Silat Melayu Dance of North Kayong Regency, Indonesia

One of the forms of culture is none other than traditional dances. In North Kayong Regency, for example, tourists can find a unique dance called Silat Melayu. To be exact, it derives from Malay culture and has been adapted to local values. “Silat” is a kind of local martial arts, actually. This explains why the dance involves several martial movements. For locals, it has become a regular performance and entertainment throughout generations. For tourists, the dance becomes a new attraction for them to enjoy during a vacation in West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia.

The Nuance
As mentioned before, Silat Melayu Dance features martial movements, which make it different than other traditional dances. All dancers are male and they wear black outfits with a sarong as well. Not to mention they wear a traditional cap which looks unique! Not only mature dancers, boys also join the dance sometimes. The thing is they wear red outfits instead of the black ones. When it comes to accompaniment, some musicians use traditional instruments to accompany the dance! What about the stage? Well, it can be anywhere including an indoor and outdoor grandstand.

Enjoying Silat Melayu Dance
In a nutshell, Silat Melayu Dance enlivens martial movements and focuses the energy to both muscles and joints. No wonder, the dancers look both powerful and swift when performing it. Aside from being one of the best entertainments in West Kalimantan Province, the dance also offers an interesting history to tourists. It is said the dance was performed only during the inauguration of a village head, Malay traditional wedding ceremonies, and receptions of state officials. These days, though, the dance simply becomes a local entertainment and it is performed regularly in almost all villages.

As the time goes by, Silat Melayu Dance keeps attracting outsiders and tourists. Most of them are interested in the unique movements of the dance, after all. The thing is the audience may find various combinations of it. These include popat, concang, tikam, simbuh, and toga kali. Each of them has a meaning, so tourists should get the information from the local guide. They can even buy the books that explain thoroughly about it later.

It is quite fortunate that tourists are allowed to take pictures during the performance, as long as they don’t use the flash (that may disturb the dancers). Another recommended thing to do is to learn a little bit about the moves from the dancers! It requires a good communication skill and a perfect time to get such opportunity, though. Once again, the help of a local guide can be a good solution to it.

Nearby Attractions

• Genta Hill
• Bali Village
• Air Paoh Natural Spring
• Pasir Mayang Beach
• Pulau Datok Beach
• Durian Monument
• Tambak Rawang Beach

How to Get There
The best place to watch Silat Melayu dance is definitely North Kayong Regency in Indonesia. In this case, the trip may take about 5-6 hours from Pontianak City. Once arriving at North Koyong, it is better to head to Sukadana right away through Ahmad Yani Street.

Where to Stay

• Aulia Inn
• Kapuas Kayong Inn
• Anugrah Hotel
• Mahkota Hotel