Traditional Attire and Music of Malaysia

Traditional attire

Traditional attire

From imposing tribal head-feathers with bark body-covers to gold-woven antique royal songket fabric, the array of traditional costumes and textiles in Malaysia is bold and colourful.

Early Malaysian aboriginal tribes wore native bark costumes and beads. During the era of the ancient kingdoms, Malay royalty used fine, hand-loomed textiles and intricate batik to display their prestige. As foreign trade flourished, costumes and textiles such as Chinese silk, the Indian pulicat or plaid sarong and the Arabian jubbah, a robe with wide sleeves, were also introduced.

Traditional attire such as the Malay baju kebaya, Indian saree and Chinese cheongsam are all still widely worn.

Traditional music

There are many different Malaysian regions and peoples, and they all express themselves through unique musical styles. Many of these are traditionally performed to celebrate religious and social events, and are a fascinating display of Malaysian culture. Muslim-influenced zapin dancing, Indian Bharata Natyam and the Chinese New Year Lion Dance are just a selection of the variety musical and dance experiences to be found in Malaysia. Ask around for musical events that may be on when you're in Malaysia.