Bali’s famed Kecak is a dance that tells the story of Asia’s most famous epic, the Ramayana. It is a huge performance, starring more than a dozen main characters and supported by a choir of 50 or more male dancers who perform very basic routines.
Although originally from India, the story of the Ramayana has since spread to every corner of Asia — South East Asia in particular, due to its Hindu and Buddhist heritage. In Bali, the tale of the Ramayana has been interwoven with the island’s culture and history since around 100 BC.
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are among the most famous in the world, they are known for their bucolic rice paddies and clever irrigation system, which is called the subak. This Bali’s traditional cooperative irrigation system is said to have been passed down by a revered holy man named Rsi Markandeya in the 8th century. Tegallalang forms ...
Bali’s textiles are an important part of the its cultural heritage, in the past, traditional woven fabrics like songket were worn by the nobility as a class signifier in the royal courts. Today, caste-based restrictions no longer apply, but the songket remains a clear marker of status. Resplendent in shimmering silk and gold-wrapped threads, these ...
Locally known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu (with Luhur meaning “something of divine origin”), Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali's nine key directional temples and one of the most spectacular ones in the entire island.
Perched majestically on the edge of a steep cliff about 150 m above the sea level, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking Indian ...
Klungkung, the smallest Bali's regency, is also home to some of its most fascinating historical sites.
The Klungkung Palace is a historical building complex in Semarapura, the capital of Klungkung.
One of the most remarkable parts of the palace is the Kertha Gosa Pavilion. It is the ancient high court of the king, where Bali's most difficult ...