About this Event
Bubuku (my bubu) refers to the traditional bubu fish traps crafted by the Orang Laut / Pulau in Singapore. These traps, woven by hand, reflect the distinct geographical and cultural influences on coastal communities in Southeast Asia. Since the displacement of the Orang Laut and Orang Pulau to mainland Singapore, the art of bubu weaving has begun to fade; today, only about 10 fishermen in Singapore actively practise this disappearing craft.
Crafts are a tangible part of the Orang Laut heritage, as a material representation of the community's lifestyle, practices and beliefs. This session explores the intimate connection that the Orang Laut / Pulau have with the sea, and efforts to preserve and sustain the community's cultural heritage, skills and traditions.
Cik Hamzah Mohamad, an expert bubu trap weaver and former islander from Pulau Sudong, will share more about his craft, weaving techniques and experiences of being at sea. We’ll also be joined by Faizal Sani, an avid traditional fisherman and descendant of Pulau Semakau. Firdaus Sani, also a Pulau Semakau descendant and founder of Orang Laut SG, will moderate the session.
With Cik Hamzah's guidance, you’ll get to try your hand at weaving part of a bubu trap, and enjoy a taste of traditional snacks homemade by a former Southern Islander.
Here's what we have planned:
- 6:30 PM - Guest Arrival & Registration
- 7:00 PM - Welcome Speech & Introduction by Firdaus Sani
- 7:15 PM - Sharing Session by Orang Laut / Pulau community members and Q&A
- 8:30 PM - Interactive Bubu Trap Making
- 9:00 PM - Food & Chat Session
- 10:00 PM - End of Event
The event will be at Tanah dan Air (Land and Water), our heritage garden celebrating the Orang Laut / Pulau community's land and sea cultural practices.
Join us to learn about bubuku, a piece of heritage and living tradition for coastal communities.
Meet the community:
Cik Hamzah Mohamad is a former Pulau Sudong islander and a bubu trap expert. He weaves his own bubu traps and goes out to sea to fish every weekend. Mr Hamzah is dedicated to preserving the art of bubu trap making and strives to keep the craft alive.
Faizal Sani is an avid traditional fisherman and a proud descendant of Pulau Semakau. He will be sharing his fishing experiences and stories, offering insight into the skills required to navigate the sea and catch fish.
This event is a collaboration between the students of Singapore University of Social Sciences and Orang Laut SG.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
City Sprouts (West Coast), 40 West Coast Ferry Road, Clementi, Singapore
SGD 22.05
