I alway find it fascinating getting to know a country or even a state’s culture and arts…and in Malaysia there are 13 states where various arts and culture come from, but usually it is the East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia that stands out and really fascinates us….
These East Coast culture and arts are now given prominence at SeniKome Peng Heng which is located at the Level 3 of First World Plaza, so in the midst of feasting, shopping, playing and gambling (for non Muslims), do take some time to have some quiet and educational or reminiscent moments with the kids or take a trip down memory lane here at the SeniKome Peng Heng…
Immerse yourselves in the beauty and magic of art and culture from these states that are the focus of the centre, a place where exploration and inspiration comes together….
SeniKome (‘Seni Kami’- meaning ‘our art’ in the Pahang local dialect), whereas Peng Heng is a name stated in the historical documents of the Ming Dynasty in the 1520’s that refers to the East Coast of the Malay Peninsula Region is dedicated to promoting the beauty of the east coast’s local craft, fashion, games, food and music.
The centre also aims to foster a creative environment where traditional artistry can flourish through immersive programmes such as the Wayang Kulit and Batik displays that are coming up.
My daughter and I were there and we had a lot of fun at the experiential area for various traditional games; trying out our skills at skipping with traditional skipping ropes painstakingly made from rubber bands, and playing hopscotch, as well as challenging each other in Congkak and Batu Seremban.
The East Coast Arts & Cultural Centre which SeniKome is also known as will highlight various traditional art forms, specifically visual and performing arts from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia from July to September.
One highlight is Joget Gamelan, a classical dance that originated in the courts of Riau and Lingga in the 17th century. It became popular specifically in Pahang and Terengganu, and today 33 Gamelan dances are still in practice including Timan Burung, Ayak-ayak and Togok Rompin.
Silk screen painting, also known as serigraphy or silkscreening, also comes to the fore in the coming months.
Believed to have taken root some 1,000 years ago in China, it is considered among the most versatile of all printing processes.
Traditional art enthusiasts may want to pay a visit to the centre the two months when different art forms are showcased every weekend. Starting the ball rolling is a demo on Batik Canting on the weekend of 29 and 30 July. Visitors will get to witness the beauty of batik-making, a technique of hand-dyeing fabrics by using wax as a dye repellent.
Following that, silk screen painting will be in the limelight at the centre on 26 and 27 August, while a watercolour painting demo will be held on 31 August and 1 September.
Joget Gamelan is the main highlight on 2 and 3 September, a demo on sketching on 9 and 10 September, pottery on 16 and 17 September, and a weaving demo from 22 to 24 September.
The East Coast Art and Souvenir Shop has many gift or souvenir offerings with beautiful and quality options from fine textiles, handicrafts and pewter ware items….
If you are feeling peckish, do indulge your tastebuds in traditional dishes like the signature Nasi Kerabu or Keropok Lekor. Refreshing drinks are also served, the menu offering choices like pandan leaves, mint leaves, lemongrass, lime, honey and assam boi.
There’s also a Reading Corner at the centre, and visitors can join the guided tours that are held three times daily.
Admission tickets to SeniKome are priced at just RM8 for adults (RM7 for GRC members) and RM6 for children (RM5 for GRC members). There’s also the family package priced at RM25 that allows entrance to two adults and two children.
For more information, call +603 2718 1118 or visit www.rwgenting.com
Live Life Lah....... 
It is unfortunate that even many Malaysians are not exposed to the rich culture and heritage of the East Coast states. Semi Kome, is a wonderful initiative to introduce it to visitors to Gentinng, local or otherwise.
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Nice! This is something I should look forward when I visit Genting. Thanks for sharing this.
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This is so interesting. Nowadays, the cultural part is lacking. And, the nasi kerabu looks delicious!
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Is this new? I have not visit it yet, like the food they served there too.
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