Imagine spending an evening in Bali that combines captivating traditional dance, stunning scenery, and delicious local cuisine—all in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and authentic. That’s exactly what this Ubud Kecak Dance and Royal Balinese Dinner experience offers. It’s a carefully curated package designed for travelers who want more than just a show; they want a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual and cultural soul.
What we love about this experience is the spellbinding Kecak fire dance performed by talented local dancers, and the beautiful setting at Tanah Gajah Resort, which elevates the entire event. The dinner afterwards, featuring a Royal Rijsttafel style spread, lets you savor Bali’s flavors while soaking in views of rice paddies and tropical jungle.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that the dinner, while traditional, might not be quite as “royal” as the name suggests—reviews mention the meal being simple relative to the price. Still, for many, the combination of dance, scenery, and culture makes up for that small consideration. This tour fits best for those eager to experience Bali’s cultural highlights in a relaxed, scenic setting without feeling rushed.
- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Experience
- The Venue and Setting
- The Kecak Fire Dance
- The Dinner Experience
- Photos and Interaction
- Practical Details
- Authenticity and Value
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
- Our Top Picks in Ubud
- More Dinner Experiences in Ubud
- More Dining Experiences in Ubud
- More Tour Reviews in Ubud
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ubud we have recnetly reviewed
Key Points
- Authentic Cultural Showcase: The Kecak fire dance is performed by local Balinese dancers, offering a genuine cultural experience.
- Stunning Outdoor Venue: The show takes place in an atmospheric candle-lit amphitheater at Tanah Gajah Resort, surrounded by rice fields and jungle.
- Delicious Local Cuisine: After the performance, enjoy a Royal Rijsttafel dinner featuring local Balinese dishes, served in an elegant pavilion setting.
- Photo Opportunities: Post-show, you can take photos with the performers, which many reviews praise as a memorable highlight.
- Flexible Booking & Accessibility: You can reserve your spot with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Value for Money: Combining a cultural performance with a scenic dinner, the overall experience offers a meaningful taste of Bali’s traditions and natural beauty.
👉 Check out our guide to the 8 Best 2 Day Tours In Ubud
A Closer Look at the Experience
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ubud
The Venue and Setting
The whole event is held at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, formerly known as The Chedi Club Ubud. This venue is no ordinary tourist spot; it’s a peaceful retreat with lush gardens, rice paddies, and tropical forests visible from every table. The outdoor amphitheater, illuminated by candles, creates a quiet, almost sacred ambiance for the performance. The lush surroundings add a layer of serenity and make you feel far removed from the busy streets of Ubud.
The Kecak Fire Dance
The centerpiece of this experience is undoubtedly the Kecak fire dance. Originating from a traditional Balinese ritual, this dance involves a chorus of men chanting “cak” in unison, creating a rhythmic backdrop that mimics the sound of fire crackling. Dancers perform in trance-like states, reenacting stories from the Ramayana, making the performance both visually and spiritually compelling.
Expect a performance that lasts roughly 45 minutes, during which you’ll be captivated by the dancers’ movements and the hypnotic chant. Several reviews mention the performers’ talent and the authentic feel of the show, with one traveler from Norway saying, “The performance was amazing!”
The Dinner Experience
Post-performance, you’ll move to The Tempayan restaurant for a Royal Rijsttafel dinner. Inspired by Ubud’s history and Bali’s culinary traditions, this spread offers a variety of local dishes served in a style reminiscent of royal feasts. The pavilion-style restaurant provides panoramic views of rice fields and jungle, making your dining experience as scenic as it is flavorful.
However, a few reviews note that the meal may be “simple” compared to the price, suggesting it’s more about the atmosphere and setting than a gourmet feast. Still, many guests enjoy the opportunity to try genuine Balinese flavors in a tranquil environment.
More Great Tours NearbyPhotos and Interaction
One aspect travelers praise is the chance to take photos with the performers after the show. The dancers are happy to pose, giving you a chance to cherish the moment. This adds a personal touch to an otherwise staged event, making it a memorable souvenir of your trip.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ubud
Practical Details
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, starting in the early evening to coincide with sunset and the candlelit ambiance. It’s suitable for most mobility levels, with wheelchair access available. The meeting point is at Tanah Gajah, and you’ll want to bring your camera, credit card, and cash for any extras. Drones are not allowed, so plan to leave yours behind.
Booking is flexible; you can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility is handy if your plans change.
Authenticity and Value
While some reviews mention the dinner as “not very royal” or a bit simple, they consistently praise the quality of the dance performance and the scenic venue. Many feel it offers a genuine taste of Bali’s cultural traditions—something more meaningful than a generic tourist show.
The entire experience balances entertainment with cultural insight, making it ideal for travelers interested in Bali’s spiritual side, traditional arts, and scenic relaxation. The modest price is justified when you consider the setting, the performance, and the opportunity to interact with local artists.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is perfect for those who want an authentic cultural performance combined with a leisurely dinner in a beautiful setting. It appeals to travelers seeking a combination of art, scenery, and local cuisine without the rush of a packed itinerary. It’s especially well-suited for couples, small groups, or anyone interested in a peaceful, memorable evening in Ubud.
If you’re after a high-energy show or gourmet dining, this might not fully satisfy. However, if your goal is to experience Bali’s spiritual and artistic traditions in a relaxed environment, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
No, the meeting point is at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana. You will need to make your way there, but the location is central and easy to find.
What is the duration of the experience?
The entire tour lasts about 2 hours, typically starting in the early evening to take advantage of sunset and candlelight.
What should I bring?
A camera for photos, cash for tips or extras, and your credit card for any additional purchases. Drones are not permitted at the venue.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most guests with mobility needs.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for your travel plans.
Are there any language options?
The show and staff speak English and Indonesian, so communication should be straightforward.
What is the quality of the dinner?
Reviews suggest the meal is simple relative to the price, but it offers a good taste of local Balinese dishes in a scenic setting.
Can I meet the performers afterward?
Yes, post-show photos with the dancers are usually available, providing a personal memory of the experience.
Is this experience suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, especially since it’s an outdoor, family-friendly event, but consider the duration and ambiance when planning.
Ubud: Kecak Dance and Royal Balinese Dinner
“The performance was amazing! We also had a Balinese dinner in front of a field. The whole experience—having dinner in the peaceful sounds of natu…”
Final Thoughts
This Ubud Kecak Dance and Royal Balinese Dinner experience offers a balanced blend of cultural authenticity, scenic beauty, and culinary delight. It’s a chance to witness a traditional dance that’s rooted in Bali’s spiritual life, all set against a stunning backdrop of rice paddies and jungle. The performance alone makes it worthwhile, but pairing it with a relaxing dinner enhances the evening’s charm.
While the dinner may not be lavish, the atmosphere, the interaction with local performers, and the chance to see Bali’s cultural heart beat make up for it. The experience is well-suited for those who want to understand Bali beyond its beaches—those interested in arts, spirituality, and local traditions.
If you’re seeking a genuine, relaxed, and visually captivating night out, this tour delivers in spades. It’s a special way to connect with Bali’s cultural roots, all within a setting that feels both special and accessible.
You can check availability for your dates here:
