Yogyakarta is one of the best places in Indonesia to experience the Javanese traditional art of the puppet show, locally known as Wayang Kulit or leather puppets. Each puppet is carved by hand from buffalo skin, and represents characters of the Hindu epic stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The colorful marionettes are not visible to the audience during the shows, hidden behind a white fabric where a lamp is casting their shadows. The reason why the puppets are brightly decorated even if not visible, is because Royal authorities were allowed to assist the show from backstage, while citizens where assisting from the front.

There are hundreds of different puppets and characters. Each of these is operated by the same person, who at the same time is performing also as a storyteller.

It's usually an extenuating overnight show featuring long monologues in Javanese language, interspersed by melodious Gamelan music.

Short touristic versions are also available, and usually preferred. If you didn't catch the weekly performance at the Kraton, included for free with the entrance ticket, two popular places to experience the Wayang Kulit are Sonobudoyo Museum, located in the center not far from the Kraton itself, and Tembi Budaya, inconveniently located to the south of the city in Tembi village.