• Today: September 15, 2026

Belait Tilu Tilan competition celebrates Brunei’s traditional heritage

More than 100 participants of all ages from across Belait District took part in a traditional Tilu Tilan competition recently at the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Kampong Pandan Library in conjunction with the 80th birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The competition was organised by the Village Consultative Councils (MPKs) of RPN Kampong Lumut Areas 1, 2 and 3 in collaboration with MPK Pandan A and the DBP Kampong Pandan Library, with the aim of preserving and promoting the traditional game among the younger generation.

Kampong RPN Lumut Area 3 Village Head Mohamad Rosli bin Haji Jais, who served as one of the joint organising chairpersons, said Tilu Tilan is a traditional game originating from the Dusun community.

He said the game was historically played using kembayauan seeds and featured distinctive terms such as TiluTilanGulimbang and Bangkong, which were traditionally recited or sung during play.

Acting Director of the Language and Literature Bureau Suib bin Haji Abd Wahab views a demo of the game. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM

Mohamad Rosli said the competition was revived to ensure the game is not forgotten and continues to be preserved and passed down to future generations.

The event was attended by Acting Director of the Language and Literature Bureau Suib bin Haji Abd Wahab as the guest of honour.

Also present were Penghulu of Mukim Sungai Liang Haji Mohammad Yamin bin Abdul Ranni and his wife.

The competition featured three categories – children, youth and adults – providing participants from different age groups with the opportunity to learn and compete in the traditional game.

The initiative also encouraged greater appreciation of Brunei’s traditional games and cultural heritage, particularly among children and youths.

Ahead of the competition, a Tilu Tilan workshop was held at the library to familiarise participants with the game’s history and rules.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/Daniel Lim

Venues

BSB

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Leave a Comment

Total visitors: 3,720,794 | Today's visitors: 20,408
Updated: 20:31:03