends to get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving a little early ensures you get a good spot, especially in the amphitheater. It’ll also give you time to explore the park and get comfortable.
2. Dress Comfortably
Bali can be warm, so wear lightweight, breathable clothes, and bring sunscreen or a hat to protect yourself from the sun if you’re going during the daytime. In the evening, the temperature can cool down, so it’s smart to bring a light jacket or sweater.
3. Take Photos, but Be Mindful
The show is colorful and dramatic, so don’t forget your camera or phone! But be respectful of others around you. Avoid using flash photography as it can disrupt the performers and the atmosphere.
4. Explore GWK Cultural Park
GWK Cultural Park has a lot to offer besides the Baraong Show. Explore the iconic Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue and other art exhibitions in the park. You’ll get to enjoy stunning views and take in more of Bali’s cultural heritage.
You can also enjoy Balinese specialties and enjoy the view at the Jendela Bali restaurant either before or after watching the Baraong performance at the entrance of GWK.
You can find more information about the Baraong show here, or you can immediately book tickets and come.
Experience the magic of Balinese mythology! Witness the breathtaking Barong performance at the Baraong show—a fusion of captivating dance, mesmerizing music, and stunning visuals. Don’t miss this epic tale of harmony and adventure. Get your tickets now and awaken the spirit of ‘Ong’!