Ubud is the main centre in Bali for traditional dance performance and it takes this role seriously. Most evenings multiple venues stage different types of dance, from the hypnotic Kecak fire dance — performed by a chorus of shirtless men chanting in rhythmic waves — to the elegantly stylised Legong, the comic-dramatic Barong, and shadow puppet (wayang kulit) performances. The best venues are the Ubud Palace courtyard and the Pura Taman Saraswati temple.
Pick a different performance each evening if you stay more than one night — they differ significantly in character and mood. The Kecak is the most visually spectacular and often staged at sunset at Pura Uluwatu further south on the peninsula (which has a dramatic clifftop setting). The Legong at the Ubud Palace is more intimate and the gamelan accompaniment is excellent. Tickets are sold at venue doors from around 6pm; performances usually start at 7.30pm and last about 90 minutes.