Daily Life :: Sports & Recreation

Silat is a traditional dance with mesmerising fluid movements and a fascinating Malay martial art of self-defence, rolled into one. Accompanied by drums and gongs, this ancient art is performed at Malay weddings and cultural festivals. It is believed that practising silat will increase one's spiritual strength in accordance with Islamic tenets. This martial art form is also widely known in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.


Sepak Takraw (pronounced seh-PAHK TAHK-raw) is another popular sport. It uses a ball made of rattan (woven palm stems). The ball is hollow in the center. Players may use their heads, legs and feet but not their hands. Some players can perform amazing acrobatics with the ball. This sport is also popular in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and other southeast asian countries.