Batubulan Barong Dance

 17 Mei 2022   

The Batubulan Barong dance is one of the most popular dances among Balinese tourists. Barong dance tells the fight between "Virtue" against "evil". Barong is a mythological creature who portrays "Virtue" while Rangda is a terrible creature that describes "evil".

Barong dance is a sacred dance, which is also a cultural root of Balinese heritage from the past, the process of making tapes (masks) on Barong, by choosing materials from haunted places that have mystical powers, and choosing a good day in the making, so as to produce works of art quality and has a thick magical aura. But now this dance is also staged for entertainment dance as can be seen every day in the Batubulan village, but even though it is still entertained with magical elements.

The most popular place for Bali Barong dance performance is in the Batubulan village, so many enthusiastic tourists to watch the Barong dance, some several places and stages can present this dance. Every stage has a Balinese architectural design. Almost every day, the Batubulan Barong dance performance is never devoid of visits by domestic and foreign tourists. Especially Chinese and European tourists, definitely love this dance performance.

This Barong Dance is a cultural relic from pre-Hindu times using a puppet shaped 4-legged animal or ancient humans who have magical powers. The word barong is thought to originate from the word Bahrawang which means a mythological animal that has supernatural powers and is considered to be a protector.

In Bali, the fact is that barong isn't only depicted in the form of 4-legged creatures, but there are also 2-legged masks. Barong masks are made of wood taken from some haunted or sacred places such as cemeteries. Thus, barong became a sacred object that was purified by the Balinese people. To dance Barong Bali, two dancers are needed. One dancer is in front and one dancer is in the back. Dancers in the front are in charge of dancing the head and legs in front of Barong. While the second dancer in the back is tasked to dance the tail and hind legs.

This show always begins with a demonstration of the performance accompanied by gamelan instruments such as the Gong Kebyar, Gamelan Babarongan, and also Gamelan Bantel.

In Bali, there are various types of Barong and the most famous are Barong Ket and Barong Bangkung. For the Barong dance performance in Batubulan, only performing Barong Ket. Barong dance performances in Batubulan Bali are staged every day. So whenever you travel to Bali, you will be able to watch the Balinese Barong dance performance. Barong Balinese dance performance, starting at 09:30 in the morning. So you have to get up early to be able to watch the Barong Batubulan dance performance.