Private Bali Temple Tour with Kecak Fire Dance

Besakih Temple, a 18th-century court, and fifty men dancing on hot coals

This private full-day tour visits Bali's temples and cultural sites—Tohpati Village, Batuan Temple, Besakih Temple (the largest in Bali), and Kerta Gosa—with an English-speaking driver and air-conditioned transport. The tour includes a Kecak Fire Dance performance from the Ramayana ballet, where performers dance in a circle around a blazing torch and on hot coals. Entrance fees and lunch are paid separately on the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit temples and watch fire dance

• Visit Tohpati Village batik processing
• See authentic Balinese house features
• Visit Batuan Temple
• Visit Besakih Temple
• Visit Kerta Gosa court of justice
• Watch Kecak Fire Dance performance

The Experience

The day starts in Tohpati Village, known for its batik processing and hand-weaving workshops where you can watch cloth being made by hand. From there you move through the village itself to see how a traditional Balinese house is built—the small gatehouse that only one person can pass through at a time, the stone or clay doors, and roofs made from weed grass. These details matter because they show how the architecture fits the landscape and the way people actually live here, not just how temples look from the outside.

The route takes you to Batuan Temple, a village temple with its own character, then to Besakih Temple on the slope of Mount Agung—the largest temple in Bali and known as the "Mother Temple." After that comes Kerta Gosa, the 18th-century court of justice in Klungkung. The driver navigates between these stops and handles the logistics; you step out at each one. Entrance fees are paid directly when you arrive, not in advance.

The Kecak Fire Dance happens in the evening. A group of at least fifty men dance in a circle around a blazing torch, their voices and movements part of the Ramayana ballet performance. The dancers become entranced and perform on hot coals without apparent pain—it's a ritual and a spectacle at once, and nothing on a screen prepares you for being in the room when it happens. This is the part of the day that stays with you after the temples fade into memory.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned car with English-speaking driver.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• parking fees and fuel surcharge.
• pickup included.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gusti Bali Tours - Private Bali Tour Driver Guide

Is this one for you?Choose this if the Kecak Fire Dance performance is your main draw—the itinerary is built around it—and you prefer a private driver to coordinate temple visits rather than joining a group.

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Top questions

What is Besakih Temple and why is it called the Mother Temple?

Besakih Temple is the largest temple in Bali, located on the slope of Mount Agung. It holds the title "Mother Temple" because of its significance in Balinese Hindu practice and its role as a central spiritual site for the island.

How does the Kecak Fire Dance work and what makes it different from other performances?

The Kecak Fire Dance is a Ramayana ballet performed by a group of at least fifty men who dance in a circle around a blazing torch. The dancers become entranced as part of the ritual and perform on hot coals without feeling pain—it combines chanting, movement, and fire in a way that is specific to this tradition.

What will I see in Tohpati Village?

Tohpati Village is known for batik processing and hand-weaving cloth. You'll see how traditional cloth is made by hand and visit authentic Balinese houses with their distinctive small gatehouses, stone or clay doors, and roofs made from weed grass.

Are entrance fees and meals included in the tour price?

No. The tour price covers only the private car, driver, bottled water, and fuel. You pay all entrance fees directly at each temple on the day, and lunch or dinner is your own expense.

How long is this tour and what's included in the car?

The tour runs 8 to 10 hours. The car is air-conditioned with an English-speaking driver, and bottled water is provided. Parking fees are covered in the price.

Do I need to book entrance fees in advance?

No. All entrance fees are paid directly on the day at each site. You'll need your passport details (name, number, expiry, and country) at the time of booking for all participants.