Male dancers wear traditional baju Melayu complete with samping and either a songkok. Female dancers don baju kurung or kebaya, accessorised with necklaces and dokoh (ornamental brooches). Costume colours are coordinated to create visual harmony during performances, showcasing the beauty of traditional Malay art.

Zapin Pulau performances are accompanied by traditional musical instruments, including:

Gambus (lute): Provides the melody.

Marwas (small drum): Adds rhythmic complexity.

Rebana (frame drum): Complements the rhythm.

Violin: Enhances the melodic accompaniment.

Zapin Pulau involves basic dance steps arranged into specific patterns. Dancers typically perform in pairs, moving in synchrony with the music, emphasising coordination and harmony between dancers and musicians. Each movement carries symbolic meanings connected to daily life and moral values. Performances begin with an opening sequence, followed by variations of steps, and conclude with a closing movement known as wainab.

In Pulau Tioman, Adiguru Othman bin Mat Hussain, known as Pak Othman, is the custodian of Zapin Pulau and the founder of Kumpulan Zapin Warisan Pulau-Pulau Mersing. Born on 20 April 1945 in Kampung Mukut, Pulau Tioman, he learned zapin in 1952 at the age of seven from his uncles, the late Pak Ali Bakri and Pak Ali Awang, as well as the late Pak Harun from Pulau Aur. After moving to Mersing in 1981, Pak Othman taught zapin to numerous students, contributing to its growth in Mersing, where it became a highlight at celebrations, particularly weddings. Traditionally, Zapin Kampung Mukut was performed exclusively by men with bold and robust movements, reflecting the life of sailors and fishermen. Today, both men and women participate, with the latter adopting more delicate and graceful movements.

For Zapin Pulau Aur, Adiguru Ahmad bin Haji Abd Rahman, known as Pak Mat, hails from Pulau Aur, Mersing. He began practising Zapin Pulau Aur at the age of 12 under the guidance of his teacher, Pak Manaf from Pulau Jemaja in the Anambas Islands. Pak Mat introduced these dance steps to Mersing with the help of colleagues such as Encik Ajis Ahmad, Encik Md Din Sarip, and Encik Jabar Ismail, ensuring the survival of the dance within the local community.