Wayang Puppet Museum

Wayangkulit (shadow puppetry) is one of the oldest storytelling traditions in the world whose evolution could be attributed to Javanese animism, Islamic teachings and Hindu mythology. Sitting on the western flank of Fatahillah Square in Kota, is Jakarta’s very own Wayang Museum. Though once a place of Christian worship for Dutch settlers, the old building now offers visitors the chance to marvel one of Indonesia’s greatest cultural commodities. Upon entering, you’ll see old and dusty puppet cases and labels without English translations, before the second floor displays an international mix of puppets, from countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Poland. Enquire at the front desk about the museum’s occasional puppet shows.