There are many types of Wau. The most widely known is Wau Kikik (Malay Kite). It is the simple tailless diamond ­shaped kite similar to that of Eddie Kite. An evolutionary design varies from the basic shape and feature a tail. The other widely known Wau are; Wau Bulan (Moon Kite), Wau Kucing (Cat Kite) and Wau Jalabudi (Woman Kite). These Wau are considered as the National Kites and are made compulsory items in national kite competitions. Wau Daun (Leaf Kite) is made optional in the national competitions.

WAU JALA BUDI 

Wau Jala Budi is a widely known kite in Kedah. It is also a traditional kite that has been played for generations in Malaysia. The name, Wau Jala Budi is comes from a leaf found in Kedah called the ‘budi’ leaf. The tail of the Wau Jala Budi is similar to the ‘budi’ leaf and the word ‘jala’ refers to the structure of the tail of the wau.

However, the basic shape and design is inspired by the shape of a woman’s body. It is viewed from the back where the hands of the women is extended followed by the body, towards the waist and the bottom. When the kites are flown, it produces a medium buzzing drone emitted from the ‘hummer’ located at the head of the kite. Wau Jala Budi is also similar in appearance to the ‘Chula Kite’ originated from Thailand.

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WAU BULAN

Wau Bulan is a buzz word in Malaysia’s traditional kite’s world. Perhaps, you landed at this blog because you too search for ‘Wau Bulan”. Therefore, it is imperative that I blog on this subject at the onset. I will not dwell into history at this point of time. There are so much uncertainties and myths with regards to the origin of Wau Bulan.

Wau Bulan literally means Moon Kite. It derives its name from the shape of its tail that looks like a cres cent. It is the most stable Malaysia’s traditional kite and an easy flyer suitable for light and moderate wind condition. As a single liner and a flat kite, strong wind will cause instability. A suitable size of a Wau Bulan for recreational flying purposes is a four footer (about 1.2 m). Smaller is unstable and bigger gives much drag, unless you are a seasoned kitesperson; the more drag, the greater the fun.

 

WAU KUCING

The design of Wau Kucing resembles the cat and is most apparent when seen from the back, beginning with the head, body and tail. The specialty of Wau Kucing is its ‘hummer’ releasing a screeching, high-pitched sound, similar to the sound made by cats.

The ‘hummer’ is also used to frighten away evil spirits and to forecast the following day’s weather. The floral and plant motifs of the ‘sobek’ carving on Wau Kucing are decorated in the same way with other traditional Malay wau which incorporated the flower and plants motifs.