The thunderous rhythm of the Balinese gamelan echoes through the temple courtyard as a mythical creature enters the stage. Adorned with a magnificent red mask, intricate gold carvings, and a flowing white mane, its jaws clack with a percussive beat.

This is Barong, the king of spirits, and his dramatic entrance marks the beginning of one of Bali’s most captivating and sacred performances.

History of Barong Dance

In Balinese culture, the Barong itself is representative of a protector spirit, a guardian angel for a village, believed to ward off disease, death, and dark magic. The performance you see today is a theatrical representation of this protective power, dramatizing the core Balinese Hindu philosophy of Rwa Bhineda, the concept of two opposing forces coexisting to create cosmic balance.

Calon Arang: The Origins of Barong Dance

Source image: Wikipedia

The most common story performed in the Barong Dance comes from the 12th-century legend of Calon Arang.

The tale tells of Rangda, a powerful queen and master of black magic, who terrorizes the kingdom of Daha (around Kediri, East Java), after her daughter is spurned by the king. To combat her destructive force, a holy man sends for the Barong.

The ensuing battle is the heart of the performance. Rangda, with her fearsome mask, long tongue, and pendulous breasts, casts a spell on the king's soldiers, forcing them to turn their own keris (daggers) against themselves.

In a dramatic climax, the Barong uses his protective magic to make the soldiers' skin impenetrable. This trance-like state, known as the Keris Dance, showcases the ultimate struggle between light and darkness, ending not in a definitive victory but in a restored, albeit fragile, balance.

Cultural Role

In Balinese culture, the Barong is a sacred entity. The masks themselves are considered consecrated objects, often housed in the village temple and brought out for special ceremonies.

When a village performs the dance, it is seen as an act of restoring spiritual harmony and protecting the community from malevolent forces. The performance is a communal act of faith, reaffirming the constant presence of both good and evil in the world.

Evolution of Barong Dance

While its roots are deeply spiritual, the Barong Dance has evolved to become one of Bali's most famous cultural exports. Originally performed only during sacred temple festivals, shortened and more theatrical versions were developed for audiences.

Today’s tourist-focused shows often combine the core narrative with moments of comic relief and character introductions to make the complex mythology more accessible, while still retaining the power and drama of the original ritual.

The Different Types of Barong in Bali

While the image of the lion-like Barong is iconic, the spirit takes many forms depending on the traditions of a particular village or region. Each type embodies a different protective essence.

The Most Common Types

Barong Ket (Keket)

A hybrid of a lion, tiger, and ox, this is the most recognizable and frequently performed Barong. It features a striking red head, a large body operated by two dancers, and is ornately decorated with gilded leather and mirrors.

Barong Bangkal

Source image: Wikipedia

Shaped like a wild boar (bangkal or commonly known as celeng), this Barong is typically black with prominent tusks. It is often used in village processions during major holidays like Galungan and Kuningan, dancing from house to house to cleanse the area of evil spirits.

Barong Macan

Source image: gwk bali cultural park

Taking the form of a tiger, this Barong has a similar body to the Barong Ket but is distinguished by its striped pattern and tiger-like face. It is often featured in sacred events and sometimes accompanies traditional Arja opera.

Barong Gajah

Representing an elephant, this form is very rare and highly sacred. It is primarily found in specific villages within the Gianyar and Badung regencies.

Barong Asu

Source image: Bali Ne Channel YouTube

A dog-like Barong, this variant is also uncommon and is mainly seen in rituals within the Tabanan region, areas also known for their stunning beaches.

Other Variants

Barong Brutuk in Trunyan village. Source image:Wikipedia

Beyond the common forms, Bali’s rich tapestry of local traditions includes other unique protector spirits.

Barong Landung features two towering puppet-like figures representing an ancient king, Prabu Sri Jayapangus and his queen from China, Kang Cing We (source).

In the ancient village of Trunyan, the Barong Brutuk is performed by dancers wearing sacred masks made from coconut shells and costumes of dried banana leaves.

Other localized versions, like Barong Lembu (cow) or Barong Kambing (goat), appear in specific village rituals, each embodying a good spirit tailored to the community's ancestral beliefs.

Where You Could See Barong Dance

Experiencing a Barong Dance is a highlight of any trip to Bali. Performances range from traditional village shows to modern theatrical productions. If you're planning your trip around key events in Bali, be sure to include a Barong performance on your itinerary.

Batubulan Village

Known as the center for Barong performances, Batubulan Village is conveniently located on the road to Ubud.

Venues like Jambe Budaya Barong and Sahadewa Barong host daily morning shows (around 9:30 AM) specifically for visitors.

These shows are well-produced with modern sound systems and lighting, making the story easy to follow. Tickets typically cost between 100,000 and 150,000 IDR.

GWK Cultural Park

For a grand, modern interpretation, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park offers its "Baraong Show" on Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 6 PM.

Set in a massive amphitheater, this spectacular performance features multiple Barongs and a large cast, blending tradition with contemporary stagecraft. This show is included with the park's entrance fee, allowing you to experience one of Bali's classic landmarks at the same time.

Ubud Royal Palace

Set in the heart of Bali’s cultural hub, the Ubud Royal Palace offers a more intimate setting. The performances take place in an atmospheric indoor/outdoor venue, allowing you to witness the dance amid historical architecture.

Shows here are extremely popular and often sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. Entry is around 100,000 IDR. While in the area, you can also explore other attractions like the famous Bali Swing or Monkey Forest.

Other Spots

For those seeking an authentic morning performance with exceptional gamelan music, several other stages are highly regarded.

Kesiman Village (Uma Dewi Stage, 9:30 AM) and Tanah Kilap in Pemogan, Denpasar (Sari Wisata Budaya, 9:15 AM) are excellent choices.

Summary

The Barong Dance is a powerful window into the soul of Balinese spirituality. Far more than a colourful spectacle, it is a dynamic ritual that embodies the eternal struggle to maintain balance in the universe.

Whether witnessed in a traditional village ceremony or a grand cultural park, the story of Barong and Rangda serves as a vivid reminder of the coexistence of light and darkness, a philosophy that shapes every aspect of life on the Island of the Gods.