Where to See the Best Balinese Dance Performance in Ubud

Bali isn’t just about dreamy beaches or rice fields that look like green staircases. It’s also about culture, spirit, and storytelling, and one of the most captivating ways to experience all three is by watching a Balinese dance performance in Ubud.

These dances are more than just graceful movements. They’re living stories, passed down through generations, filled with emotion, legend, gods, spirits, and sometimes… even fire! Every flick of a finger, roll of the eye, and stomp of the foot means something. It’s storytelling through the body, music, and soul.

Rooted deeply in Hindu beliefs and local myths, Balinese dance brings the island’s energy to life, from divine deities to mischievous monkeys. If you want to feel the heartbeat of Bali, this is where to start.

And where better to see it all than in Ubud, the cultural heart of the island? We’ve rounded up the 7 best places where you can catch these magical performances. But first… let’s take a quick look at the different styles you might see!

• Legong: Graceful and intricate, often performed by young girls with delicate hand movements.
• Barong: The story of good vs. evil, featuring a lion-like creature called Barong.
• Kecak: The iconic “monkey chant” dance performed by a circle of chanting men, telling the Ramayana epic.
• Topeng: A mask dance with different characters representing various personalities and spirits.

Each offers a unique glimpse into Bali’s rich cultural heritage.

Where to Catch a Balinese Dance in Ubud?

 

1. CasCades Restaurant

Can you have a world-class dinner while watching a mesmerising Balinese dance experience in one night? At CasCades, yes, you can, and that’s exactly why it’s our number one pick. Here, you don’t just see the dance, but you ‘feel’ it. The performance becomes part of your evening, as dancers move gracefully to the rhythm of traditional music right from your dinner table.

Hungry for more than just a show? Try the Balinese Rijsttafel, a delicious way to sample many traditional dishes, each bite telling a story of Bali’s rich culinary heritage. If you prefer Indonesian comfort food or Western favourites, those are available too.

The dining area at CasCades is spacious and thoughtfully arranged, so you can enjoy the dance without feeling cramped, close enough to feel part of the magic, yet comfortable. 

The Balinese dance performances take place several times a month at CasCades. To see if one line up with your visit, check the schedule here, drop an email to res@cascadesbali.com or call +62 (361) 972111.

CasCades is located within the Viceroy Bali Resort, but you don’t need to be a guest to dine here. Located on Jl. Lanyahan, Br. Nagi, it’s just a 10-minute drive from Ubud centre, with easy parking and smooth access.

 

2. Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

At ARMA, you can experience Balinese dance in a cultural setting surrounded by traditional and contemporary artworks. Performances usually take place a few evenings a week, often around sunset. Entry to the museum (around IDR 100,000–150,000) typically includes the performance. It’s best to check their website or contact them directly for the latest schedule. Located on Jl. Raya Pengosekan.

 

3. Café Lotus

Café Lotus offers traditional Balinese dance performances with views of the beautiful lotus pond and the iconic Pura Saraswati temple. Shows usually happen on select evenings around 7:30 PM. There’s no separate ticket fee, you just need to dine at the restaurant during the show. It’s best to book in advance for a table with a clear view. Located on Jl. Raya Ubud.

 

4. Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung)

One of the most popular spots to catch a traditional Balinese dance in Ubud, Ubud Palace hosts nightly performances featuring different styles of dance like Legong, Barong, and Ramayana Ballet. Shows typically start at 7:30 PM. Tickets are sold onsite from late afternoon and usually cost around IDR 100,000. Centrally located at Jl. Raya Ubud, right across from the traditional market.

 

5. Shrida Ubud Restaurant

Shrida offers a stylish dining experience with the added charm of Balinese dance performances on selected evenings, usually starting around 7:30 PM. It’s a lovely way to enjoy local culture along with beautifully presented Indonesian and fusion dishes. There’s no separate ticket; you just need to reserve a table for dinner during performance nights. Located at Jl. Bisma, Ubud, is within walking distance of central Ubud.

 

6. Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana

Formerly the estate of a well-known Balinese art collector, Tanah Gajah now offers an elegant venue for traditional Balinese dance performances. These intimate shows often take place in the resort’s open-air amphitheatre with a rice paddy backdrop. Performances are usually reserved for in-house guests or available with special dinner packages. Located in Tengkulak Kaja, just 10 minutes from central Ubud.

 

7. Mayasari Restaurant at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa

Mayasari Restaurant occasionally features Balinese dance performances during themed dinner nights. The shows begin around 7:00 PM and are open to both resort guests and outside visitors who dine during the event. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a beautiful setting to experience dance while enjoying buffet-style or à la carte dishes. Located on Jl. Gunung Sari, Peliatan, Ubud.

 

Final Thoughts

Watching Balinese dance in Ubud is a magical way to connect with Bali’s culture and spirit;  a story told through movement, music, and colour that stays with you long after the performance ends. If you want to experience this unforgettable tradition in a relaxed, elegant setting where you can enjoy delicious food while the dancers captivate you, CasCades is the perfect choice. With spacious seating, a warm atmosphere, and a menu that celebrates Balinese flavours alongside familiar favourites, CasCades turns an evening out into a full cultural journey.

To check showtimes and reserve your spot, simply click here or email res@cascadesbali.com or call +62 (361) 972111.