Kecak dance in Uluwatu, Bali

I heard so much about this Balinese traditional dance and also watched parts of this on TV. The first time to the island 10 years ago, we saw the Barong dance but not this. So, we made sure we didn't miss it this time round.

This dance is held in many places around Bali but the one in Uluwatu will probably be the best place to see as it is held on against a beautiful sunset and spectacular cliff views. Therefore, one gets more than just the dance.

Due to its popularity, one needs to be there early to secure a good place. Most places are taken up just after 5.30 pm although the show starts after 6.15 pm.

After the long wait, we could not wait for the show to begin (probably for most of the audience too). The dance gets it's name from the mantra that the dancers keep chanting ke..cak...cak....cak. I am very impressed with their stamina being able to almost non stop do this for about 90 minutes. This also produce a very trance like dance.

The dance also depicts the story of Ramayana and has a number of scenes acted out by actors and costumed characters. To liven things up, there are many moments of funny scenes, mostly by Hanuman, the monkey God.

There was also a fire dance performed by Hanuman. He was also very acrobatic character.

The sun set was just very beautiful as we watched the show and it gave also a very spiritual element to the show.

At the end of the show, there was of course the mandatory photo session with the actors.

The show cost Rupiah 70,000 each (about US$ 7) and another Rupiah 20,000 (US$2) to enter the temple area which also comes with a sash or sarong. Everyone needs to have this on as a sign of respect.

In my opinion, this is a good experience to learn about the Bali culture and religion too, not counting its entertainment value and beautiful vista. Don't miss it when you go to Bali.

Until the next time, cheers.

Bebek Bengil in Ubud

When our friends knew that we were in Bali and was going to Ubud, immediately this place was mentioned. Therefore, we had to go there and we were not dissapointed.

From the front, the place looked small but as you enter, it was like a different world. The place was very nicely decorated and gave one a very calming experience, very Bali. There were also a number of huts apart from the few main dining area which gave groups and couples privacy. This also made the place less crowded. Right at the back, was the paddy fields or what is left of the fields.

 

From the menu, the popular dishes were of course the duck served in a few ways. So, we ordered 2 types of ducks and a mixed dish which had beef and duck.

This lemon drink was very refreshing on a very hot day.

The green sauce is really good.

The duck was really good, the crispy and fried duck with green sauce. However, it was also the sambals and condiments that made the meal great. Eve after a number of meals, I cannot remember the names of the sambals...but who cares.

Mix rice (nasi campur)

We also ordered a plate of satay lilit made from fish, duck and chicken. Frankly, they all tasted about the same but delicious.

To enjoy the food fully, we had to use our hands which was the right decision. Below the contact details of the restaurant. Seems they have a branch in Jakarta as well as in Nusa Dua area in Bali.

Until the next time, cheers.

Rumah Makan Ayam Betutu Pak Man in Bali

Immediately on landing in Bali, first thing first, being lunch time, we had to go for some local food. Since my last trip was 10 years ago, I could not really remember any restaurants and therefore had to depend on Neka our young driver. Well, he made a good choice.....

The restaurant is located quite near to the airport and has a simple menu which is good. It means they specialise in their food. It looks like the place serves both tourists and locals. There was a tourist bus when we arrived.

The restaurant's menu, simple and easy.

View of the restaurant.

View of restaurant

Being hungry and excited to be in Bali, we over indulged and ordered almost everthing nice in the menu.

With the hot weather, the es campur special was heavenly.

 We had both the betutu and betutu goreng. Both was equally good.

The soup was however just OK.

The vegetable dishes were nice and the locals like to add grated coconut to their vegetables.
 

The sambals were great condiments to the rice.

This was a really good dish. It had fried chicken pieces mixed with a kind of sambal with chillis, onions and vegetables.

We also had to try the satay lilit....very nice.

The restaurant's menu board.

As we over ordered for the 3 of us, we asked Neka to pack the food to bring home. It was a great start to the trip.

The contact details of the restaurant is as follows and their website is at www.ayambetutupakman.baliklik.com/ :

Cabang : Kubu Anyar (Kuta)
Beralamat Di Jalan Raya Kuta No.72 x
HP. 081338610963 ; 0361 863357


Until the next time, cheers.