Wayang Kulit Shadow Puppet Night and Dinner in a High Priest’s Home
Wayang Kulit, the shadow puppet theatre of Java and Bali, is part of the Wayang puppet tradition that UNESCO lists as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This evening is a private performance in the home of a Balinese high priest, given by his son, Jero Dalang, a puppet master and storyteller.
Behind the lit screen, painted leather puppets come alive with voices, movement and gamelan music. Some of the family’s puppets are around 100 years old and still used in important ceremonies. The story is that of Ganesha, symbol of wisdom, and a booklet introduces the characters so you can follow what happens on the screen. Dinner with the family follows.
How the experience runs
- Early-evening pick-up and drive to the high priest’s home.
- The puppet master introduces the puppets and the story of Ganesha.
- The performance by the glow of the shadow screen, with gamelan music.
- Home-cooked Balinese dinner with the family.
Practical details
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Start time: 18:00, exact pick-up time confirmed for your hotel
- Pick-up: Ubud or Sanur
- Guide: English speaking. A French-speaking guide is available for a supplement (subject to availability, price on request)
- Group: private, 2 to 5 guests, priced per group
Price
From IDR 1,950,000 / USD 110 / EUR 100 per person, based on a private group of 4. Couples and smaller groups pay more per person. Ask us for a quote for your dates, or add this experience to a tailor-made trip in Bali.
Included
- Private air-conditioned car and driver
- English-speaking guide
- Private Wayang Kulit performance
- Booklet on the characters and story
- Home-cooked Balinese dinner
- Mineral water, snacks and fresh fruit
Not included
- Photographer, on request
- Pick-up outside the areas listed (extra charge)
- French-speaking guide supplement (subject to availability, price on request)
Experience by Niskala
This experience is run by Niskala, our partner for private cultural days in Bali. Niskala has worked with local families, artisans, priests and farmers since 2020, with its own trained guides and drivers, and every booking directly supports the families and communities you meet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A booklet introduces the characters and the story, and your guide (English-speaking, or French-speaking for a supplement) is with you, so you can follow it without knowing Balinese.
Yes. Shadow puppets, music and a story about Ganesha work well for children, and the evening lasts about 3 hours with dinner included.
Per group, for 2 to 5 guests. For a family of 4 it comes to about IDR 1,950,000 (USD 110) per person. Ask us for an exact quote.
No. It is 100% private, for your group only, in the priest’s family home.
Shadow puppet theatre with flat, hand-painted leather puppets, performed behind a lit screen by a dalang, who voices every character and directs the gamelan. It carries religious and moral stories and is part of the Wayang tradition on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
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