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Balinese Barong Dance - Presenting Stories from Balinese Culture

Balinese Barong Dance - Presenting Stories from Balinese Culture
picture by : booking-bali-villas.com


One cultural tourism in Bali that will not be missed is the art performance. This show is very attractive to both domestic and foreign tourists. One of them is the Barong Dance. This dance is one of the cultural arts that is owned and becomes an identical part of Bali.


This dance is a symbol of the battle between two natures, good and bad. As the majority of religions in Bali, of course, they are closely related to Hinduism.


According to his belief, the two are called Rwa Bhieda or side by side, the good and the bad. Barong is a symbol of his kindness and Rangda is a symbol of his badness.


The type of Barong dance is not just one dance, there are Ket, Bangkal, Gajah, Asu, Brutuk, and Barong-barongan. Barong Ket or Keket, among all the types of Barong dance that is the most often performed performances. This type of Barong dance is a picture that combines tigers, lions and oxen.


A leather ornament will adorn the body, as well as a mirror cut and pandan fiber feathers. The dancers consist of two people, one dancer in front and acts as the moving head and feet of Barong. Meanwhile, the dancer who is behind will be the tail and hind legs of the Barong.


Balinese Barong Dance


This dance is sure to remind you of the Lion Dance because of its similarity. It's just that the Barongsai is from China. For the Barong dance, apart from elevating Barong and Rangda as characters, there are also Kera, Dewi Kunti and Sahadeva, and followers from Rangda. The story is that Barong and his friend Kera were in the forest.


Then, there are three people in masks who in the scene make a scene that destroys the tranquility of the forest. Apes are the first to meet these three masked people. A fight ensued with Ape who managed to cut the nose of one of the three.


Balinese Barong Dance Stories Treat


This story opening will then lead you to four rounds of story treats.


  • In the first round, two dancers will appear who are none other than Rangda's followers. They are men. They are looking for Dewi Kunti's followers. Dewi Kunti, who was a woman, was on her way to meet her patih.
  • In the second half, Dewi Kunti's followers appeared. One of Rangda's followers later turned into a demon. He then possessed an evil spirit in the soul of one of Dewi Kunti's followers. After being possessed he was angry. They both went together to face the patih and Dewi Kunti. 
  • In the third round, Dewi Kunti and her child appear. Sahadeva had been promised to be made a victim to Rangda by Dewi Kunti. Dewi Kunti is willing to sacrifice her child because she is possessed by a demon. He was angry and had the heart to sacrifice his child. He even ordered his patih who was also possessed by a spirit to throw Sahadeva into the forest and tie him up in front of the Rangda palace. 
  • In the last act or the fourth act, it is told that Lord Shiva descends to Earth. Immortality he gave to Sahadeva which Rangda did not know. Rangda could not kill and tear Sahadeva either. It turned out that Lord Shiva bestowed kebahaan on Sahadewa. Finally, Rangda gave up and asked to be saved, including to enter heaven. Sahadeva fulfilled the request. 
  • Four chapters filled with history and art. Don't miss it, because watching Balinese art performances directly on the spot will be an experience that you will never forget.


Locations That Frequently Hold Balinese Barong Dance Performances


Barong dance is more often held in Batubulan Bali, which is the west gate of Gianyar regency. To reach this village only takes 15-30 minutes or about 10Km drive from Denpasar and 40-60 minutes or about 20km from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Performances of this dance usually start at 09.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.