EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

Wayang kulit is the epitome of Javanese culture and shows are well worth catching, although wayang golek , where wooden puppets are used, tends to be easier to follow. Most wayang performances are designed with tourists in mind, being only two hours long. The Ramayana dance drama is a modern extension of the court dances of the nineteenth century and is most popularly seen at the moonlit performance, which takes place every summer in the open-air theatre at Prambanan temple . Note that most performances stop during Ramadan.

Agastya , Jl Gedongkiwo 996. Tucked away in the city's southwestern suburbs, this institute was founded to prevent wayang kulit from dying out. Stages wayang kulit (daily except Sat; 3pm) and wayang golek performances (Sat; 3pm) for Rp4000.

Ambar Budaya (aka Dewi Sri ), Jl Adisucipto 66. Daily wayang kulit performance (8pm; Rp2500) at this governement craft centre opposite Ambarrukmo Palace Hotel.

Ambarrukmo Palace Hotel , Jl Adisucipto 66. This former palace has a marvellous floating restaurant where you can sit and watch traditional Javanese dancing (every evening at 8pm) and wayang golek (Mon at 8pm).

Hanoman's Forest , Jl Prawirotaman 9 (tel 0274/372528). Nightly cultural entertainments - wayang kulit (Wed 7pm; Rp3000), Javanese ballet and live bands.

Lotus Garden Restaurant , Jl Prawirotaman II. Selection of dance styles from the archipelago (Tues, Thurs & Sat, 8pm; Rp3000).

Nitour , Jl KHA Dalan 71 (tel 0274/376450). This centre, outside of the northern walls of the Kraton, puts on a wayang golek performance of the Ramayana tales. Daily 11am-1pm; Rp3000.

Ndalem Pujokusirman , Jl Brig Jen Katamso 45. A two-hour performance of classical Javanese dance at this illustrious dance school (Mon, Wed & Fri 8pm; Rp10,000).

Purawisata Theatre , Jl Brig Jen Katamso (tel 0274/374089). Every night for the last twenty-odd years, the Puriwisata Theatre has put on a 90min performance of the Ramayana. The story is split into two episodes, with each episode performed on alternate nights. On the last day of every month the whole story is performed. Free transport (8pm; Rp20,000 or Rp32,000).

Sasana Hinggil , Alun-alun Selatan. Yogya's only full-length wayang kulit show runs from 9pm to 5.30am on the second Saturday of every month, and on alternate fourth Saturdays (Rp3000).

Sonobudoyo Museum , Jl Trikora 1. The most professional and popular wayang kulit show, performed daily for 2hr (8pm; Rp4000).

Sultan's Palace Holds regular wayang golek, wayang kulit and wayang orang performances. Ask at tourist office or palace for current timetable.