East Coast Arts & Cultural Centre at SeniKome Peng Heng, Resorts World Genting

Since young, I love traditional arts and culture of different places. That is one of the reasons I love to travel because I like to explore. If you have the same interest as me, you would probably like to visit SeniKome Peng Heng situated at Level 3 of First World Plaza. This is the place to see and learn more about the arts and culture of the East Coast states of Peninsular Malaysia namely Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

SeniKome which directly translates to "Our Art" in the Pahang local dialect is dedicated to promote the beauty of the East Coast Malaysia's local craft, fashion, games, paintings, music and food. Peng Heng is the name stated in historical documents of the Ming Dynasty in the 1520's. From authentic artifacts and paintings to an 'Orang Asli' exhibition, SeniKome tastefully depicts the distinctive charm of Peng Heng, a traditional reference to the East Coast region.

There are visual and performing arts programs such as 'wayang kulit', batik, wau and video projection demonstrations here. There are also many traditional games where visitors can play like 'congkak', 'batu seremban', hopscotch, and other games. When I was there, it really brought back memories of me playing some of those games when I was a kid. 

From July to September 2017, there will be various highlights of traditional art forms. One of the highlights is the Joget Gamelan, a classical dance that originated in the courts of Riau and Lingga in the 17th century. It became popular in Pahang and Terengganu and there are 33 Gamelan dances that are still being practised until today. 

In the coming months, there will be silk screen painting which is believed to have taken root 1,000 years ago in China. It is considered the most versatile of all printing processes. For the next 2 months, there will be different art forms showcased every weekend. On 29 and 30 July 2017, 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 on 26 and 27 August, while a watercolor 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 and 24 September.

There is also a reading corner at the centre. Guided tours are held 3 times daily.

If you are hungry when you are here, you can enjoy traditional dishes like the Nasi Kerabu, Keropok Lekor, Mee Siam and refreshing drinks such as pandan leaves, mint leaves, lemongrass, honey and asam boi.

Visitors can buy souvenirs and gifts such as pewter ware items or fine textiles. 

Admission tickets to SeniKome are priced at RM 8 for adults (RM 7 for GRC members) and RM 6 for children (RM 5 for GRC members). There's also the family package priced at RM 25 that allows entrance for 2 adults and 2 children. For more information, call +603 2718 1118 or visit www.rwgenting.com

To read my daughter's blog on this, click  HERE. Thanks.