Have You Ever Missed Your Childhood—Running Freely in the Yard, Laughing with Friends While Playing Hopscotch, Stilts, or Hide-and-Seek?
It was a time when gadgets weren't the center of attention, and simple games were more than enough to keep us happy all day long.
Without even realizing it, we grew up with games that quietly connected this region through shared culture. From Tumbang Preso in the Philippines to Sepak Raga in Malaysia, traditional games have acted as a cultural bridge, revealing how closely linked ASEAN countries really are.
What’s even more fascinating is how some games carry different names or forms across countries—yet the spirit remains the same.
10 Traditional Games of Southeast Asia: Proof That We Shared the Same Childhood
1. Sepak Raga
This game uses a woven rattan ball that players kick continuously without letting it touch the ground. Kids usually form a circle and take turns kicking the ball. It doesn’t just require speed—it takes teamwork and sharp reflexes!
In Indonesia, it’s known as sepak raga, in Malaysia the name remains similar, while in Thailand it evolved into takraw. Though it's now a recognized competitive sport, it was once a casual game played in backyards and open fields.
Regionalism Insight:
Similar versions of this game exist in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos.
2. Congklak / Sungka / Dakon (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines)
You’ve probably played this game using a long wooden board with carved holes and small seeds or pebbles. In Indonesia, it’s called congklak or dakon, in Malaysia it’s still congkak, and in the Philippines, it’s known as sungka. Though it may look simple, it’s a game of strategy and fast counting.
Often played in the late afternoon while sitting cross-legged, the game is usually filled with chatter and laughter. It also has strong ties to coastal culture, as it was often played by children from fishing communities.
Regionalism Insight:
The board design and gameplay are nearly identical across the three countries, reflecting traces of ancient maritime trade and cultural exchange between port cities in Southeast Asia.
3. Tumbang Preso (Philippines)
An empty can, a pair of slippers, and one kid playing the guard—that's the simple recipe for Tumbang Preso! It closely resembles Sepak Tekong in Indonesia. Players must knock down the can with a slipper, then run before the guard catches them.
This game is more than just running around—it’s all about strategy and teamwork. Filipino children often consider it a must-play during school holidays.
Regionalism Insight:
Very similar to Sepak Tekong in Indonesia and variations of hide-and-seek in Malaysia—proving that the concept of “tag-based” games is alive across several Southeast Asian countries.
4. Engklek / SEA Hopscotch (Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam)
Boxes are drawn on the ground, players toss a stone into one of them, then hop on one foot through the sequence while trying to keep their balance. Engklek has long been a go-to game for kids who love to show off agility and coordination.
In other countries, the shapes and names may vary, but the core idea remains: balance, focus, and lots of fun with friends.
Regionalism Insight:
This game has local versions across many Southeast Asian countries.
5. Luksong Tinik (Philippines, Cambodia, Laos)
Literally meaning “jumping over thorns,” this game involves two players forming “thorns” with their feet while others try to leap over them. As the game progresses, the height of the “thorns” increases. It’s thrilling—especially when someone fails and everyone bursts into laughter!
Luksong Tinik is not just a physical challenge—it’s also about courage and adrenaline. In Cambodia and Laos, similar jumping games are often showcased during cultural festivals as part of folk traditions.
Regionalism Insight:
Though it goes by different names, this high-jump style game is deeply rooted in many local communities across Southeast Asia.
6. Egrang / Bamboo Stilts (Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines)
Ever tried walking on tall bamboo sticks? In Indonesia, it's called Egrang, a game that tests your balance as you walk as high as possible! Similar versions exist in Laos and Vietnam, often showcased in cultural festivals.
Kids usually make their own stilts out of bamboo and play together in open fields. If someone falls? No problem—just laugh it off and get back up again. True childhood resilience!
Regionalism Insight:
This game reflects how agrarian cultures across Southeast Asia make use of bamboo—not just for houses and kitchenware, but also for children's play.
7. Main Gasing / Top Spinning (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Southern Thailand)
Gasing, or top spinning, is a game that takes skill—keeping the top spinning long and steady. In Malaysia and Brunei, Gasing Pangkah is even considered a national sport. In Indonesia, the game is also popular across various regions, each with their own unique top designs.
It’s usually played on flat ground and sometimes becomes a competitive showdown between villages. The humming sound of the spinning top? Iconic!
Regionalism Insight:
Gasing is more than just a toy—it’s a cultural identity marker of the Malay communities spread across Southeast Asia’s coastal areas.
8. Chatek / Capteh / Sipa (Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines)
If you’ve ever played with a colorful feathered shuttlecock you kick with your foot, that’s Capteh! It’s a legendary game in Singapore and Malaysia. In the Philippines, it’s called Sipa, and in Myanmar, Chinlone—which is even considered a performance art.
Kids compete to keep the capteh airborne as long as possible—the more kicks, the better! It can be played solo or with friends.
Regionalism Insight:
The casual version is a simple toy, while the professional version turns into a sport. Though the names and rules vary, the essence stays the same—reflexes and footwork.
9. Petak Umpet / Hide and Seek (All SEA Countries)
One game that never goes out of style: hide and seek! Whether played in gardens, behind houses, or in narrow alleys, everyone remembers that heart-pounding feeling of hiding and hoping not to get caught.
Interestingly, while it's a global game, nearly every Southeast Asian country has its own name and twist—yet the essence remains the same: hide, seek, and have fun.
Regionalism Insight:
A universal game that holds social value—building trust, courage, and of course, joy.
10. Patintero / Bentengan / Tag Games (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia)
Patintero from the Philippines is strikingly similar to Bentengan or Gobak Sodor in Indonesia. Kids draw lines on the ground and try to pass through guards to win. It requires speed, tactics, and teamwork!
Often played at dusk, right after school. There’s yelling, running, getting breathless—and feeling absolutely thrilled.
Regionalism Insight:
This game reflects the importance of teamwork and strategy, two key elements in the collective cultures of Southeast Asian societies.
Source:
- https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Promoting-and-Safeguarding-Traditional-Sports-and-Games-in-ASEAN.pdf
- https://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/document-1653
- https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/-/media/nms2017/documents/school-programmes/new-visual-instructions-for-old-school-games.pdf
- https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/our-collections/ethnology/games-hobbies-recreation/
- https://steemit.com/life/@jeizwannahavfun/reliving-the-past-traditional-filipino-street-games
- https://asean.org/book/inventory-of-asean-traditional-games-and-sports/
- https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/tugging-rituals-and-games-01080
- https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/article/a-look-back-at-southeast-asias-traditional-games/
- https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=a8546d9a-0c28-444a-9e06-961528345936
