A generation too late, I never had the opportunity to experience the fun kampong games that I have often heard my parents speak of. Hence, I was delighted to hear that the Malay Heritage Centre was reviving the once popular kampong games in conjunction with their second year anniversary celebration.

Thus, despite it being a rainy Sunday morning, I was ready and rearing to be part of the kampong games. The first of five traditional games was the Bola Cetong. Each team has 6 members with one team being the cans keepers and the other the throwers.

After the cans keepers have arranged the cans in a pyramid, the throwers will throw a ball at the cans. Each thrower is given three chances to topple the pyramid, but they are out of the game if they hit any of the can keepers. The can keepers’ job are to rearrange the fallen cans. The winner is the group that manages to arrange the most cans at the end of the game.

The next game (my favourite!) is the Seret Upeh. One (rotating) representative from the team has to drag one member, seated atop a cardboard covered canvas, as fast as possible, from the start to end point. The team that gets all members across in the shortest time wins! I guess the morning shower was a blessing in disguise as the slightly muddy grass helped ease the work =)

Next up was the Tapak Gajeh. The concept is somewhat similar to those school race relays. Each member has to walk on coconut shells (pierced with ropes) and pass-on his/her “coconut shoes” to their relay partner. The group that reaches the ending point first wins! *yey* (^.^)/

Rearing to go!

close up of the “coconut shoes”

yes, its really made out of coconut shell!

i think the guy in black has a secret technique for running in “coconut shoes”

stepping up the challenge by wearing a sarong!

run run run, as fast as you can!

hee… these “shoes” were not made for running (or walking!)

This is followed by a balancing challenge – Tating Lawi. Players had to pass the capteh to their friends. And simple as it may sound, it is by far the toughest game for the day! After one too many misses, the capteh was traded-in for rattan balls. haha ; )

trying to get the game started for the fourth time!

all hail the capteh king!

he’s in control of the ball!

erm… apparantly not.

The session was rounded up by a friendly Keleret challenge. Armed with a ping pong ball in hand, the person who throws the ball the furthest wins the game.

ready, aim, fire!

the most ‘relax’ game

the balls all looked the same we’re not sure who threw the winning ball. haha!

Just as I thought my morning could not get any more interesting, my attention was drawn by the sudden sounds of drums. Curious, I made my way to the sound and realised that the guest-of-honour, Dr. Muhd. Faishal Bin Ibrahim, MP of Marine Parade GRC, had arrived!

i would love to have such a memorable welcome too! ^__________^

And who could resist having a go at the games? Three cheers for the spontaneous Dr. Faishal who took off his shoes (and socks) for a friendly race with some participants!

foot loose and fancy free

Yup! He’s still in-touch with his kampong days skills!

Having had a blast for the past two hours, it was time for us to make our way to the hall for the award ceremony. But before that, we were treated to a lovely Malay dance performance.

crowning of the Kampong King

presentation of the goodie basket!

And the highlight of the day, for the winning team, was the presentation of a basket full of goodies and the accordance of the title Raja Kampong 2007 (King of Kampong).

congrats to Muhd Khalid, FengXian, Muhd Haidi and Rezal (left to right)

close-up of the gift basket

splitting the loot! erm. i mean, prize =)

After a morning of non-stop fun, it was time for lunch and we were each presented with a lunch coupon by our thoughtful hosts. But before I set aside my camera to chomp, I want to give a big shout-out of thanks to the folks at the Malay Heritage Centre for the enjoyable Sunday morning!

my precioussssss coupon

yummy food!

… and more food!

The Malay Heritage Centre is located at 85 Sultan Gate, near Bugis MRT. Its regular operating hours are 1pm – 6pm on Mondays and 10am to 6pm Tuesdays to Sundays. Admission is $3/adult and $2/child.