Ubud Traditional Balinese Performance Arts

Among the long list of traditional Balinese arts performances around Ubud, fifty half-naked sweaty men dancing around a bonfire for the Cak Rina is the most dramatic. Catch them every full and new moon at the ARMA Museum (Jalan Pengosekan; (62) 361 976 659). Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., attend Wayang Kulit Puppet Theatre (Oka Kartini Bungalows, (62) 361 975 193). The filigreed puppets are carved from flattened water buffalo hide, and in the masterful hands of a dalang (puppeteer), they sashay across a fire-lit stage to act out Hindu epics.