The Malay gamelan which exists today in Malaysia is basically from the courts of Pahang and Terengganu. Although originated from the land of Java, Indonesia, the Malay gamelan has developed a distinct identity compared to the Javanese, Balinese and Sundanese gamelan from Indonesia.
The Malay gamelan is usually played at royal occasions during the reign of Sultan Ahmad of Pahang (1882-1914) and Sultan Sulaiman of Terengganu (1920-1942). A set of Malay gamelan consists 7 basic instruments, which are:
1. 2 Saron (metallophones); namely Saron Kecil and Saron Besar
2. Gambang (a wooden xylophone)
3. Keromong, also known as Bonang (a set of 10 small kettle gongs)
4. Kenong (a set of 3 or 5 large kettle gongs)
5. A pairs of hanging Gongs
6. Gendang (a barrel drum)
This best royal kept secret was first brought to Kuala Lumpur on 1969 in a public performance. Since then, it has become a part of the Malaysian arts and cultural heritage.