Malay Traditional Games

Malaysian’s strong sense of community is reflected in many of their traditional games and pastimes. These activities are still played by local children on cool afternoon and are also a communal activity during festivities. Below are some example of traditional games for Malay.

First is Sepak takraw. Sepak takraw also be known as Sepak raga. It is traditional ball game in which a ball made by weaving strips of bamboo is passed about using any part of the body except the lower arms and hands. There are two main types of sepak takraw that is sepak takraw bulatan(circle) and jarring(net). Sepak raga bulatan is the original form in which players form a circle and try to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. Sepak takraw jaring is the modern version in which the ball passed across a court over a high net.

Sepak Takraw Ball

Wau is one of Malay traditional games. It is a traditional kite that is especially popular in the state of Kelantan, on the East Coast of Malaysia. Traditionally flown after the rice harvest season, these giant kites are often as big as a man – measuring about 3.5 meters from head to tail. It is called wau because its shape is similar to the Arabic letter that is pronounced as ‘wow’. With vibrant colours and patterns based on local floral and fauna, these kites are truly splendid sights.

Wau Bulan

Next is congkak, game of mathematics played by womenfolk in ancient times that only required dug out holes in the earth and tamarind seeds. Today, it is an oval solid wood block with two rows of five, seven, or nine holes and two large holes at both ends called “home”. Congkak, played with shells, marbles, pebbles or tamarind seeds. It requires two players at a time. 

Congkak