Play the Malaysian Way: Games and Sports for Kids

Malaysia is full of exciting traditional games and sports that children have enjoyed for generations. These activities not only keep kids active but also teach them about teamwork, balance, and culture. Many of these games are still played today, both for fun and in big competitions!

Martial Arts: Silat and Tomoi

Malaysia has its own traditional martial arts. Silat is a graceful and powerful style that includes self-defense, dance-like movements, and even music. Another popular sport is Tomoi, a form of Malaysian kickboxing. These martial arts help children build confidence, strength, and discipline.

Wau: The Art of Kite Flying

Flying colorful kites—called wau in Malay—is a much-loved activity in Malaysia. Some kites are designed to make a humming sound as they glide through the sky! In kite-flying competitions, judges look for beauty, design, and how well the kite flies. Making and flying a wau is a wonderful hands-on activity for kids.

Sepak Raga: The National Sport

Sepak raga, also known as sepak takraw, is Malaysia’s national sport. Players stand in a circle and kick a rattan ball using their feet, head, or shoulders—but never their hands! The goal is to keep the ball in the air without letting it touch the ground. This exciting game is even played in the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.

Gasing: Spin the Top!

Gasing is a traditional spinning top game. Children (and adults!) spin large wooden tops and try to keep them spinning for as long as possible. Some experts can make their gasing spin for over two hours. It’s a fun way to learn patience and skill.

Congkak: A Classic Board Game

Congkak is a traditional board game that comes from the ancient mancala family of games. Players use marbles, beads, or shells and move them around a wooden board with 12 or more holes. It’s a game of strategy and counting—great for young learners!

Learn Malay While You Play

Each of these traditional games can become part of a fun learning adventure. Children can learn words like:

• wau – kite
• bola rotan – rattan ball
• gasing – top
• main – to play
• sepakan – kick

With Dinolingo, kids can explore Malaysian culture while learning the Malay language through fun games, interactive videos, printable worksheets, and even songs. Whether they’re spinning a top or flying a kite, learning becomes part of the play!