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Traditional Barong character during a Balinese dance performance

Barong Dance in Bali: Meaning, Story & Where to Watch

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by Wayan Suadnyana Category:

Barong Dance in Bali is a traditional Balinese dance-drama that portrays the continuing opposition between Barong and Rangda. Barong symbolizes virtue and protection, while Rangda represents the opposing destructive force. Their continuing conflict is commonly understood as the struggle between good and evil.

Travelers can currently find Barong performances in Batubulan, Ubud, Kesiman, and Tanah Kilap. Performance days and times differ by venue, so confirm the current schedule before traveling to the show.

Barong and Rangda characters during a traditional Balinese dance performance
Barong and Rangda represent opposing forces in the traditional Balinese dance-drama. Photo by Andry Sasongko.

Last updated: August 28, 2026

Please note: Performance schedules and ticket prices can change. Confirm the current details for your chosen venue before booking or traveling to the show.

What Is the Barong Dance in Bali?

The Barong Dance presents the continuing conflict between Barong and Rangda.

Barong symbolizes virtue and protection, while Rangda represents the opposing destructive force. The performance combines Balinese dance, dramatic characters, elaborate costumes, and gamelan accompaniment.

Understanding the basic roles of Barong and Rangda before the show can make the storyline easier to follow.

What Is Barong Ket?

Barong Ket is the most common type of Barong in Bali.

The Barong figure has a lion-like appearance, with thick fur, ornamental details, and pieces of mirror. Two dancers perform the Barong figure together through coordinated movements.

Barong Ket commonly appears with Rangda in dance-dramas that portray the opposition between these two forces.

Close-up of an elaborately decorated Barong costume in Bali
The Barong costume features elaborate ornaments, thick hair, and decorative details. Photo by Lexi Lauwers.

What Story Does the Barong and Kris Dance Tell?

The Barong and Keris dance-drama commonly presents the Calon Arang story.

The performance develops around the conflict between Barong and Rangda and includes traditional dance, gamelan accompaniment, dramatic characters, and the well-known keris sequence.

You do not need to understand every part of the story before attending. Knowing the basic roles of Barong and Rangda is usually enough to make the main conflict easier to follow.

Performers carrying keris during a traditional Barong dance-drama in Bali
The keris sequence forms one of the dramatic scenes in the Barong dance-drama. Photo by Pandit Wiguna.

Where Can You Watch Barong Dance in Bali?

Several locations covered by this guide currently host Barong performances.

Batubulan Village

09:30–10:30

Batubulan is a well-known location for morning Barong performances in Bali.

Current listings show Sahadewa Barong & Keris Dance in Batubulan performing every day from 09:30 to 10:30.

Barong Dance Batubulan guide

Ubud

Around 19:00–19:30

Ubud has Barong performances at several cultural venues on selected days, generally in the evening.

Current programs vary by venue and day, with many traditional dance performances starting around 19:00 to 19:30.

Barong Dance Ubud schedule and locations

Kesiman

09:30–10:30

The Barong performance at Uma Dewi Barong Dance, Jl. Waribang No.21, Kesiman Petilan, is currently listed every day from 09:30 to 10:30.

Tanah Kilap, Pemogan

09:30–10:30

Current listings show the Barong and Keris performance at Sari Wisata Budaya, Tanah Kilap, Pemogan, running every day from 09:30 to 10:30.

Arrival and registration take place before the performance starts.

Barong Dance Tanah Kilap guide

Do All Barong Dance Locations Have the Same Schedule?

No.

Batubulan, Kesiman, and Tanah Kilap currently have morning performances, while Barong programs in Ubud take place at different venues on selected evenings.

Always check the exact venue and performance date because schedules can change.

How Can You Get to a Barong Dance Performance?

Common transport options include:

  • Taxi or app-based transportation.
  • Motorcycle or private car.
  • Car rental with a driver.

Check the exact stage name before leaving because Barong performances take place at different venues.

What Should You Know Before Watching the Performance?

Knowing the basic Barong and Rangda story can help you follow the performance. During the show:

  • Avoid talking loudly during the performance.
  • Dress respectfully.
  • Follow instructions from venue staff.
  • At venues with general-admission seating, arriving early may give you more choice of seats.

Do Barong Dance Ticket Prices Change?

Yes.

Ticket prices differ by venue and may also change over time. Check the relevant location-specific guide and confirm the current price before booking.

For Batubulan, Ubud, and Tanah Kilap, use the dedicated guides for detailed schedules, venue information, and ticket details, then reconfirm any time-sensitive information before your visit.

| Author: Wayan Suadnyana Category:

About Wayan Suadnyana

Bali Travel Specialist at Wira Tour Bali
Hi, I’m Wayan Suadnyana, a Bali travel specialist and one of the writers of Wira Tour Bali. I’ve spent 24+ years working in Bali tourism, helping travelers plan smoother trips with clear, practical info, not guesswork.

I graduated from Bali Tourism College (STP Bali) in 2001. Since then, I’ve combined on-the-ground experience with traveler-first writing. My focus is simple: help you pick the right place, the right route, and the right plan so you don’t waste time or end up at the wrong location.

What you can expect from my guides

Accurate, decision-ready details: prices, opening hours, locations, and “what to expect” notes

Transparent updates: I use last-checked dates and clear disclaimers because schedules and fees can change

Local, practical tips: access points, parking, timing, and small details that matter on the day

I’m especially familiar with Bali trip logistics like private car + driver routes, day tours, water sports, rafting, fast boat planning, and cultural stops across the island. I write for travelers who want Bali to feel easy, not confusing.

When I’m not writing or handling guest requests, I’m usually out exploring Bali, often on my bike. That firsthand time on the road keeps my recommendations realistic.

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