Wayang Golek Workshop

Pak Dase has being making wayang golek, the traditional Sundanese wooden puppets, for more than 30 years in the small riverside village of Lebak Kantin, which is located just north of the botanical garden and on the western of the river.

Before being listed in guidebooks over a decade ago, Pak Dase was a poor man living day to day with no prospect of a bright future. But all that changed when he then featured in a number of well-known guidebooks which brought customers from Europe with pockets full of cash looking to export his puppets. He now owns five houses and knows exactly what foreigners are willing to pay.

The workshop is simply Pak Dase's house with his loungeroom becoming the showroom. You can buy delightful pieces here from 560,000 rupiah and the quality of the workmanship is visibly good. Be prepared to bargain for an even better price.

Getting to the workshop can be a little daunting, but many of the locals know that the only reason a foreigner is in their midst is to visit Pak Dase. Head to the northern edge of the botanical gardens and cross to the eastern side of the river. Follow the river north until you reach the red footbridge. Cross the footbridge, enter the village and ask for the wayang golek or Pak Dase. A local will take you to his house.