Ubud Tour with Barong and Kriss Traditional Dance at Batubulan

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Ubud Tour with Barong and Kriss Traditional Dance at Batubulan

Barong is mytological animal in Bali the most well known dance. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality. The barong is symbol of good spirit which always protect the balinese people from the bad spirit is Rangda. Both of them always fighting and there is none winner.

Barong and Kris Dance Performance has the story goes that Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, the King of Bali. All the evil spirits in the jungle, the leaks and the demons, to come after Erlangga. A fight occurred, but she and her black magic troops were too strong that Erlangga had to ask for the help of Barong. Barong came with Erlangga’s soldiers, and fight ensued. Rangda casted a spell that made Erlangga soldiers all wanted to kill themselves, pointing their poisoned keris into their own stomachs and chests. Barong casted a spell that turned their body resistant to the sharp keris. At the end, Barong won, and Rangda ran away.

Somebody can die or get seriously injured in a Barong dance. It is said that if Rangda’s spell is too strong, a weak soldier may not be able to resist it, even with the help of Barong. He may end up hurting himself with his own Barong.

The Barong and Kris Dance is a traditional Balinese dance-drama that tells the classic story of the eternal battle between good and evil. This performance is deeply rooted in Balinese mythology and culture, and its origins are thought to predate Hindu influences, possibly stemming from animistic beliefs.

barong and kriss dance performance batubulan village

Here is a breakdown of the history and key elements of the dance:

The Story and Characters

The dance is based on the 12th-century classical tale of Calon Arang. The main characters are:

  • Barong: The king of spirits and the leader of the forces of good. He is a mythical, benevolent, panther-like creature, often depicted with a red head, thick white fur, and gilded jewelry. The Barong costume is typically performed by two male dancers.
  • Rangda: The demon queen and the leader of the evil forces. She is a fearsome witch with long fingernails, drooping breasts, and a terrifying mask. She is often portrayed as the mother of the 10th-century Balinese king, Airlangga, who was condemned for practicing black magic.

The dance depicts their endless struggle, a philosophical concept in Balinese culture that emphasizes the balance between positive and negative forces in the universe. The Barong never truly defeats Rangda, and Rangda never truly wins; they are in a perpetual, cyclical battle.

The Role of the Kris Dance

The “Kris” or “Keris” dance is a dramatic and sacred part of the performance. The kris is a ceremonial dagger and an important weapon in Balinese culture.

During this segment of the show, Rangda uses her black magic to cast a spell on the Barong’s male followers (often portraying soldiers). Under her influence, the men enter a trance and turn their daggers against themselves, attempting to commit suicide. The Barong, with the help of a priest and holy water, casts a protective spell that makes them immune to the daggers. This is the climactic and most intense part of the performance, where the men stab themselves repeatedly without being harmed. This scene is not taken lightly by those involved and is seen as a sacred ritual. – Ubud Tour with Barong and Kriss Dance at Batubu,an village

Origins and Significance Ubud tour with Barong and Kriss Dance

The Barong’s origins are believed to go back to ancient animistic practices in which villagers worshipped protective animal spirits. The name “Barong” may be derived from the local word “bahruang,” which means “bear.” The Barong is also associated with Banas Pati Raja, the “king of the jungle” and a protective spirit in Balinese mythology.

The Barong and Kris Dance is more than just a performance; it is an important ritual often performed to ward off illness and misfortune in a village. The dance serves to restore cosmic harmony and is a powerful symbol of the balance between good and evil.

The Barong and The Kris Dance - Indonesia Travel

The Best Combination Places While Visiting Barong Kris Dance at Batubulan Village:

  • Celuk and Silver Vllage
    This village famous with gold silver production, here you can see how the process to make a jewelry such as ring, necklaes, brecelet and many more. After visiting barong dance at batubulan, the tour will be continuo tto visit Celuk village.
  • Tegenungan Waterfall
    Tegenungan waterfall 
    is one of the best waterfall in ubud located at kemenuh village, sukawati district and gianyar regency. This waterfall is closer to other tourism object, that can easier to get it during the day trip. In this waterfall you can take a bath swimming, in contrast the heavy rain the water little bit brown and the water will be dirty. It is dangerous for you to do swimming.
  • Celuk and silver village
    Celuk and silver village is one of famous village known with gold and silver jewellery, this village had so many art shop which sells kinds of jewellery. Furthermore, not only see the jewellery, but the guest also can making jewellry and to get to know more processing to make a brecelet, ring and neklaces.   Yatra Galery is one artshop sells various kind of jewellery with affordable price, so we as local tour guide and driver always ready to assist your holiday to get better price, it is because we have a contract with some art shop in bali.
  • Butterfly Park Kemenuh
    This Park is an amazing park with many species of butterfly. There is one park that has butterfly to see, the visitor will get to know about the growth of butterfly start from cocoon until they can fly. This is good combination tour for ubud tour visit butterfly park. This is one way to Tegenungan Waterfall that easy to combine with. www.BaliPujaTour.com will happy to assist your holiday.
  • Tirta empul Temple 
    Tirta empul temple is one of holy spring water temple which many people even tourist for purification. This temple always crowded everyday, because that has holy spring water to see and beautiful views. If you want to do purificar here, there are sarong that can be hire and some offering in this temple. Purification is one of spiritual activities that can make your body clean, your brain, and hopefully after purification you will feel fresh and ready to start new life.

You can watching and enjoy the performance everyday at Batubulan village, after that you can combine your trip with any tourist destination such as, celuk gold and silver center, mas wood carving, tirta empul temple, rice terrace, coffee plantation, and etc.

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