Indonesia has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is very much intertwined with the lives of the people. The country also has a rich tradition in the field of arts be it dance, music or theatre. However, it is also known for quite a unique form of storytelling and entertainment known as wayang or shadow puppetry.
This ancient art form had its origins in being used for worshiping ones ancestors. However, with the introduction of Hinduism this slowly began to change and there after wayang was subsequently used to tell tales belonging to the Hindu epics Mahabarata and Ramayana, while showcasing stories from Javanese folklore as well.
The Wayang Museum in Jakarta is one of the best places to get an insight into this traditional art form that is still practiced today. Situated near Fatahillah Square and the Jakarta History Museum, this well known site is housed within the 17th century Old Dutch Church which is a historic structure.
As you explore the site you will come across a fascinating range of Javanese puppets each depicting different characters that are used during the staging of performances. Among the types of puppets one will find here are the wayang golek, patung wayang and wayang kulit. You will also find displays of sculptures and paintings as well as gamelan sets which are traditional instruments like bronze gongs and xylophones used during the performances. A great time to visit the museum is on Sunday mornings when one can witness a shadow puppet show and see how these puppets get made, offering better insight into this incredible art form.
The site also features a variety of traditional puppets from other countries around the world such as Vietnam, Cambodia, China, India, France and Malaysia making for a truly enriching visit.
Be it visiting the museum or the capital’s other attractions, look to stay at luxury hotels Indonesia has to offer that let you enjoy the very best the city has to offer. An ideal option would be properties belonging to Starwood Indonesia which features Indonesia 5 star hotels in a variety of key locations around the country. These hotels offer luxurious accommodation along with modern facilities and services that help make ones stay all the more memorable.