EXPLORE SERUMPUN LIVING
Style
Pua Kumbu: The Ritual Textiles of the Iban of Sarawak
Tied, dyed and woven on a back-strap loom: what to know about the pua kumbu ritual textiles of Sarawak’s Iban people, and where to…
Baju Melayu Guide for Men: Cekak Musang vs Teluk Belanga, Samping and Songkok
Two collars, one cloth worn two ways and a velvet cap: a visitor’s guide to the baju Melayu, the national dress of Malaysian men.
Mengkuang and Batik: A Guide to Terengganu’s Woven and Hand-Drawn Crafts
How Terengganu’s pandanus mats and bags and its hand-drawn batik are made, how to spot quality, and where to buy them in Kuala Terengganu…
The Kebaya: UNESCO Status, Styles (Nyonya, Labuh, Kebarung) and Where to Buy One in Malaysia
The kebaya joined UNESCO’s heritage list in 2024. A visitor’s guide to its styles, how to wear one and where to buy in Malaysia.
The Sarong Kebaya in the Sky: History of the Malaysia Airlines Cabin Crew Uniform and ‘Malaysian Hospitality’
From chilli-red kutu baru to today’s batik florals: six decades of the Malaysia Airlines sarong kebaya, and how to read its motifs.
Kerongsang: A Guide to Kebaya Brooches, Old and New
Ibu and anak, kerongsang tok and serong: a guide to the brooches that fasten the kebaya, and how to wear them today.
Baju Kurung vs Kebaya vs Kebarung: A Simple Guide to Malaysia’s Traditional Dress
How to tell a baju kurung from a kebaya or kebarung, when to wear each and the etiquette visitors should know.
Malaysian Batik vs Indonesian Batik: How to Tell the Difference and Where to Buy
Flowers or figures, brush or canting? A clear guide to telling Malaysian and Indonesian batik apart, plus trusted places to buy and learn.
Dressing for the East Coast: What to Wear in Kemaman, Season by Season
What to wear in Kemaman and on Terengganu’s east coast through the year: dry-season batik and linen, inter-monsoon storms, the November to March monsoon,…
Woven Gold, Worn Daily: Terengganu Batik and Songket, the Modern Way
How to wear Terengganu batik and songket the modern way, from office batik to a songket samping with sneakers, plus what UNESCO and geographical-indication…