Layang-layang and wau are Malaysian words for kite, in another Southeast Asia kite hotbed. With a history that may be 2000 years old, kites in Malaysia are subjects in popular folklore and were a part of Royal sporting life 500 years ago.

Of the many regional, traditional styles, perhaps the most popular today are the Wau Bulan (human shape), Wau Kucing (cat kite, and logo for Malaysian Airlines), Wau JalaBudi (woman), and Wau Merak (peacock). These kites are made with bamboo frames and are lavishly decorated with cut-paper and foil. Decorative motifs celebrate trees, twigs, leaves and blooming flowers as well as other aspects of nature such as birds, ducks, butterflies, and insects.