Wayang Kulit

I'll tell you why I enjoy shadow puppet.

It brings you back to times when life was simpler and there was not much entertainment, just a simple kerosene lamp, a huge white cloth and a some intricately cut leather 'puppets'. I imagine back in the kampong days, children will stay up through the night, taking short breaks to run around, buy some roasted nuts, cotton candy, maybe falling asleep at the 'boring' parts and then clap and laugh gleefully at the comical slapstick ones.

Simple tales were woven into complex tapestries of history, history of loyalty, courage, betrayal, love and seduction. Of course the Ramayana! Armed with these simple tools, the masters behind the screen give these puppets a voice, a life, a personality. The yellow flickering light gives it an alluring mysterious feel. All these made the magics and the curses of the supernatural characters feel more than real! In the dark, when your sight is compromised, your other senses, especially that of hearing is intensified. The haunting music of the simply put together gamelan that accompanies the ensemble achieves its maximum effect. All these coupled with the enchanting aroma of frangipani blooms in the Balinese courtyard...

Besides the very beautiful Balinese dances that you certainly should not miss, do give Wayang Kulit a try the next time you're in Bali, it's a different experience altogether, but still very captivating and genuine.