Discover Bali’s Barong & Keris Dance: A Thrilling Cultural Ritual in Batubulan - Bali - Indonesia

Discover Bali’s Barong & Keris Dance: A Thrilling Cultural Ritual in Batubulan - Bali - Indonesia


Balinese Barong and Keris Dance: A Cultural Snapshot-
The Barong and Keris Dance, performed daily in Batubulan village, 20 minutes from Denpasar, is a 60-minute Balinese ritual showcasing good versus evil. Skilled dancers, vibrant costumes, and gamelan music bring this mythology to life for all audiences.

Barong’s Role-
Barong, a lion-like protector in Balinese lore, is the leader of good spirits, animated by Banas Pati Rajah. With a fanged mask and shaggy mane, he guards villages from evil. During Galungan Kuningan festivals, Barong’s ngelawang ritual cleanses communities. His foe, Rangda, a dark witch, commands evil spirits, embodying their eternal conflict.

The Story -
Based on the Calonarang legend, the dance follows a widowed sorceress whose black magic scares suitors from her daughter, Ratna Manggali. When King Erlangga fails to stop her, she unleashes a plague on Daha. Priest Mpu Bharadah sends disciple Bahula to steal her misused magical manuscript. With Barong’s aid, Bharadah confronts Rangda. Her spell turns soldiers’ keris daggers on themselves, but Barong’s magic protects them. Barong triumphs, and Rangda flees or is purified.

Cultural Weight -
A sacred ritual, often in temples, the dance uses holy masks blessed with Mount Agung’s water. Rangda’s spells can be potent, risking harm if spiritual protections weaken. It reflects Balinese beliefs in balancing good and evil.

For Western Viewers -
For Westerners, this is vivid storytelling—think dramatic theatre with universal themes of good versus evil. Barong’s ornate mask and Rangda’s eerie look, paired with dynamic music, make it a striking cultural experience, no prior knowledge needed.

Where to See It -
Batubulan is a village in Gianyar Regency, approximately 20 minutes from Denpasar, daily shows by local dancers offer an authentic glimpse into Bali’s spiritual and artistic heart. This hour-long performance is a compelling introduction to a tradition of harmony and protection.

(The video is not the entire show, but an edited performance)

#BalineseDance #BarongDance #KerisDance #Batubulan #BalineseCulture #BaliTradition #GoodVsEvil #BalineseMythology #CulturalPerformance #GalunganKuningan #Rangda #Barong #BaliTravel #TraditionalDance #BalineseRitual

🎥 All video footage filmed and created by Dad's Amazing Adventures 2025©
@DadsAmazingAdventures #bali #batubulan #hindu