BALINESE DANCES & ENTERTAINMENT
For the most traditional ambiance, go to the Ubud-Peliatan area.
Here classical dances (legong, topeng, rajapala, gabor and others)
are held in princely mansions and neighborhood halls every night.
Shadow puppet performances are also held on Saturday night.
A fire dance is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.30
at Bona, southwest of Gianyar. The Puri Anyar in Krambitan also
features traditional dances upon request. Check with your travel
agent or with the local tourism office.
Kecak, barong and keris are the most popular dances for tourists.
The Art Center shows, at 6.30 pm daily in Denpasar, are the
best for kecak while the venues at Singapadu and Batubulan are
excellent for barong and keris, both daily from 9.30 am.
Bali is also famous for its ceremonial dances. If you have the
patience (there is no designated "show-time") and
if you are ready to conform to the local rules of dress and
behavior, you may well be in for the experience of a lifetime.
Ask Balinese friends for advice on attire and proper behavior,
and check the Calendar of Events on the Balinese calendar found
in every Balinese house. No camera flashes, no shouts, no shorts,
and be discrete, please.
The Friday edition of the English-language Jakarta Post newspaper
(available in all major tourist spots) has listings of traditional
and contemporary music and dance performances in Bali, as well
as the week's temple festivals.
ENTRANCE FEES
Almost all temples or tourist attractions levy an entrance fee
or ask for a donation. Fees are usually between Rp. 500-Rp.
1,000. A similar amount is fine for a donation. Make sure it
is entered into the donation book.
Some self-appointed "guides" are quite knowledgeable
and willing to accept whatever you offer. Others may expect
some exorbitant fee. If you want their services, it's best to
agree on the amount first. Generally $1 for a half-hour escorted
tour of a temple is enough
