Cak-Cak

Performance occurred at the patch on top of the cliff.

We arrived at Uluwatu about 15 minutes before the dance was to start. Pinky made an appearance, for which we paid a nominal fee and were given 2 squares of toilet paper.  We had to pull some of our personal stash from the bag.  We walked up the stairs to the temple, careful not to engage any monkeys which are much more aggressive than those in the Monkey Forest. Phyl says they were also bigger. We watched several monkeys rip items from people's hands and run off with them. Exactly what Phyl was afraid of.

P- I told you we had to be careful for the monkeys.

G- These are much more aggressive, but just stay away from them.

P- I'm not too worried because so many of these other people are encouraging them by having stuff out for them to steal. Just hold on tight to the camera.

G- Got it, Gladys. We'll snap a few photos and be on our way to the dance.

The temple was perched out on the edge, at the top of the cliff. Unfortunately, it was a very cloudy evening and the sunset at this temple is supposed to be fantastic. We did enjoy watching all of the men in their silky, brightly colored sarongs that everyone was required to wear. Some men did a better job of getting in touch with their feminine sides than others. We made our way to the seating and prepared for the Kecak & Fire Dance. The dance is the most unique Balinese dance because it is not accompanied by musical instruments, but 70 men imitate the sounds of musical instruments and provide sound effects. Throughout the performance, they make a cak-cak sound.

The performance was unusual, but very enjoyable. We were disappointed that the clouds completely eclipsed any views of the sunset.  We stayed after the performance to take photos with the performers, and walking back to the van was a little scary because it was dark and the monkeys were screaming in the trees.  If Gladys could have had me carry her, that would have happened.  Instead we held onto each other and walked, very quickly,  under the trees and screaming monkeys.  We tossed our borrowed silky sarongs and sashes onto the pile and headed to the van.  It had been a long day and we were happy to get back to the hotel and have dinner at the restaurant.