Male dancers wear the traditional baju Melayu Teluk Belanga complete with samping and songkok, representing the elegance and identity of Malay heritage. Female dancers don baju kurung Teluk Belanga, accessorised with necklaces, dokoh (ornamental brooches), and a kain dagang draped in the traditional style. Costume colours are typically coordinated to create visual harmony, while the songkok and samping worn by male dancers symbolise the beauty of Johor’s customs and traditions.

The musical accompaniment for Zapin Tenglu features:

Gambus: The primary instrument providing melody.

Marwas: Small drums that deliver dynamic rhythm.

The performance of Zapin Tenglu involves meticulous preparation, including:

Dancers and Musicians’ Rehearsals: Intensive training sessions are conducted to synchronise dance movements with the music’s rhythm.

Costume and Accessory Preparation: Ensuring that all attire and accessories align with the theme of the performance.

Performance Execution: The dancers begin their movements to the rhythm of Faridzal-Ham, showcasing precise coordination and style. The performance highlights the energetic and dynamic beauty of traditional dance.

The late Hajah Hapsah binti Mohamad was a pivotal figure in the development of Zapin Tenglu. As the first woman to learn and perform Zapin Tenglu alongside men in Kampung Tenglu, she pioneered the involvement of women in this art form. As an adiguru (master teacher) of Zapin Tenglu, Hajah Hapsah actively promoted this art throughout Johor from 1992 until her passing in 2006. Her dedication ensured that Zapin Tenglu is recognised as one of Johor's significant cultural heritage dances.