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001 - Barong Dance & Denpasar City Tour |
Barong Dance
Barong is probably the most well known dance. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality.
The story goes that Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, the King of Bali in the tenth century, was condemned by Erlangga's father because she practiced black magic. After she became a widow, she summoned all the evil spirits in the jungle, the leaks and the demons, to come after Erlangga. A fight occurred, but she and her black magic troops were too strong that Erlangga had to ask for the help of Barong. Barong came with Erlangga's soldiers, and fight ensued. Rangda casted a spell that made Erlangga soldiers all wanted to kill themselves, pointing their poisoned keris into their own stomachs and chests. Barong casted a spell that turned their body resistant to the sharp keris. At the end, Barong won, and Rangda ran away.
Somebody can die or get seriously injured in a Barong dance. It is said that if Rangda's spell is too strong, a weak soldier may not be able to resist it, even with the help of Barong. He may end up hurting himself with his own keris.
The masks of Barong and Rangda are considered sacred items, and before they are brought out, a priest must be present to offer blessings by sprinkling them with holy water taken from Mount Agung, and offerrings must be presented.
Bali Museum
Bali Museum is collecting the ancient and historic item from Denpasar surrounding area. All of the collection in this museum is the historic omissions and heritage from the former era . This museum is just the next door from the Jagatnata Temple and you can visit to this place on the opening time only. If the museum is closed, the trip will be connected to Art Center to see the biggest theater that is usually used to present the Balinese traditional performance.
Art Center
Bali Art Center or Taman Wedhi Budaya is a large complex of building in East Denpasar which is home of the annual Bali Arts Festival from mid June to mid July.
The best thing about Taman Wedhi Budaya is the art gallery and the only time westerners are likely to visit is during the Bali Arts Festival. The Festival itself is a mostly local event, with people bringing their kids and needless to say, a whole marketplace of tacky toys and trinkets is set up. During the Bali Arts Festival there are wonderful dance with performers from all over Bali. I checked out a selection of booths with traditional knives, kris's and decorations from each of the 8 districts in Bali. If you attend the Bali Arts Festival check out the event schedule online or look in the Bali Advertiser, local newspaper. The dances are scheduled for mornings and evenings, with not much going on during the middle of the day.
| Price/Pax |
Dep. Time |
Duration |
Meal |
Tour Itinerary |
| USD. 25.00 |
08.30 |
05 Hrs |
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Barong Dance, Denpasar City Tour (Museum, Art Center) |
| Photo Gallery |
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 "Bali Art Centre")
 "Barong Dance")
 "Bali Museum")