Wau is one of the oldest traditional game in Malay culture, one of Malaysia's national symbols. This giant flying kites are often as big as a man, measuring about 3.5 meters from head to tail. It is the largest kite around and is capable of soaring to great heights. It is usually fitted with a stringed bow, which emits a soft, wailing sound when flown. Each kite is lavishly pasted with colourful designs and a work of art. Kites are flown throughout the year but especially after the full moon harvest.

It is normally decorated with floral motifs, patterns are based on local flora and fauna like birds, animals and flowers. It combines the best of skilled workmanship, dazzling colours and decoration. It exhibits the creativity of the Malays and their talented craftsmanship infashioning a unique art form.

The logo of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is based on this kite.

There are many types of Wau in Malaysia, each with its own speciality forms of art, such as :

Wau Kikik(Malay Kite)

Wau kikik is the most widely known. 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 Bulan (Moon Kite)

 Wau Kucing (Cat Kite)

 Wau Jalabudi (Woman Kite)

Wau Daun (Leaf kite)

These Wau are the most common one, and are considered as the National kites and are mad ecompulsory items in national kite competition. Wau Daun is made optional in the national competition.

There are other types of Wau that are owned-up and popularized by some states in Malaysia. They are:

Wau Seri Bulan (Seri bulan kite)

Wau Kapal (Ship kite)

Wau  Seri Negeri (Seri Negeri  kite)

Wau Merak (Peacock kite)

Wau Dodo Helang (Dodo helang kite)

Wau Puyuh (Quail kite)

Wau Kangkang (Stride kite)

Wau Kenyalang (Hornbill kite)