Legong Dance & Ramayana in Ubud
While visiting Ubud, Bali make sure to check out the Legong Dance & Ramayana. The dancing is very entertaining, the music unique and skilled, and the story insightful. When we went last in 2009, the price was 80,000 Rp and it started at 7:30pm at the Ancak Saji Ubud Palace Court Yard built in the 16th Century.
A Few Tips
Keep this in mind for the best experience:
• Arrive a little early for front row seats.
• Buy your tickets from the kids in front for a better deal.
• They serve beers & drinks there!
• Bring a camera or video camera.
• Follow the story in the brochure.
• Be prepared to sit for a while.
We arrived 5-10 minutes before the show and got good seats, but a bit on the side. If you get there 20-25 minutes before, you can enjoy a beer and get more centered seats.
Along the walk to the show, you'll be hassled by many children trying to sell you tickets. We suggest buying your tickets from these kids, but only infront of the show (this way you're certain they're legit.) We did this, and the kids came up to the ticket takers with us to ease our minds.
Follow the story in the brochure. The little brochure that acts as your ticket also explains the show. It's a good idea to read along, that way it becomes more interesting. NOT that it isn't interesting, but the show runs a bit long, and without reference, you're not going to know what's going on or when it ends.
For your information and amusement, below we have recited exactly TO THE WORD what you'll find in the brochure explaining the story portrayed through Legong and Ramayana dancing.
"Legong" Dance & "Ramayana" (Brochure Text)
1. Instrumental Music
2. Legong "JOBOG" dance story
This dance is based on the story of two brothers, Kings Subali & Sugriwa, who are turned into monkeys. At the biginning of the dance the two brothers, represented by the Legong, are living peacefully together. After some time we see the two as monkeys (this has happened because of acts not show in the dance: Princess Dewi Tara had brought a powerfull magic, and both brothers wanted it but her father had thrown it into a river which transforms into a monkey whoever jumps into it, and both brothers had leapt in after the magic.)
Since as monkey they do not know each other, they fight. Finally when neither one wins or loses, they become tired and recognize each as Subali and Sugriwa, see that they have been changed into monkey and become very sad.
(From "RAMAYANA" Epic)
3. "RAMAYANA" Dance
Rama, Sita and her brother Laksamana, they enter the jongle of Dandaka. Their journey has been detected by demonic minister, Maricha of Alengka Kingdom.
King Rahwana discuues with Maricha about kidnapping the beautiful princess Sita.
But How?...
Maricha transforms himself into deer to attract Sita and tires to eacth the cute goden deer but cannot. She asks Rama to eacth & bring her as a gift.
Rama is leaving Sita under Laksamana's protection. When Rama shoot the deer, it change back to real Maricha. Marihca is surted and sreaming for a help. Sita hears someone's screaming, must be Rama's?. She orders Laksamana to go there and help him. Laksamana didn't believe that's Rama, but he traces the magic circle around Sita.
"No body won't be able to approach her..."
Rahwana has been wathcing Sita stays alone, after a little while, he appears as disguised an old priest, who is begging very very poorly water to drink. As soon as Sita brings water to him, Rahwana snachs sita out of the circle and take her.
On the way back to Rahwana's kingdom, the gigautic bird Jatayu, a friend of Rama's father, tries to rescue Sita. But in a short fight Jatayu is defeated. Before Jatay's death, Rama and Laksamana find him and explianed Sita's misadventure... Now should be at the Rahwana's Palace!.
Rama prays to sent Jatayu to the heaven. Exciting appearance of white monkey warrior Hanoman with is troupe.
Rama orders him to enter the Alengka kingdom to meet Sita in exile. Rama gives his ring to Hanoman to identify his role as true messenger. At the palace, Rahwana's nice Trijata and sympathetic attendants are trying to comfort Sita they're suddenly dsturbed by arrival of King Rahwana. Then he forces Sita strongly to marry him, but Trijata cajoles the king to wait until next day.
Hanoman stroms into the palace. He meet Sita & Trijata and handsover the ring to Sita, in return, she give the golden flower to Hanoman. Before leaving the palace Hanoman destroys the garden to express his anger.
Demonic soldiers find Hanoman and fight with him, Hanoman defeats the guards & files back report to Rama.
Rama sent Hanoman's troupe to attack Algenka kingdom. Rama & Rahwana's fights. Then, at last Hanoman defeats Rahwana. Sita is released and Rama & Laksamana feels happy to meet Sita again.
OM, Joy to Rama and Sita!
Other Ubud Activities
One of the best Activities to do in Ubud, is visiting the Monkey Forest. You'll find that we've written tips, information, added great photos and video of our latest experience there.
If you'd like to review the Legong & Ramayana Dance, please comment below.
We'd like to thank Natalie Brown for her beautiful Bali photographs.
