My First Kite Festival

The Johore International Kite Festival 2004 was the first kite festival I attended after developing an interest in making and flying Wau. That was my first step in a journey of one thousand miles.

Types of Wau

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.

Wau Kikik (Malay Kite)

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 Bulan (Moon Kite) Wau Kucing (Cat Kite) Wau Jalabudi (Women Kite) Wau Daun (Leaf Kite)
There are other types of Wau that are owned-up and popularized by some states in Malaysia. They are:

Wau Helang (Hawk Kite) Wau Seri Bulan (Seri Bulan Kite) Wau Kapal (Ship Kite)

(owned-up by states of Perlis, Perak and Selangor respectively)

Wau Seri Negeri (Seri Negeri Kite) Wau Merak (Peacock Kite) Wau Dodo Helang (Dodo Helang Kite)

(owned-up by states of Negeri Sembilan, Johore and Terengganu respectively)

Wau Puyuh (Quail Kite) Wau Kangkang (Stride Kite) Wau Kenyalang (Hornbill Kite)

(owned-up by states of Kelantan, Kedah and Sarawak respectively)